Meghan Markle's Thanksgiving Tips: How to Host a Holiday to Remember

Inside the Duchess of Sussex's Holiday Hosting Hacks

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are thinking about how to make our Thanksgiving celebrations special and stress-free. Who better to take cues from than the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who has shared her top tips for hosting a memorable holiday with family and friends?

Get Everyone Involved

Meghan emphasizes the importance of getting kids and guests involved in the holiday preparations. "Chop your veggies and herbs in advance to save time on the day, and also for those finishing touches," she suggests. "Your kids can join in too! They can proudly say they helped." This is a great way to teach kids about the value of contributing to the household and create lasting memories.

Elevate Your Menu

The Duchess shares a unique twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish: carrot pesto. "Top tip on the carrots — keep the tops and blend them with parmesan, olive oil and pine nuts for a refreshing take on pesto to elevate your holiday spread," she says. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, a green salad, and rich gravy for a truly delicious meal.

Set the Mood

Meghan recommends lighting lots of candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. "Light a few candles — choose scented ones to set the mood in the living areas and unscented for the kitchen (in those spaces, let the fragrance of the food shine)," she suggests. Welcome your guests with drinks and easy appetizers, like baked Brie with jam.

Be a Great Host

The key to hosting a successful holiday is anticipating your guests' needs, says Meghan. "Being a great host is all about anticipating your guests' needs — something I learned working in restaurants and now love bringing into my own home." Set out ice breakers, like puzzles or board games, to spark conversation and help guests connect.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Finally, Meghan emphasizes the importance of accepting support from your guests. "When guests offer to help, say yes! You don't get the gold star for doing everything," she says. Whether someone wants to bring a pie or provide the ice cream, letting your guests contribute lightens your load and creates a sense of shared celebration.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to hosting a Thanksgiving to remember. As Meghan says, "With a little thoughtful planning, you can make everyone feel comfortable and cared for."

Get more holiday inspiration from Meghan Markle on Netflix's With Love, Meghan:

• Watch seasons 1 and 2 of the lifestyle series now streaming on Netflix
• Don't miss the festive special With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, premiering on Dec. 3

For more holiday hosting tips and ideas, visit [People.com](https://people.com) and [As Ever](https://www.asever.com/).

Ready to start planning your holiday celebration? Share your favorite Thanksgiving traditions with us!!**

Image Credit: people.com