Between all the cooking, cleaning, and making sure your crazy aunt Mildred doesn't raid the family liquor cabinet, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a serious undertaking. So when it comes to your party décor, it's best to keep things simple and low-maintenance. With that in mind, we tapped lifestyle blogger Amanda Gluck of Fashionable Hostess for some easy decorating tips and party hosting advice to make your Turkey Day less anxiety-ridden than years past.
From a store-bought centerpiece to a simple five-ingredient cocktail recipe, here are her six pro tips.
"Your foyer is the first thing guests will see when they enter your home, so don't forget to decorate," says Gluck. For an easy display, assemble a cluster of pumpkins, guards, and baskets. "I recommend spray painting your pinecones in a shimmery silver or gold, or painting the pumpkin stems." All you need to do is place large pumpkins on a wooden crate, then stagger baskets full of pinecones and group smaller pumpkins toward the front.
"Faux garlands are the perfect substitute for a classic table runner and will transition perfectly from Thanksgiving into the December holidays," says Gluck. "Not only do they occupy a lot of space—they will save you tons of money on flowers."
Gluck suggests using Moscow Mule mugs, or anything copper, from pitchers to vases. "I love serving Moscow Mules with Tito's Vodka because it's gluten-free," she says. Click here for everything you need to fix up your own batch.
"I love when wreaths are placed in unique spaces around the house, not just on the front door," says Gluck. Try hanging them over a mirror, like above, for double the impact. "In our last home, we had a staircase by the entrance and so I just tied one from there and simply secured it with a rope," Gluck adds. "That way, guests saw it just as they came inside."
Whether you opt for large or mini sizes, white pumpkins are a welcome accent to any fall tablescape. "They always look elegant, especially alongside fresh herbs," says Gluck.
Fall-friendly drinks are a must. But instead of fixing up something warm, Gluck opts for this Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail served over ice. "The bourbon heats you up, even with just one sip," she says. Get the recipe here.