5 Ways to Host the Best Virtual Thanksgiving Dinner

Let’s cut to the chase--we all want to have a big party with all of our friends and family, but we’re staying home to keep people safe. The good news is that we’re on a mission to revamp the 2020 holiday season.

Are you looking to have a memorable and fun time? Well, then set your zoom background to the trip that got canceled last spring, or the one that you’ve been dreaming of, and let’s dive into these five tips on hosting the best virtual Thanksgiving!

Tip 1 - Get Creative

If you live in a home with young kids or crafty people, use this time to get creative. Take a trip to your local craft store and pick up some construction paper and markers. Take a stab at making some festive turkey hats to wear. Not a fan of turkeys? Now’s your time to show whatever your favorite headwear might be! Not only will you keep everyone entertained with a fun activity, but we can guarantee that you will have the best square on the screen. 

Tip 2 - Dress in Festive Attire

Don’t worry, you can keep your jeans in storage a bit longer. Since the other half of your party will only see your head and shoulders, you have the opportunity to wear the most comfortable Thanksgiving outfit of all time - a nice sweater and no pants. Looking for another approach? Set a theme, such as your family’s favorite show that you all binged-watched together, and have everyone dress as the characters. 

On the other hand, if you are genuinely looking to be the BEST dressed, you only have one option. Purchase a turkey onesie for everyone on your side of the computer. You can cut any awkward family silences or conversations by acting like a turkey and saying “Gobble Gobble” when things get heated. 

Tip 3 - Play a Game

Each family or household is a team and sets their own rules for the night. For example, anytime someone says “Zoom” or asks you, “So, what’s new?” you have to either take a sip of your beverage or compliment someone at your virtual table. But that’s not all! You have to try and guess what the team’s rules are, and when it’s all done, you can share them at the end of the night. Best of luck!

Tip 4 - Decorate the Table

2020 is the year to decorate the table however you want. Just because your meal might be a bit smaller than usual doesn’t mean that you can’t pull out all of the stops. Take a break from cooking and deep cleaning the little space that the camera will see, and then take a walk in the woods. Forage materials like fallen pine branches, pine cones, and even driftwood to make into a centerpiece. Have some fun with it, and know that you can always take a deep dive into the internet for inspiration! 

Tip 5 - Share Your Favorite Recipe

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the potluck. Everyone brings their favorite dish to the table, whether making something from scratch or getting a pint of ice cream. Designate who is cooking what this year, and have everyone eat the same meal by simply sharing the recipe for your dish (if you are willing to divulge your grandmother’s secrets). Here is one for our favorite gingered pear apple pie to kick it off. When it’s time to disclose the rules you made in the game at the end of the night, you can all vote for the best dish. The winner doesn’t have to help clean next year. 

We know things will be different this year, but we sure are thankful for all of you and the incredible connections we made. We wish you all the best and a very happy Thanksgiving.