2025-12-11

7 Little Things That Will Take Your Holiday Gathering From Good to Great

Food

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Photo by: Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images

Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the food — from the turkey to the seemingly endless side dishes — is definitely the headliner. But ask anyone about their most memorable holiday gathering, and chances are it’s not just the food they’ll mention. It’s the company, the small surprises and thoughtful details that make everyone feel extra special, so we asked party planners, chefs and entertaining experts to share their favorite little finishing touches that can transform your holiday meal from simply delicious to truly unforgettable.

Offer a sneak peek of the menu.

Everyone loves a teaser, especially when it’s about food, and letting guests in on what’s cooking sets the stage for a buzzworthy meal, says Dan Pelosi, author ofLet’s Party: Recipes and Menus for Celebrating Everyday. “I always find that giving your guests insight into what is on the menu before they arrive is a nice touch that leads to a memorable evening. Feel free to include it in the invite or follow up with it a few days before. I think it sets the mood, expectations and even gets people more excited to gather at your house!”

Jenn de la Vega, chef and owner of Family Party Catering, goes one step further to not only make sure everyone’s happy with the main course, but also to make turkey prep easier on the host. “I ask my guests what part of the turkey they want since I tend to buy turkey parts I need rather than roasting a whole bird.”

Get personal with the place settings.

Place cards are standard when hosting a sit-down dinner, but why not add a little heart to the table? A simple handwritten note or nostalgic photo can turn a spot at the table into something deeply personal and meaningful. “Consider adding notes to each place setting in lieu of a place card with a sweet message to each guest,” recommends Dani Blasena, owner and creative director of HauteFêtes Fine Weddings & Events. “What better time than a Thanksgiving soirée to remind friends and family that you’re happy to host and be spending the holidays with them.”

If there’s no time to write individual messages, Maman co-founder Elisa Marshall has another thoughtful recommendation. “When entertaining with close family, I love printing out old childhood photos and placing them in small picture frames at each guest’s place setting. This doubles as a sweet gift and a great way to re-live some of our favorite holiday memories.”

Plan an ice breaker in advance.

The first few minutes of any gathering set the tone. Instead of relying on small talk, AJ Williams, founder and events designer of AJ Events, has a playful suggestion that’ll help guests get comfortable. “Ask your guests to write or send in advance a ‘Naughty or Nice: When I was a teenager, I ______.’ Place the assorted cards under a place setting at the dinner table, or simply hand out the cards for each person to read, and encourage guests to guess who was naughty or nice.”

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Photo by: Zoryana Ivchenko/Getty Images

Zoryana Ivchenko/Getty Images

Use the appetizer as a conversation starter.

If there’s ever a time to take your meal to the next level, it’s during the holiday season. Alexis deBoschnek, author ofNights and Weekends: Recipes That Make the Most of Your Timelikes to kick dinner off with something so charming that people can’t help but talk about it between spoonfuls. “This is admittedly a little extra, but every year for Thanksgiving, we carve out miniature pumpkins and serve soup in them as an appetizer to get the meal started. It’s not only totally delightful, but everyone has a conversation piece from the get-go.”

Finish your spread with fun condiments.

Sure, the holiday roast and stuffing usually grab the spotlight, but sometimes it’s the smaller supporting actors — like butter or sauces — that steal the show. “Every year, I make an unforgettable compound butter to go with dinner rolls or crusty bread,” says de le Vega. “In the past, I’ve done ramp ranch, cranberry orange, ‘nduja, gorgonzola, calabrian chili, foie gras, garam masala, nori and honey ham. My friends always look forward to the butter at the next gathering. If you don't have time to make compound butter, upgrade by checking out a specialty cheese shop and inquiring about cultured butters. My favorite is Rodolphe Le Meunier Beurre de Baratte.”

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Photo by: Ilia Nesolenyi/Getty Images

Ilia Nesolenyi/Getty Images

Keep the fun going beyond the dinner table.

Whether it’s before dinner, between courses or long after the pie is served, having a few activities that guests can drop into keeps everyone engaged, especially if they’re not big on football. “Holiday gatherings are often full-day affairs, so it’s especially nice to have a game table (or two!) set up for people to gather around,” share Brie Larson and Courtney McBroom, authors ofParty People: A Cookbook for Creative Celebrations. “Games can run the gamut from cards to board games to puzzles or even an activity you make up. Ultimately, these will help bring your loved ones together in new ways that go beyond talking politics or watchingIt’s a Wonderful Lifefor the 10 billionth time.”

Marshall seconds this, especially if your party will include younger guests. “I like to print out activity mats that double as placements for all the kids to color on while the parents are still dining. When we’re all ready for something sweet, I love to get the kids involved in the kitchen with a kid-friendly dessert recipe, or a cookie decorating station, so they can let their creativity shine and have a personalized sweet treat.”

Set up a leftovers station.

If there’s one universal truth about Thanksgiving, it’s this: Leftovers are inevitable — and often the best part. Sending guests home with a goody bag makes the feast last just a little longer. “My family always makes so much food on Thanksgiving, and we love making sure every guest leaves with leftovers,” says Maxine Sharf, author ofMaxi’s Kitchen: Easy Go-To Recipes to Make Again and Again. “We’ll set up a little leftover station with to-go containers, labels and markers so people can pack their own boxes, almost like a buffet round two.”

And if you really want to end on a sweet note, think beyond leftovers and surprise guests with an extra take-home treat. “As people are leaving, have a goody bag as they exit, such as a wrapped mini cookies, spiced nuts or caramel bark. This doesn't need to be something perishable, either — you can wrap mini olive oils or spices, just something to send them off!” says Lindsey Baruch, author ofSomething Delicious: 100 Recipes for Everyday Cooking.