Think you can’t help out with Thanksgiving just because you’re not the cook of the family? Think again. Sure, the holiday is all about food, but there are still all kinds of things you can do to pitch in, and no, sitting on the couch and watching the parade does NOT count as helping.
These are just some of the ways you can contribute to Thanksgiving dinner and help the host, no cooking required.
- Clean the house - Give the host one less thing to add to their to-do list by tidying up the house for them. And don’t forget to get the kids and teens to lend a hand with this chore.
- Decorate - Hang a festive wreath on the door, set up the table display with fall leaves and gourds and light some candles to add to the ambiance.
- Do the shopping - You don’t have to be a skilled chef to do the grocery shopping for the Turkey Day feast. Have the cook give you a very detailed shopping list and get everything needed for the meal so they don’t have to.
- Set the table - Whether it’s a casual look or something more formal, setting the table is another way to be a big help.
- Entertain the kids - Come up with some games and crafts to keep the kiddos entertained and out of the kitchen.
- Do drink duty - Make sure there’s something for everyone, like a holiday cocktail, beer, wine and sparkling cider, soda or juice for the kids.
- Take photos - Capture the food, the family and snap some candid shots of all the holiday action.
- Play taxi - If guests are coming in from out of town, save your host a trip to the airport and volunteer to pick them up.
- Help with food prep - If you can use a knife and a potato peeler, you’ve got the skills needed for this task.
- Do the dishes - After cooking the turkey dinner, the last thing the cook wants to do is clean up. And that’s where you can step in to do dishes, pack up leftovers and clear the table.
Source: Cafe Mom