HOW GAN I MAKE HOSTING EASIER ON MYSELF?

Just ask the queen of effortless entertaining, Ina Garten

- AMIEL STANEK

There's no such thing as an effortless Thanksgiving," Ina Garten states plainly. Words that may come as a shock to fans of the cookbook author her latest, Go-To Dinners, is out now-who over the last 20-plus years has come to embody a particular and beloved brand of easy, breezy, oh, this old thing? American entertaining. But she's quick to clarify that while the notion of "effortless entertaining" is a fantasy, hosting-be it a weeknight dinner for six or a Thanksgiving feast for two dozen-doesn't have to feel like a trial. "You just have to be strategic about it," she says. Which for her means a combination of canny decision-making, careful planning, and a good dose of humility. Whether this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving or your 30th, just relax: Ina's got you.

1 CPLAN YOUR MENU WISELY

For Garten, the biggest mistake a host can make is doing too much in order to impress. It’s not about showing off,” she says. Prioritizing simplicity is key to pulling off any size of dinner party, and even more so when it comes to Thanksgiving.

“I make a menu of things that I want to make and serve, and then I go through it really carefully and ask, Will my friends have more fun if I make this thing and drive myself crazy? The answer, of course, is no. Your friends will have more fun if you're happy and having a good time with them.” Garten likes to keep her menu tight Do you really need eight different vegetable dishes?”). And anything that requires me to make it at the last minute gets crossed off the list.” Remember: If you’re relaxed the day of, your guests will be too.

2 YES, YOU CAN PLEASE EVERYONE