12 Essential Thanksgiving Dinner Hosting Tips

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"The most important thing a girl wears is her confidence."

Morning Mama! Monday's back, but don't fret, so is our sense of sarcastic survival. November’s nippy, but these tips are piping hot!

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• 12 steps to Thanksgiving Dinner glory

• Hotel hack: Kid's bedtime

• Delish Butternut Squash Fries!🍁🍟

• DIY Side Hustle: Body Scrub Bars

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Holiday Hoopla

12 Tips for Hosting a Big Thanksgiving Dinner

Hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner might sound daunting, but with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of planning, it's absolutely doable!

Dive into these 12 tips to serve up a memorable feast, even with a packed house.

1. Plan the Table Space Whether it's pushing together your craft show tables, grouping card tables, or diving into the classic kids vs. adults arrangement, getting everyone around a table (or two) is the starting point.

2. Embrace the Outdoors For those in warmer climates, a patio or backyard dinner can add a unique touch.

   Remember, space heaters can combat the chill, but always ensure your guests are looped in and dressed for it.

3. Get Crafty with Tablecloths Can't find a tablecloth that fits? Buy fabric by the yard, or layer multiple smaller ones for a bohemian feel.

4. Mix, Match, & Marvel Who said everything has to match?

   A blend of dishes and linens can give your table a cozy, eclectic feel. Just pick a main color and make it shine.

5. Centralize Your Style An eye-catching centerpiece, be it a cute owl vase or a vibrant tray, ties your table setup together.

6. Warmth in Ambiance Candles, especially unscented ones, can set the mood. Remember, it's about the vibe, not the temperature.

7. Celebrate with Nature Embrace the harvest season with natural décor like mini-pumpkins or clear vases filled with acorns.

8. Slow Cook to the Rescue Thanksgiving dishes often have varied cook times.

   Slow cookers can be your secret weapon, either for pre-cooking or for entirely Crock-Pot recipes.

9. Potluck Perfection Relinquish some control! Letting guests bring a dish can ease your load and make them feel more involved.

10. BYOC – A Chair Affair Differing chairs can be fun! If you're short, simply ask guests to bring their own, ensuring everyone has a seat.

11. Casual is Key Mixing things up and avoiding excessive formality can help everyone relax and genuinely enjoy the festivities.

12. Tradition with a Twist Inviting those without a place to go or starting unique traditions, like a handprint tablecloth, can add depth and meaning to your gathering.

So, ready to outdo Martha Stewart and make some unforgettable memories?

Let's gobble to that! 🦃🍂

Keep reading here.

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Cash-In on Couch-Time

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Start a newsletter and make a side income while sharing your passions and thoughts with the world.

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Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

Poll Results From 11/10

How often do you read to your child?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Daily (72%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ A few times a week (19%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Occasionally (7%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ They prefer to read on their own (2%)

Featured Response 😊 

That's such a cozy and wonderful routine, blending storytime with family time—it sounds like a beautiful way to connect with your kids each day! - Danielle

Mom Hack

Give Kids Their Own Spot to Sleep in a Hotel Room by Changing the Direction of a Bed’s Pillows

Mom Hack

Traveling with kiddos?

Change up the bed’s pillow direction to carve out a cozy corner for each one.

It's like a mini-adventure on a big bed. A little change can make bedtime exciting!

Mom’s Menu

Sweet or Savory Butternut Squash Fries!🍁🍟

Ever thought fries could be healthy and scrumptiously fun?

Let's shake things up a bit and introduce our kiddos (and ourselves) to Butternut Squash “Fries” – a delightful mix of sweet or savory flavors.

The best part? It's a perfect bonding kitchen activity with the little ones, and I've got both versions covered for you! 💁‍♀️

📝Ingredients

• 12 to 16 ounces peeled butternut squash (from about 1 large squash)

• 2 teaspoons oil (Avocado oil is my fave! 🥑)

• 1 teaspoon sweet or savory spice mix

👩‍🍳Instructions

1. Set the oven at 425 degrees and prep a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Shape that squash! Whether it's fry shapes or fun cookie cutter figures, lay them on the pan ensuring they aren't cuddling too close.

3. Toss them in oil and sprinkle that seasoning mix. Let's get roasting! Aim for soft, slightly browned fries - about 20 minutes.

4. Serve those warm, tasty treats with a complementary dip! (Sweet tooth? Go for the maple. Feeling zesty? The savory dip is your game.)

📌Note

• Sweet Seasoning Mix: Blend 1 tsp maple or coconut sugar, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon, and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

• Savory Seasoning Mix: Combine 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried dill, and a sprinkle of coarse salt.

• Dip Ideas: A maple-infused Greek yogurt for the sweet fries or a zesty ranch-seasoned Greek yogurt dip for the savory ones!

Finally, always remember, the beauty isn't just in the fries but in the memories you create while making them. 💕 

Happy cooking and even happier munching, moms! 🍂🍴👩‍👧‍👦

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Mom Side Hustle)

DIY Body Scrub Bar (Make & Sell)

Have you tried DIY body scrub bars?

For this craft, you'll melt and mix cocoa butter, almond oil, and almond wax, chill it, and add some lovely oats and essential oils.

These bars not only exfoliate but also hydrate and soften the skin.

The best part? No mess and easy to use!

Your skin will thank you and these could be a big seller on Etsy for all those looking for a pamper session.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

On-the-go mommies, when it’s time for that refreshing stroll or a fun day at the farmers market, this stoller organizer has been my best buddy.

This organizer straps right onto your stroller, holding all your essentials from water bottles to your phone.

It’s like having an extra pair of hands, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

Universal Stroller Organizer

Game

Parenting Pop Quiz

What age is typically recommended for a child’s first dental check-up?
(Answer below)

A) At birth

B) 6-12 months

C) 1-2 years

D) 2-3 years

E) When they can say “ahhh” on command

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

C) 1-2 years