Thinking about hosting friends or family for Thanksgiving? Worried about your space in your Camden apartment? Have no fear! I have some great tips for a fun and festive celebration.

Cooking Tips:

• Plan your menu ahead of time

  • Knowing what you cook will help you not overbuy ingredients. This will help keep your kitchen clean and organized.

• Create a timeline

  • Plan out how long each item will take, and what temperatures it needs to be cooked at.

• Use appliances creatively

  • Are there appliances you don’t normally use that you can get creative with? Think air fryer or crockpot!

• Don’t get a bigger turkey than you need.

  • The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per guest. Getting the right-sized turkey will help cut down on cook time!

Photo Courtesy of Camden NoMa in Washington, DC

Decorating Tips:

• Keep things cozy and true to who you are

  • Don’t feel like you need to overdo the decorations. Keeping things simple and cozy will make your apartment feel larger.

• If you want a centerpiece, make something low to keep eyesight and conversation going.

• Chalkboard paint pumpkins to write messages or your menu on.

• Make a show-stopping dessert that can be considered a decoration.

  • I always make a fancy cheesecake and put it as the centerpiece.

Space Saving Tips:

• Declutter your kitchen

  • Make the most of your space, you will need your counters!

• Ask guests to bring an item

  • If there is something you don’t enjoy cooking, or don’t like eating, but you know your guests love it, ask someone else to bring it!

• Get creative with seating

  • Have people bring a chair with them, and use your patio. Make it something fun!

Photo Courtesy of Camden Potomac Yard in Arlington, VA

Extra tips:

• Rent out a space at your Camden community

  • Are you having a large gathering? Check out what amenity spaces are available at your community! Camdenliving.com will have great photos for you to look at.

• Plan ahead and know the guest parking guidelines at your community

  • Have instructions pre-written. This will help minimize juggling communication, cooking, and hosting at the same time.

• Cook in disposable containers for easier storage and cleaning

  • I love to buy disposable cookware that comes with plastic lids. It makes leftovers so much easier. It also helps keep your dishes that need cleaning on the lower side, and easy disposal when you are done.

• Clean as you go

  • When I hosted in the past, I would let my dishes pile up and plan to clean them at the end of the meal. By the end, I was exhausted, and it was the last thing I wanted to do. I started designating someone to help me wash as I cooked. This made things so much easier.

Being prepared is what will help you the most when it comes to hosting. As you prepare, reach out to the team at your Camden community with any questions you may have. They are here to help you! Our offices will be closed on Thanksgiving, but our amazing Contact Center, made up of Camden employees, will be available to help you.