5 Tips on Getting Through Thanksgiving Dinner with the In-Laws

On her: Madewell mock neck sweater, Rag & Bone jeans (current version and on sale!), Banana Republic blazer (old, similar and on sale!), Stuart Weitzman Thighland OTK boots, Cult Gaia Ark small bag, Ray-Ban round sunglasses (on sale!) // On him: J.Crew stripe sweater (on sale!), J.Crew jeans (on sale!), Topman coat, Nordstrom scarf (on sale!), J.Crew boots (sold out, similar), Oris watch (similar)

Thanksgiving kicks off the season of family gatherings and for some it’s the best time of year, but for others, it can be the most stressful time of the year. I know from the looks of social media, it may seem like everyone has the perfect family and perfect relationship with the perfect Pinterest dinner tablescape, but let’s be honest, nothing and nobody is perfect. We all have our own things and more than likely, someone ends up crying after a few glasses of wine. But, that’s what make this time of year so special. We get to spend time with our loved ones and experience the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’re feeling things and at the end of the day, that’s what life’s about.

One of the topics Mike and I can touch on, because we have first hand experience, is the meshing of two families. What’s nice about getting married is you can finally host both sides of your family in one place and you don’t have go back and forth on holidays. But, with different families come different dynamics and this can be stressful for you and your husband and even cause tension. Over the years, Mike and I have learned a few tips and tricks to help get through dinner with the in-laws or both sets of families with maybe a few hiccups, but at least minimal stress and still feeling like you’re one unit.

5 Tips on Getting Through Thanksgiving Dinner with the In-Laws (or your own family)

• Have a plan going into it – When you and your significant other talk about your situation going into dinner, you’re most likely going to be on the same page. You’re also able to help each other out in possible awkward situations or when things get heated. Having a plan sets the tone. 
• Have each other’s back – When parents and siblings get involved, things can get tricky. One of the biggest things we’ve learned over the years is to have each other’s back. You want to feel supported no matter the situation. 
• Be open-minded – This is one of our most important tips.  In a room full of people, it’s best to go into it being open-minded. Every one is different and has different persepectives on life. Know that your way isn’t always the right or best way for every one. I can gaurantee you’ll avoid being at the center of any arguments with this one. 
• Have a few glasses of wine (cocktails or beer), but don’t over drink – I get it, we all need a glass of wine or two to get through the night. But don’t over do it. We tend to get over emotional when we’ve had too much to drink and dinner with the in-laws is probably not the best time to talk about the fight you had with your significant other over doing the dishes.
• Be positive and live in the moment- You may not see your extended family that often, so be sure to live in the moment and enjoy your day. Be yourself and don’t over think the situation.

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Photos by Candace Molatore