Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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How to Be a Gracious Thanksgiving (and Every Holiday) Host

26 Nov 2024 By: Diane Gottsman

Thanksgiving Host Etiquette | table set for Thanksgiving with pumpkins, flowers, and lights

’Tis the season for festive gatherings, favorite traditions, and time spent with family and friends. If you’ll be hosting this Thanksgiving—or beyond—there are so many tips and tricks to make the process more enjoyable for everyone involved. Part of your role as a host is to keep your spirits bright. The right mindset puts guests at ease and covers any minor mishap. We’re answering a few questions about Thanksgiving host etiquette in today’s blog.

Dress Early and Have a Plan

Have your last candle lit before your first guest arrives. Plan early so you are dressed and ready to go when the doorbell rings.

Greet Your Guests

Greet each guest at the door and welcome them into your home. Direct them to where they should put their handbags, umbrellas and rain boots.

Have a Safe Place for Your Pet(s)

Make sure your pet is in a comfortable, safe room where they are happy and content rather than stressed and feeling “locked up.” It’s stressful to hear a sad little barking pup in another room.

Offer a Holiday Cocktail or Beverage

Have cocktails ready to serve as each guest arrives. Offer a variety of alternatives to alcohol so everyone can choose their drink of choice.

Be Mindful of Timing

Don’t let the cocktail hour go on too long and override the meal. Time the meal so guests are hungry but not famished, or too full because they have filled up on the cheese and crackers. The standard time is 45 minutes to an hour for cocktails and then on to the table for the meal. The window is flexible.

Accommodate Sports Fans

Be understanding of those who want to watch the football game. Designate a room for your guests to enjoy the game, and plan the meal accordingly. Have plenty of post meal snacks for them to enjoy.

Don’t Forget Dessert

Offer dessert and post-game coffee in a different, comfortable space. Those who want to stay at the table can talk, play games, or enjoy another round of turkey and dressing.

One final and sometimes overlooked tip: Check the bathrooms frequently to make sure there is plenty of toilet paper, clean hand towels, and hand soap.

We’re also including our Thanksgiving Place Setting Guide below. Have a warm and wonderful gathering!

Thanksgiving Place Setting Guide

You may also like Friendsgiving: Six Ways To Give Thanks and Give Back.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.