Simple, Sustainable Ways to Prep Your Home for Thanksgiving Guests
You guys! Thanksgiving is imminent! While I don’t host turkey day, many of you are bracing for a home full of family, friends, and the all the chaos that comes with everyone’s favorite holiday (just me?). If you’re hosting this year, you’ve got plenty to think about: food, family, (football?,) and, of course, your space! I recommend taking some time these next couple weeks to prep your home for Thanksgiving. It can be simple, sustainable, and even a little fun! Let’s focus on prepping two key areas: the dining room and entryway.
1. The Entryway: First Impressions that Feel Like a Hug
Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they arrive. It has the potential to set a cozy, welcoming start to the festivities. Here’s how to make it shine without unnecessary fuss or waste.
Declutter First, Then Add Warmth
If your entryway feels like a catch-all for shoes, jackets, and mail, don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! Take a few minutes to sort out any non-essentials. Store away off-season jackets, unused shoes, and any stray items that aren’t adding to the vibe.
Once you’ve made space, add a welcoming touch, like a small rug or mat with earthy tones that say “come on in.” If you have a console table or shelf, keep it simple with a single decorative piece—a pumpkin, a fall wreath, or even a small bouquet of dried flowers. Skip the plastic or overly themed decorations and opt for nature-inspired accents that create warmth without adding clutter.
Set Up a Sustainable Shoe & Coat Station
Next, consider shoe and coat storage-a dedicated space (basket, mat, or extra closet) where guests can leave their belongings comfortably. This simple addition keeps your entryway tidy and gives guests (and you!) one less thing to think about.
If you have a coat rack or hooks, give it a quick wipe-down to make sure it’s ready for jackets and scarves. Feel like going a little over the top? Provide a basket with a few pairs of cozy, clean slippers or socks for guests to use indoors.
2. Dining Room: A Cozy Spot to Gather, Feast, and Connect
When you prep your home for Thanksgiving, the focal point is always the dining room. It’s the heart of the holiday- where everyone gathers- and a few thoughtful tweaks can help keep it calm, organized, and eco-friendly without taking away from the festivities.
Clear the Clutter & Maximize Seating
Thanksgiving dinners come with extra dishes, glasses, and serving trays, so it’s essential to clear off any items that don’t need to be there. Tidy up any “homework zones” or “drop zones” on the table. Store non-essential decorations or knick-knacks to make way for the main event.
If your table is a bit tight on space, consider alternatives like benches or adding a few folding chairs. Benches can often accommodate more people and create a cozy, communal vibe.
Table Settings with Less Waste
Instead of disposable items, bring out the real plates, cloth napkins, and silverware. Not only do they elevate the feel of the table, but they’re also friendlier to the planet. If you’re low on any of these essentials, consider borrowing from friends and family or check your local thrift store for one-of-a-kind gems.
For napkin rings, consider tying cloth napkins with a simple piece of twine, perhaps with a sprig of rosemary or dried leaves tucked in. It’s easy, elegant, and doesn’t create waste like single-use napkin rings might. If you’re looking for zero-waste decorations for your table, consider making these zero waste lanterns (I also LOVE these mobiles for wall decorations!).
Set Up a Simple “Serve Yourself” Drink Station
Instead of crowding the table with extra pitchers or glassware, consider setting up a small “serve yourself” station nearby. You could have a pitcher of water, some glasses, and perhaps a bottle of wine or cider. This station can be set up on a sideboard, kitchen counter, or even a folding table. A simple setup keeps the dining table clear, and it gives guests the freedom to refill their drinks without interrupting conversations.
Bonus: You’re saving water by not washing loads of individual bottles, and it feels more personal than disposable drinks.
3. Simple & Sustainable Clean-Up Tips
Thanksgiving clean-up can be overwhelming. It’s definitely the last thing you want to think about after you prep your home for Thanksgiving-cleaning, tidying, decorating, and cooking. A bit of consideration can go a long way toward making turkey day clean-up quick and eco-friendly. Here’s how to keep the post-feast chaos to a minimum:
Prep for Leftovers with Reusable Containers
Have some reusable containers ready to send leftovers home with guests. Instead of single-use plastic bags or foil, try beeswax wraps, glass containers, old jars, have guests bring their own containers, or find some from the thrift. Guests love taking leftovers, and it cuts down on food waste (not to mention that second slice of pie will taste even better the next day).
Use a Compost Bin for Food Scraps
With all the cooking and eating, Thanksgiving can produce a surprising amount of food waste. If you have a compost bin, set it up in the kitchen for guests to easily scrape in veggie scraps, eggshells, and other compostable items. If you’re composting-curious, there are countertop compost bins you can use to start collecting scraps, or look up compost drop-off sites around Columbus to start a new eco-friendly tradition.
4. A Thoughtful Farewell
As your guests leave, send them off with a warm goodbye and maybe even a little token of gratitude. This doesn’t have to be anything big or elaborate—instead of a traditional party favor, consider something simple and eco-friendly, like a small sachet of spices for holiday cooking or a sprig of dried lavender for their home. It’s a sweet way to make the gathering feel special and intentional, even as you keep things sustainable.
Wrapping It Up
This Thanksgiving, remember that getting your home ready doesn’t have to mean overhauling the whole space. You can focus on just the entryway and dining room and still have a welcoming, cozy setup that feels warm and connected to the season. Just like a thoughtfully planned feast, a sustainably prepped space can make everyone feel right at home.
