Every Thanksgiving has the same gap. Guests arrive at three, and the turkey is "almost ready" until five. That stretch can be chaos, or it can be the best part of the day. Set up a little cocktail hour away from the kitchen and give everyone a place to land that is not directly behind the cook.
Pick a spot that is not the kitchen
A sideboard, a console or a corner of the family room works. Corral the glasses, a bottle opener and a few lemons on the Mahjong Tiles & Tinis acrylic bar tray so the whole setup looks deliberate, even if you pulled it together ten minutes before the doorbell rang.
Napkins with a point of view
Cocktail napkins are where you get to be a little funny. The Empty Nest cocktail napkins are perfect for the year the kids come home and immediately raid the fridge. Raising a glass instead? L'Chaim covers it. Keep a Heritage Trellis coaster set nearby to save the furniture from a sweating old fashioned.
Small bites, not a second dinner
Nobody needs to be full before the turkey. A wedge or two of cheese with our three-piece cheese set, a jar of Garlic Onion Jam and a sleeve of crackers is plenty. Stand the Staffordshire Dog Cocktail Picks next to the olives and count how many people ask where you found him.
Light something
A candle on the bar makes the room feel ready. The ELORO La Forêt candle smells like a walk through autumn leaves, a nice break from a house that smells like sage and butter.
Bring it as a hostess gift
Invited rather than hosting? Any piece of this setup makes a great hostess gift, and our gift wrap is complimentary. Stop by 1839 Second Street in Highland Park, or browse our hostess and entertaining gifts online.
