Hosting Thanksgiving dinner means getting the turkey in the oven, making room for one more side dish, and welcoming guests while you’re still finishing the gravy. A little preparation before everyone arrives can help you avoid common accidents and spend more time around the table.
1. Help Guests Plan a Safe Ride Home
If you’re serving wine with dinner or cocktails before the meal, have nonalcoholic options available from the start. Encourage guests who plan to drink to arrange a sober ride ahead of time, especially if taxis or rideshares are limited in your area. If someone needs a ride after dinner, help them call a taxi or rideshare, find a sober driver, or offer them a place to stay.
2. Clear Walkways Before Guests Arrive
Take a quick walk from the driveway to your dining room and look for anything a guest might trip over. Clear wet leaves, snow, or ice from outdoor steps and walkways, and turn on the porch light before it gets dark. Inside, secure loose rugs and set aside a spot for coats, bags, and shoes so they don’t pile up near the door. If you’re bringing out extra chairs or a folding table, leave enough room for guests to move around comfortably.
3. Keep an Eye on the Kitchen
When the turkey is roasting and several side dishes are going at once, it’s easy to get pulled away from the stove. Set timers for dishes in the oven, check them regularly, and stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Keep dish towels and food packaging away from burners, and give kids and pets space away from the stove and hot pans.
If a small grease fire starts in a pan and you can act safely, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never pour water on a grease fire. If a fire starts in the oven, turn it off and keep the door closed. If the fire spreads or you’re unsure you can handle it safely, get everyone outside and call 911.
Have questions about how your homeowners insurance may respond to a kitchen fire or an injury at your home? Reach out to our agency. We can help you review your policy and understand how your coverage applies when you host guests.
