When it comes to that unmistakable feeling of “home”, arguably no holiday can compare to Thanksgiving. The distractions of gifts, creepy masks, and egg hunts are nowhere to be found. Instead, we have shorter days, longer (and chillier nights), a spread of delicious food, and, of course, the company of one another all under a single roof. So, if you’re taking on the admirable yet daunting task of hosting a Thanksgiving feast this year, you’ll want to leverage a few key home features that bring out the most in a seasonal get-together with the nearest and dearest. And, at least in Los Angeles, these are the ones that stand out.
The Heart of the Thanksgiving Feast (and Your Home)
Some people can make a pretty compelling argument that the kitchen is the most important room in a house. And that perspective gains even more weight around the holidays (hey, we know how that feels). If you’re dreaming of hosting Thanksgiving from your home in LA, then you likely already know that it’s all about the open-concept layout. And what kind of home features pair best with open kitchens? Generously-sized marble-topped islands, out-of-the-way breakfast bars – basically, anything that keeps guests out of the line of fire while the culinary creators work their artistry. Stand-out home appliances that make kitchens something special around the holidays include double ovens, walk-in pantries, and anything “professional grade.”
Feeling Grateful – Inside and Out
While we do get some much-needed refreshment from our trademark late summer and early autumn heatwaves in November, it’s usually not freezing in LA during Thanksgiving. Therefore, home features that blend the barrier between the interior and exterior can make hosting a holiday dinner a particularly memorable affair. Think sliding glass walls, covered patios (bonus for ivy-strewn pergolas), and even poolside outdoor kitchens with an inviting firepit nearby for when the evening falls. It’s worth investing in a heat lamp or two since those November nights can bring a bit of a chill. Cozy outdoor seating and a hearty meal create a time-tested winning recipe for a SoCal Thanksgiving.
The Dining Room: Where Festive Meets Formal
If you’re not into fresh air (or, at least, LA’s take on fresh air), you may have better luck investing in a formal dining room. For a while, these devoted dining areas were passé, but they’ve made a comeback in recent years, especially in Southern California. In most cases, you’ll want a space that can comfortably seat up to 12 guests, balancing utility with luxury. As with so many of these cozy home features, the success of your dining room boils down to the details. Consider statement lighting, built-in buffets, and proximity to the kitchen. Do it right and you’ll have a space where guests will linger long after the pumpkin pie plates are cleaned.
Offering Guests a “Home Away from Home”
Since an LA Thanksgiving frequently draws in loved ones from all over, you may need accommodations for overnight guests. If you’ve already taken advantage of the area’s ADU boom, then you likely already have this covered. But even if you don’t have an ADU, home features such as bonus rooms, converted offices, or even a comfy den can serve as the perfect place for friends and family to crash after a feast. Of course, nothing beats an en-suite guest room for feeling at home away from home.
Space is the Place
It may not be as glamorous as some of the other home features we’ve covered, but ample storage plays an indispensable role when it comes time to host a holiday dinner. Walk-in pantries, butler’s pantries, and an abundance of cabinetry all come particularly in handy when planning and executing a Thanksgiving feast. Judging by LA homes, we’re a city that adores marrying design to practicality. You can often find this in efficiently-orchestrated built-in storage that gets the job done while looking gorgeous.
Additional Home Features That Set the Seasonal Tone
Above all, you want to facilitate a welcoming, warm atmosphere when inviting guests to your home for a Thanksgiving dinner. And certain home features go a long way toward facilitating that comfortable vibe. Imagine the radiant glow of the crackling fireplace gleaming off elegant hardwood floors, natural light in the early afternoon streaming through picture windows, and a neutral color palette setting that earthy tone.
A New Tradition
Southern California may not be the traditional Thanksgiving setting depicted in popular media. But when you’re dining under a burnt ochre sunset, enjoying our enviable weather as your outdoor kitchen serves up culinary classics, you may start to think the standard is overrated. The right home features can transform your Thanksgiving (or any holiday, really) into a hearty celebration of gratitude and togetherness. And we’re certain that California living will be among those things for which you’re the most thankful!
With a brand that says as much as JohnHart’s, Senior Copywriter Seth Styles never finds himself at a loss for words. Responsible for maintaining the voice of the company, he spends each day drafting marketing materials, blogs, bios, and agent resources that speak from the company’s collective mind and Hart… errr, heart.
Having spent over a decade in creative roles across a variety of industries, Seth brings with him vast experience in SEO practices, digital marketing, and all manner of professional writing with particular strength in blogging, content creation, and brand building. Gratitude, passion, and sincerity remain core tenets of his unwavering work ethic. The landscape of the industry changes daily, paralleling JohnHart’s efforts to {re}define real estate, but Seth works to maintain the company’s consistent message while offering both agents and clients a new echelon of service.
When not preserving the JohnHart essence in stirring copy, Seth puts his efforts into writing and illustrating an ongoing series entitled The Death of Romance. In addition, he adores spending quality time with his girlfriend and Romeo (his long-haired chihuahua mix), watching ‘70s and ‘80s horror movies, and reading (with a particular penchant for Victorian horror novels and authors Yukio Mishima and Bret Easton Ellis). He also occasionally records music as the vocalist and songwriter for his glam rock band, Peppermint Pumpkin.
