BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Preparing your home for Thanksgiving often means juggling recipes, guest lists, and seasonal décor. But according to interior designer Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios in Dallas, one of the most powerful ways to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere has nothing to do with adding more. In fact, it starts with putting a few things away.
Saab says that decluttering certain high‑impact areas helps guests feel instantly relaxed and keeps the focus where it belongs: connection, celebration, and the meal itself. Here are the five things she recommends stashing before opening your door.
Clear the dining table
Your dining table does a lot of heavy lifting during the week, often collecting mail, laptops, and decorative odds and ends. Saab recommends clearing it completely so the holiday meal can shine.
“A clear table allows the meal to take center stage which is the heart of Thanksgiving,” she explains. A simple centerpiece such as branches or a low bowl in natural tones, for example, creates warmth without overwhelming the space.
Tuck away small kitchen appliances
Once the chopping, roasting, and prepping are finished, give your kitchen countertops a quick reset. Move appliances like toasters, mixers, blenders, and air fryers out of sight.
“Empty countertops provide a space for your decorative serving trays or a seasonal centerpiece,” Saab says. This small shift brings instant calm to the busiest room in the house.
Remove off‑season knick-knacks
Before layering in fall decorations, take a moment to clear out any items that belong to another season or simply crowd the space.
“When surfaces are full there is nowhere for seasonal touches to land,” Saab notes. By opening up a bit of visual space on bookshelves, coffee tables, and consoles, even a single bowl of autumn fruit or a few candles can feel intentional and special.
Minimize tech distractions
A truly cozy gathering thrives on conversation. Saab suggests reducing the presence of technology to help everyone stay present.
“Removing the distractions caused by technology will help create an intimate atmosphere,” she says. Hide remotes in a drawer, gather chargers in a basket, and turn the TV off or put it into art mode to create a timeless, tech‑free backdrop.
Clear the entryway
First impressions start at the door. Before guests arrive, tidy shoes, jackets, backpacks, and piles of mail so the entry feels open and inviting.
“Creating a clean entrance to your home sets the tone for the first impression your guest will receive,” Saab explains. A single candle or small vase of greenery can say “welcome” without a word.
The heart of the advice
Saab’s biggest message is simple: you don’t need extravagant decor to make Thanksgiving feel special. With a few thoughtful edits, you can create a home that feels both calm and joyfully lived‑in.
