Thanksgiving can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time hosting. Aside from preparing the meal, ensuring you have enough room to seat your guests and stocking up on plenty of plates, glasses and cutlery can be an added burden—and expense! Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to outfit your table. Try renting instead.
Get our beginner’s guide to planning Thanksgiving.
First Things First: Finding a Rental Company
Many rental companies are local—which means you’ll need to find one in your community. We suggest starting with a quick Google search, although you can also ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. Wedding guides (like this vendor finder from The Knot) are also a great resource.
When looking, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for agencies that do smaller gatherings in your area and offer all of the supplies you need. Some companies even offer Thanksgiving-specific packages for one flat fee! Another pro tip: Start looking months in advance. Most companies have limited inventory and you’ll need to reserve your items ASAP during the busy holiday season.
Rent Serveware, Chairs, Tablecloth and More
While rental companies certainly cover the basics, they can also assist with other needs. Don’t have enough serving dishes for your favorite Thanksgiving sides? Or enough seating to fit all of your guests? Many services offer a variety of items aside from the traditional plates and glasses, so inquire about the cost of renting all of your other needs, too—such as tablecloths, napkins and serving spoons. These gadgets will make cooking your Thanksgiving dinner a total breeze.
Ask for Festive Alternatives
If you plan to host other major holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, a rental company lets you use seasonal china and linens without having to make space in your home for multiple sets. Plus, depending on the size of your rental, many companies will deliver straight to your door and pick everything up when it’s all over.
Save On Cleanup
While most rental companies will request you scrape off any excess food, you can forget about running multiple dishwasher loads and piling your plates high in the sink. Most services will deep-clean everything for you! All you have to do post-feast is pack the dishes back in the crates they were delivered in.
Next, learn how to save even more time on turkey day with our favorite recipes ready in 30 minutes.
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Quick Golden Squash Soup
This delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
Find more last-minute recipes in our holiday cooking guide. 
Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey Butter
We often think of sweet potatoes in a supporting role as a side dish, mashed, baked whole, cubed and roasted. Here's another thought—why not give them a starring role for breakfast when made into biscuits? Served with cinnamon-honey butter, they're all kinds of awesome. —Cathy Bell, Joplin, Missouri
Special Creamed Corn
This corn has earned a permanent place on our special-occasion menus. While my whole family loves it, my son would be especially disappointed if I forgot to include our corn dish. —Deb Hauptmann, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Brussels Sprouts & Kale Saute
In an effort to add more greens to our meals, I created this dish—and my kids eat it up. The crispy salami is the "hook." —Jennifer Mcnabb, Brentwood, Tennessee
Turkey Scallopini
Quick-cooking turkey breast slices make this recipe a winner when you only have a few minutes to fix a satisfying meal. I've also used flattened boneless skinless chicken breast halves in place of the turkey of this entree. —Karen Adams, Cleveland, Tennessee
Moist Pumpkin Scones
After trying a pumpkin scone at a coffee house, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor.
Maple-Glazed Green Beans
After I picked my first green beans one year, I wanted to make a savory dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it, so the next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Creamy Turkey Gravy
With my easy recipe, even someone who has never made homemade gravy before can be assured of success. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas.
Grandma's Sweet Potato Biscuits
The recipe for these mild-tasting biscuits was my grandmother's. They're a family favorite that we always serve at holidays. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Garlic-Ginger Turkey Tenderloins
This good-for-you entree can be on your family’s plates quicker than Chinese takeout…and for a lot less money! Ginger and brown sugar flavor the sauce that spices up the turkey as it bakes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chipotle-Orange Cranberry Sauce
My family prefers traditional dishes on Christmas, but I like to add in a few of my own unique creations. With brown sugar, cinnamon and chipotle powder for a little kick, this cranberry sauce will earn a permanent spot in the holiday lineup. —Chris Michalowski, Dallas, Texas
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Pancetta
Classic American mashed potatoes take a trip to Italy with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and pancetta. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Cranberry Lime Macaroons
It wouldn’t be the holidays for my family and friends if I didn’t make these chewy lime-flavored macaroons. I usually make several batches a week during the season..—Alisa Costa, Chatham, New York
Festive Cranberry Fruit Salad
This fruit salad is a tradition on my Christmas table. It goes together quickly, which is a plus on such a busy day. —Rousheen Arel Wolf, Delta Junction, Alaska
Frosty Pumpkin Nog
Once your friends and family taste it, you're sure to receive frequent requests for this creamy delight throughout the holiday season. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Cranberry Fluff
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Pear Harvest Salad
We came up with this delicious salad trying to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. We think you'll love it, too! —Nancy Prewitt, Beaverton, Oregon
Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Acorn squash gets a sweet and savory treatment when stuffed with sausage, onion, spinach and cranberries to make this pretty autumn entree. Cooking the squash in the microwave makes this quick enough for a busy weeknight. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hurry-Up Biscuits
