EME Happy Hostess Series | Tips For Hosting a Festive Thanksgiving

Can you believe it is already time to start planning your holiday calendar?! For many of our "Type A" friends, that calendar has probably been planned for quite some time, but for those of us who still have some Ts to cross and Is to dot, we have some hostess tips that will have you singing a thankful song!

Photo by Nancy Ray Photography

We love the idea of hosting friends and family for the Holidays. I grew up spending those specials days at my grandmother's house, which many of us Southerns did. I remember the smells of fresh made biscuits and honey ham baking in the old white ovens that I am am fairly certain they don't make anymore. Now, it is up to us to be the hosts and hostesses, some times for family and sometimes for friends, also more recently dubbed as "Friendsgiving".

While planning a lovely Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming, we encourage you to keep it simple and add just a few elements that make a big impact on your guests. We are kicking off the week before Thanksgiving with our first tip for making your guests smile from ear to ear at your next holiday gathering.

Tip 1: Welcome guests into your home with a fresh signature cocktail!

What a fun way to celebrate the arrival of your loved ones than to offer a lovely signature drink! We suggest choosing something with a classic and festive flare that will appeal to all of your guests. Little ones attending? consider choosing a drink that can be done with sparkling grape juice or a splash of Sprite so they can feel included in the hospitality! We love selecting a recipe that uses fresh ingredients and a bright garnish for extra cheer. Here are a few fanciful concoctions that will do just the trick --

Sparkling Pear + Cranberry Cocktail

What You'll Need:

2 tablespoons dry cranberries
1/2 cup organic pear nectar
32 ounces Moscato d'Asti wine
8 small sprigs fresh rosemary

How to Make it:

Put cranberries in a small bowl; add 2 tablespoons warm water. Soak until cool, about 15 minutes. drain, pat dry, and refrigerate until serving.
Divide pear nectar evenly among eight tall champagne glasses. Add cranberries, and then gently pour the Moscato d'Asti into the glasses. Garnish each with a rosemary sprig.

Recipe Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living | Photo By Kirsten Strecker

Apple Cider Mimosa

What You'll Need:

Apple Cider
Champagne
gold and silver sprinkles for rim of glass
apple slices for garnish

How to Make it:

Dip the top of each champagne glass into water and then dip in the sprinkles to coat.
Pour each champagne glass ½-3/4 full with apple cider.
Top with champagne
Garnish with apple slice

Recipe courtesy of The Cookie Rookie | Photo courtesy of the Cookie Rookie

Pumpkin Pie Shooters

What You'll Need:

3 Tbsp pumpkin puree
¼ cup International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
½ tsp vanilla
2 oz whipped cream vodka
Marshmallow fluff
Graham cracker crumbs

How to Make it:

Dip the top of your shot glasses in marshmallow fluff until the rim is coated.
Dip the coated rim in graham cracker crumbs until marshmallow fluff is completely covered.
Add the pumpkin puree, creamer, vanilla and whipped cream vodka to your blender.
Blend until smooth.
Pour pumpkin pie shots into graham cracker rimmed shot glasses.

Recipe + Photo Courtesy of A Night Owl Blog

Want to add a little more flair to your welcome cocktails? We recommend a stylish new serving tray to display your libations. For a reasonable but eye catching find, run out to your nearest Homegoods, Pier One, or Target location -- you're sure to find the perfect addition to your hostessing kit.

Have a favorite holiday drink that your friends and family love? We would love to hear about it! Visit us on Instagram at @erinmcleanevents or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/erinmcleanevents. Look for Holiday Hosting Tip #2 coming soon!