Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time in your new Ken Harvey home is a milestone you’ll remember for years. Gathering family and friends in a house built with thoughtful flow and personalized touches all but guarantees special moments. Each of Ken Harvey Homes’ floorplans are designed with features that will easily reduce the hosting stress that often rises during the holiday season.
How can you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday in your newly built home?
Start by taking a tour! Yes! As the calendar flips to November, take a tour of your custom-built home but, this time, with Thanksgiving specifically in mind. Wander through each spacious room testing lighting and noting the locations of heating or cooling vents. Imagine where tables, serving stations and chairs will fit while offering convenience and comfort to guests. This quick revisit of your homes’ layout will help you form the perfect plan (and seating options) for the big day!
Ken Harvey Homes offer ideal design plans for hosting.
Open concept living space is not new but the design team at Ken Harvey Homes has taken it to a luxurious level! Open concept isn’t just about clear sightlines; it’s amplified by raised ceilings with unique architectural features, oversized windows that allow light to pour in, and sweeping rooms that offer multiple entry points. These design details make every day the perfect day to host in a Ken Harvey Home.
Each of Ken Harvey Homes’ chef-inspired kitchens includes ample counterspace, including a large island perfect for staging side dishes or drinks. Appliances are spaced to allow movement without crowding during preparation, cooking, and serving. Walk-in pantries are a dream when stocking the basics–any items forgotten by guests will be just around the corner. If your guests are contributing to the Thanksgiving menu, consider dedicating a shelf in the pantry to store food carriers, coolers, or other items that might need to be stashed away temporarily.
Living rooms include high ceilings, stone-surround fireplaces, and plenty of space to create multiple conversation areas. Because Ken Harvey Homes’ main living areas are anchored to the kitchen, neither the cooks nor guests will feel like they are missing out on the mingling. Pick-up several fall-themed, vinyl table clothes to protect coffee and side tables. These can be cut to size and will be a lifesaver for the inevitable spills.
While the dining areas in each of the Ken Harvey Homes’ floorplans are perfect for a regular family dinner, holiday hosts will find their flexibility ideal for welcoming larger groups to the table. With space for additional chairs, a sideboard, or even a second table, serving and gathering guests is simple. Or, for those hosting out of the box, transforming a traditional dining space into a one-stop, spacious serving area is a great way to keep the traffic flow contained while convenient.
Indoor-outdoor access is seamless in each Ken Harvey home as sliding or French doors open to spacious patios just steps away from the main living areas. With additional seating outdoors, any guest overflow is easily managed. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, be sure to set up success outside with a basket of cozy blankets and a few yard games ready for action.
The main floor powder room is one of the most important rooms in the house for hosts as it reduces traffic upstairs or through that gorgeous, first-floor primary suite. Make sure guests know its location by adding a cute directional sign and take advantage of the generous storage space by stocking it with any toiletry item that guests could possibly need.
From additional bedrooms to office space to an airy loft, Ken Harvey Homes include a variety of spaces that can be perfectly repurposed when hosting a crowd. Use them creatively! Perhaps the loft would be the perfect spot for teens to lounge away from the adults or the ideal area for guests of all ages to play a favorite board game. Consider creating a “quiet space” in a bedroom or office for those that may need a break from the hustle and bustle. This noise-free zone will be much appreciated for anyone that needs a temporary time-out or a place for their toddlers to nap.
Thanksgiving staging is easy in a Ken Harvey Home.
One of the great advantages of Ken Harvey designs is the intentional flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
In the kitchen and pantry, designate zones for appetizers, drinks, desserts, and serving stations. Use the walk-in pantry as an extra cold storage space, if needed.
Use the kitchen’s large island as a launch pad by stacking platters, serving utensils, cutlery, and holiday napkins on it.
Keep traffic flowing between the living room, dining area, and kitchen by positioning guest seating so that they won’t have to cross behind the cook to grab needed items.
Setting up a drink station on the patio will help reduce condensation on counters or side tables. Add a few seats outside to encourage guests to enjoy the fresh air!
Use the ample cabinet storage and closets to tuck away trays, extra furniture, or cleanup bins until needed.
Hosting Thanksgiving in your Ken Harvey Home means tapping into stunning craftsmanship, personalized features, and endless flexibility. While your custom home is brand new, it transforms the traditions of Thanksgiving into an event that is uniquely yours. While it is common for any hosting experience to have a few hiccups, with a floorplan designed by the Ken Harvey Homes team, those will quickly be erased by the many fabulous memories.