It’s almost that time of year! 🍂

Before you know it, family and friends will gather to share laughs, recount stories, and of course, indulge in the deliciousness that is Thanksgiving. Can you smell those festive flavors floating through your kitchen yet? If you’re like us, you can’t wait to throw a holiday dinner party in your spacious and comfortable Cornerstone home. Our homes are perfectly designed with seamless entertaining in mind.  The open great room encourages easier socializing. If you have a few more details to attend to when your guests arrive, no guest will be left alone with our open floor plans! All Cornerstone Homes’ kitchens blend seamlessly into the great room and dining room, allowing conversations to flow. We believe the kitchen is more than a place to cook. Its real function is to bring the family together and create lasting memories.  

This Thanksgiving, whether you’re a “seasoned hoster,” or this is the first time you’re having the big meal at your new home, all you need is a little preparation and you’re on your way to your best (and tastiest) Thanksgiving yet!  

Plan It Out

  We all know that organization is key, so a concrete plan will help you visualize your evening and ensure that everything goes smoothly. Grab your computer or a notebook and make notes about the following:    1. How many people will you be serving? 2. Are there any dietary restrictions? 3. Which recipes can you make ahead? 4. Which recipes should be prepared the day of? 5. Which dishes will a family member or friend prepare? 6. What do you want the decor to look like?    Once you have a clear idea of what you want this year’s Thanksgiving to be like, you’ll rid yourself of stress and relish in the holiday fun. After all, Thanksgiving is about family, graciousness, and relaxing (and of course, gobbling up your favorite food...), so you should enjoy every minute of it!      

Go Shopping

  If you don’t already have the necessary cooking utensils (yes, a “turkey lifter” and “flavor injector” are real items), meal ingredients, or decor, you’re in luck — the areas in and around Richmond and Fredericksburg are filled with markets and shops that cater to every Thanksgiving need.    Make your list! From grocery chains like Kroger, The Fresh Market, and Aldi, to kitchen supply retailers like Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma, you’re sure to find an easy and efficient place to get everything you need. Pro tip: check out deals in supermarket flyers, coupons, online, etc. There’s nothing as satisfying as saving on your Thanksgiving goods!   

Prepare Your Home

 Back in the day, “preparing your yard” was a  big chore, but at Cornerstone Homes, you can cross this off your list!  When you live in a maintenance-free community, the days of fall leaf pick up and mulching and weeding is long gone.  With your exterior maintenance already covered by us, your yard and curb appeal are always guest-ready.    Now you have the time to devote to decorating and planning your meal!  So, hang your Thanksgiving wreath on the front door and start your inside decorating and cooking! When your guests walk into your home and see the Thanksgiving table set with care and creativity, you’re sending a message of gratitude, peace and welcome.     From seasonal table settings and a centerpiece on your dining room table, to flowers and hors d'oeuvres in the living room before the meal, there are so many ways to get creative. Your fireplace is the focus of your great room, so decorate the Mantel to make this popular gathering spot even cozier.   

Start the Party

  Set up the bar on your Courtyard or Patio!!   Of course, no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a holiday cocktail! Head to your courtyard and gather around the fire pit to start the festivities. Give your guests something to smile about as soon as they walk in with a delectable drink of your choosing. Whether you love warm, cider-based drinks, something fruity and fizzy to sip on, or classic wine with a kick, there’s a delicious drink recipe out there to start the fun.   We recommend trying this Cranberry Champagne Cocktail because it’s easy to make, it’s fun to drink, and it’s absolutely beautiful! All you need is cranberry juice, lime wedges, frozen cranberries, and Champagne or sparkling wine. Chill your Champagne flutes, add a squeeze of lime and cranberry juice, fill the glasses with your desired amount of alcohol, and finish off with 3-4 cranberries.Prepare these drinks ahead of time so everyone receives a “party favor” when they walk in!    Guests will love to gather in front of the fireplace in the Great Room or at the large kitchen island to enjoy hors d'oeuvres. Chat with all your party guests while you finish up some details!   

Be Thankful 

  From quality time spent with your loved ones, to new and exciting opportunities in your Cornerstone home and community, life is as bright as it’s ever been. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and enjoy sharing the warmth of your cozy home with your family, friends, and neighbors! Happy Thanksgiving From,