It’s easy to be swayed into feeling the need to create a Pinterest perfect Thanksgiving, but why stress if you don’t have to? Yes, there are beautiful images all over the internet of picturesque tablescapes and to-die-for recipes, but at the end of the day, the simpler you can make the holiday, the more thankful you’ll be.

Whether you decide to host friends or extended family or keep your Thanksgiving feast limited to just your household, you don’t have to overdo it. One tip comes from what makes a holiday for me and that’s nostalgia. Maybe for you, nostalgia is in your decor, but for me the holidays are a time for cramming everyone under one roof, borrowing some extra chairs to seat everyone, and enjoying time with those you don’t normally get to see often. If extending the invitation outside your household, make it a potluck. Ask everyone to bring something: a dish, plasticwear, trash bags – anything can be helpful when expecting a crowd and it shouldn’t all fall on the host or the hostess. Thanksgiving was always special to me because it felt like although we would be expected to gather, it was also about helping out – so if you could be helpful by bringing something or staying after and helping clean up, do it!

Next, don’t overdo your menu. You can easily choose a main dish (turkey! duh), about three sides (we like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, mixed vegetable, rolls, and a dessert. This way, you have the basics covered, and if others are joining they can bring a dish of their own to add variety.

Although it’s hard, plan ahead so you spend a little of each day in the kitchen instead of all day the day of. Prepping desserts and sides in the days ahead can save a lot of hassle and time. This way, you’re able to enjoy your company and visit, not stressing out over the oven.

What are some Thanksgiving tips you use to help keep things simple?