Need some tips on to survive hosting a Thanksgiving dinner celebration without feeling overwhelmed and still feel like you pulled off a really impressive meal? Read on.

I’m going to let you in on a secret–I am not Martha Stewart. Honestly, Martha Stewart isn’t even Martha Stewart. She’s a brand and a whole team of possibly thousands of people, all working together to make everything Martha does look effortless and impressive, including Martha’s coverage of Thanksgiving dinner. That’s not how most of our dinners go. So, if you find yourself hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, don’t freak out and think you have to be all “Martha”,  but instead feel confident with these tips for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving meal, and embracing the imperfections bound to happen.

7 Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner

1. Plan your menu way ahead of time. Don’t leave the decisions to the day or two before. That. Is. Not. Enough. Time. Do some research and choose recipes that you can cook or prep the day before. Also, make sure to ask your guests about food sensitivities and allergies and plan accordingly.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate. That includes asking guests to each bring a side dish. Do make sure to coordinate with your guests though, you don’t want to end up with 3 sweet potato dishes.
3. Don’t plan a sit down formal affair. Just don’t. Thanksgiving is a family affair and a more casual dining style is definitely appropriate and will make your life so much easier. Your guests with children will also thank you.
4. Depending on whether it’s appropriate for your family or not, it might be fun to serve a signature cocktail. Here are some ideas for retro cocktails.
5. Everything does not have to be made from scratch. Delicious local bakery desserts can be just as much of a hit (or more) as homemade versions.
6. This certainly seems like a no-brainer, but it is worth mentioning, do as much as you can ahead of time. You want to be able to spend time with your family, so set the table the day before, make the pies tonight and get the coffee pot ready right after your own morning cup.
7. After the meal is over, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help with the  cleanup. It’s a great way to spend time together and many hands make light work.

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The holidays are just around the corner. Now is the best time to stock up on a few party-ready, holiday outfits that will keep you looking classy all season long.

The holidays are filled with all sorts of family gatherings and nights out with friends. You already know you’re going to be pressed for time once the season gets into full swing. So, get a few pretty and shimmer-y smocks and shoes that will look dazzling during the season, and will also look beautiful come January. All the following items are previously loved and come from ThredUp.

1. The Thanksgiving Dinner

This silk dress from J. Crew is simple and beautiful. Also: It’s not fitted, so you can go ahead and have that second piece of pumpkin pie. Pair this simple dress with a classic pair of cream pumps to add a little spice to your step.

2. The Day-Time Office Party

You want to look flashy but not too flashy at this year’s holiday office party — it is during the day, after all. A little sparkle will get you far. Pair this golden silk skirt with an uber-shiny red sweater for comfort and cheer. Top it off with sparkly heels.

3. The Family Gathering

You really can’t go wrong with a classic green dress paired with pumps that pop. This look is perfect for opening presents with your fam in style. And it’s a holiday outfit no one will soon forget.

4. New Year’s Eve

This black little number is the perfect dress for ringing in the New Year. Paired with an equally dazzling pair of black pumps and a faux-leather jacket, you’ll turn heads before and after the clock strikes midnight.

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Image: Nana B. Agyei

The post 4 Holiday Outfits to Make You Look Merry and Bright All Season appeared first on EcoSalon.

Tips for ensuring your Thanksgiving dinner is as conscious as it can be. 

No matter who sits down at your Thanksgiving dinner table – the gluten intolerant, the semi-vegetarian, the raw foodist, the vegan, the grain-free, the passionate Paleo, the lactose avoider – you want to have some options. This is 2013 people, and if you think you can get away with turkey and green beans, think again.

1. If you’re serving a turkey, know where it comes from.

The list of problems related to the hundreds of millions of factory farmed turkeys raised for Thanksgiving is quite long. From sexual abuse to crippled feet and swollen joints, the factory farmed turkey industry is a nasty one. If you’re going to eat a bird, make sure you know where it comes from and how it was raised.

2. Make easy, versatile dishes

If you are stressed about accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions, pick a few dishes that will work for most people. Roasted vegetables, a bowl of marinated olives, fresh salad, a Spicy Pumpkin Hummus perhaps?

3. Think about your waste

Last year Americans wasted over $282 million of turkey; and that’s only the meat part of the meal. Take a look at who’s coming to dinner and how much food you really need to make, then get creative with your leftovers. There’s no need for food waste.

4. Offer a variety of drinks

You may have thought about the gluten-free pie and the vegan Thanksgiving side dish, but did you consider whether or not you have any guests that have knocked alcohol off their list of consumables?

5. Go for nut-based crusts

This will make the gluten-free and Paleo crowd happy. Try a walnut crust for starters. Other good nuts to make crusts with are pecans and hazelnuts.

6. Serve a substantial, plant-based main

Just because you’re not serving turkey, doesn’t mean you need to put Tofurky on the table. Come up with a delicious plant-based main instead, like stuffed squash or a hearty vegetarian casserole. The New York Times has an excellent database of vegetarian recipes for the holiday.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask

Have some dietary restrictions that you’re nervous about catering to? Ask your guests to bring their favorite dish. This makes the meal more communal anyway, and you’ll learn about a new recipe in the process.

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Image: The Sporkful

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