Two years ago this fall, my husband and I bought our “possible forever home” because we dreamed of having enough space for everyone to gather again. Twelve adults… two toddlers… a baby… one bun in the oven (not me this time!) and somehow, we’ve become the ones who make the get-togethers happen. Not because others won’t — everyone is just so busy — but because it matters to us. We both grew up with families that gathered often, and those memories shaped our childhoods. We want that same feeling for our kids: cousins running around together, adults talking over food, a full house and a full heart.
This year is our first “official” Thanksgiving in this home — two turkeys, a house buzzing with cousins, and a whole lot of the beautiful chaos that makes family feel like family.
Why Hosting Matters
We want cousins who grow up together.
We want a full table, full bellies, and full hearts.
Hosting is how we keep our family connected, especially as everyone gets older and busier.
How We Divide the Menu (AKA Controlled Chaos)
Hosting doesn’t mean cooking the entire meal. Delegating is survival — and in our family, it comes with a lot of personality.
My Husband — The Carver & Sourdough King
He carves the turkey like it’s a sport, so I’ve learned the ultimate hosting hack:
cover the entire carving area with a disposable tablecloth.
When he’s done? Roll it up and toss it. Zero cleanup. Total bliss.
He’s also baking his homemade sourdough, which disappears before dinner even starts.
My Aunt — Mashed Potatoes & The Sausage Dip
Her mashed potatoes are non-negotiable.
Her sausage dip is legendary. Wanna give it a go? 3 Ingredient Sausage Dip
Thanksgiving doesn’t officially begin until she walks in with it.
My Brother & Sister-in-Law — Corn, Dessert & Oysters
My sister-in-law is an incredible baker, so dessert is always safe.
My brother, however… holds our most infamous Thanksgiving story.
Years ago, my grandmother told him to “bring corn.” He panicked — frozen? canned? white? yellow? He picked wrong and was accused of ruining Thanksgiving. 😂
Now it’s tradition. He brings the corn every year, and we retell the saga every time.
And because we’re Marylanders, of course they’re bringing oysters. That’s the real regional must-have — Thanksgiving doesn’t feel like home without them.
My Dad — The Green Beans (+ His Seafood Personality)
Somehow my dad always gets off easy. His official assignment: green beans.
This year he volunteered coconut shrimp — perfectly on-brand, because he’s always been a seafood guy.
What We’re Handling
- Two turkeys (one dairy-free, one buttery perfection). We plan to adapt of our favorite chicken recipes with an herbed butter for one of our turkeys! Dutch Oven Whole Roasted Chicken
- My cranberry–leek stuffing that puts Stove Top to shame. Try it for your self! Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing
- Homemade sourdough
- A couple of sides
- All hosting logistics, timing, setup, and table styling
Between the side-dish delegations, the turkey schedule, and the kids running around, it’s a lot. But it’s the kind of “a lot” I love.
Hosting With Toddlers & a Baby
Toddlers and babies add a layer of excitement (and chaos), so we prep differently:
- Toddler table with crayons and suction plates
- Baby-safe zone near the kitchen
- Toy rotations throughout the day
- Snacks ready to avoid meltdowns
- A calming playlist
- Low expectations, high flexibility
It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s our season of life — and I love it.
Setting the Table: Simple, Cozy & Elevated
Keeping things intentional and elegant without going overboard:
- Ivory tablecloth with a soft neutral runner
- Candles and greenery
- Real plates for adults
- Silicone plates for kids
- Warm, cozy tones
- A dedicated kids’ corner
(Insert cheese board graphic here!)
If you’re planning your setup, here are the pieces that made our table come together:
👉 Shop my Holiday Hosting List: Holiday Party Hosting Essentials
Our Thanksgiving Day Game Plan
8:00 AM — Turkeys go in
10:00 AM — Table set + kids’ area ready
11:30 AM — Drinks chilled + sides prepped
1:00 PM — Guests arrive
2:00 PM — Toddler snack break + toy switch
3:00 PM — Carving + serving
4:30 PM — Dessert
Evening — Leftovers packed, kids in pajamas, house full and happy
Hosting Hacks You’ll Actually Use
- Two trash cans (trash + recycling)
- Self-serve beverage station
- Disposable carving station (life-changing)
- Labels for dishes (especially DF vs buttery turkey)
- Pre-measured spices the night before
- Pre-chopped veggies to cut morning chaos
- To-go containers ready for leftovers
Shop My Thanksgiving Hosting Essentials
Everything we rely on is saved here ↓
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Closing Thoughts
This being our first official Thanksgiving in our home, I’m choosing connection over convenience, presence over perfection, and family over everything else.
I hope this gives you a little inspiration for your own gathering — big, small, loud, or quiet.
And if you’re hosting? You’ve got this. It’s chaotic and beautiful… just like family.
Curated by JLS 
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