Newlywed Guide: How to Host Your First Thanksgiving

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Over on our sister site Minnesota Bride, we shared this guide for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving from Minneapolis wedding planner Rosetree Events. Then we got to thinking, this isn't just something our Minnesota brides are planning for this time of year. Newlyweds and nearlyweds across the country are looking to host a feast for family and friends that's just as thoughtful and beautiful as the big day itself, but significantly less costly. So, we decided to share the wealth. Hopefully our brides from the Midwest to the West Coast find it equally as inspiring.

From Rosetree Events:

Hosting your first Thanksgiving dinner as newlyweds can be a time of frustration. It should be a day that is remembered fondly, not one filled with pressure to make everything perfect. The phrase “easier said than done” pops to mind, but we have some of the hard work taken care of for you, so sit back and relax. Keep the cider flowing and the conversation full of laughter.

Take a look at our impromptu Thanksgiving dinner for six of your family and friends; mouthwatering foods and stunning décor, all done without breaking your bank.

Our mission: Spend less than $500 on food, décor, furniture (tables/chairs), place settings and floral arrangements. Total cost for dinner and presentation was $488.63.

Décor was both purchased and rented from World Market and Rudy’s Refined Rentals. As a newlywed, it is that time for purchasing some traditional pieces that you will keep for a lifetime. World Market has a unique variety of décor and by renting some pieces you can cut the cost of big ticket items. 

Floral Arrangements were created by Elishia Robson, owner of Lakeside Floral. Elishia filled the table runner with magnolia leaves to save on cost and create a very full look. By adding the low floral arrangements, she was able to add pops of color that accented our beautifully patterned napkins.

No matter how well your Thanksgiving dinner goes, just remember these words from one of my favorite holiday movies (White Christmas), “When I’m worried and I can't sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep and I’ll fall asleep counting my blessings.” 

XOXO,

Janea & Jenn | Owners

Rosetree Weddings & Events

Our Menu

Appetizers:

Assorted Cheese (Brie cheese, Rolled goat log, cranberry white cheddar cheese, cheddar cheese ball, Vermont cheddar), fruit  (honey crisp apples, red grapes, picked beats, yellow tomatoes, pomegranate) & cracker (bagel chips, wheat crackers, pretzel slims) platter

Drinks:

Apple Cider Sangria (honey crisp apples, pears, apple cider, pinot grigio, brandy, club soda)

Sparling Cider with fresh cranberries

Entrée & Sides:

6 Cornish Game Hens

Wild rice avocado salad

Asparagus garnished with dried cranberries and crushed pecans

Dessert:

Assorted Baklava

Ferrero Rocher chocolates

Chocolate dusted truffles

Jordan almonds

Name Card Holder:

Acorn Squash

Article originally published 11.14.14 on mnbride.com

Season:

autumn

Styles:

Classic

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