When I was young, my mom would make these biscuits with fresh cream she got from a local farmer. I don't go to those lengths, but the family recipe is still a real treat. —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland
Apple Maple Pecan Salad
A well-made salad has good taste and pleasing crunch. This one with cabbage, apples and pecans gets high marks in both, with extra points for color contrast. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Skillet Sausage Stuffing
To make this sausage stuffing, I dressed up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion. It impressed my in-laws at a family gathering and has since become a popular side dish with my husband and children. —Jennifer Lynn Cullen, Taylor, Michigan
Minestrone with Turkey
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Turkey-Cranberry Bagels
Take care of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a way your family loves. It's good with all sorts of cranberry sauces and chutneys, so have fun playing around. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Potato and Turkey Couscous
After our Thanksgiving feast, we always have leftover turkey and sweet potatoes. I put them together in this quick, easy and nutritious main dish that satisfies with a simple green salad alongside. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Spiced Cider Punch
I’ve shared this recipe with many friends. It never wears out its welcome and is so easy to make. It’s also delicious warm. —Charles Piatt, Little Rock, Akansas
Peppery Herbed Turkey Tenderloin
I won the North Carolina Turkey Cook-Off one year with these full-flavored tenderloins in rich sauce. Marinating the turkey in wine, garlic, rosemary and thyme gives it a fantastic taste. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
German-Style Cabbage and Beans
This is one of my greatest hits as a potluck dish at church suppers. If you use some red cabbage, it will have very festive colors, light pink with green. It looks so pretty.—Winifred Winch, Wetmore, Michigan
Turkey Curry with Rice
When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Holiday Cranberry Gelatin Salad
This light, delicious holiday salad is very popular in my family and has been requested every year since I first brought it to Christmas Eve dinner. The refreshing, not-too-sweet flavor is a perfect pairing with just about any meat. —Jennifer Mastnick, Hartville, Ohio
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
Tart, juicy cranberries enhance the delicate pumpkin flavor of these muffins. Sometimes I dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a little sweetness. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Spinach, Apple & Pecan Salad
Company was on the way, and I forgot to buy salad fixings. Scavenging the fridge for ingredients, I pulled it together and invented a salad superstar. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash
Load butternut squash shells with an Italian turkey sausage and squash mixture for a quick and easy meal. Even better, it's surprisingly low in calories. —Katia Slinger, Columbus, Georgia
Biscuit Turkey Bake
As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Triple Mash with Horseradish Bread Crumbs
Why settle for traditional mashed potatoes when you can enjoy three times the flavor? Combine spuds with rutabaga and parsnips, along with the zip of horseradish, for a taste treat. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Cheese & Garlic Biscuits
My biscuits won the Best Quick Bread division at my county fair. One of the judges liked it so much, she asked for the recipe! These buttery, savory biscuits go with just about anything. —Tall Pines Farm, Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Apple-Topped Ham Steak
Sweet apples combine nicely with tangy mustard in this dish to create a luscious topping for skillet-fried ham steak. I especially like to serve this to guests in fall. —Eleanor Chore, Athena, Oregon
Roasted Green Beans with Lemon & Walnuts
I first tasted roasted green beans in a Chinese restaurant and fell in love with the texture and flavor. This is my Americanized version and it's always a big hit at our holiday table. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Pureed Butternut Squash Soup
For several years, we've been enjoying this velvety, healthy soup at Thanksgiving. Butternut squash isn’t the easiest thing to cut into, so I buy mine pre-chopped. —Christen Chalmers, Houston, Texas
Merry Berry Salad
Dried cranberries, crunchy apple chunks and toasted almonds dress up this crisp green salad. It's drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing that's a snap to blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Simple Lemon Parsley Potatoes
For a simply delicious side dish, I often prepare these potatoes. I like the fact that there are few ingredients and they take such little time to prepare.—Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Harvard Beets
This pretty side dish’s bright, citrusy flavors are an ideal companion for down-to-earth entrees—and for people who usually shy away from beets. —Jean Ann Perkins, Newburyport, Maryland
Taste-of-Fall Salad
My parents stayed with me at a friend's beautiful ranch for the holidays and I made them this great salad. It turned into every night's first course. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Nothing beats these quick muffins for irresistible, homemade pumpkin pie flavor. Serve them with any meal or as a satisfying snack. —Michel Karkula, Chandler, Arizona
Cranberry-Apple Pork Chops
These colorful, sweet-tart chops deliver seasonal flavors in each bite! —Katie Shireman, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dill & Chive Peas
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Don’t be afraid to bring out the Brussels sprouts. Mellowed by roasting and tossed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Turkey-Cranberry Monte Cristo
Every year, my husband and I look forward to Thanksgiving leftovers just so we can make this sandwich. Once you try it, I'm sure you will agree that this is the best turkey sandwich ever! —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Quick Apple Crisp
This dessert can be assembled in a snap and cooks up in minutes, making it a delectable dessert for unexpected guests. You'll love it served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. —Suzie Salle, Renton, Washington
Thyme-Roasted Carrots
Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Pumpkin Pie Dip
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Creamy Cranberry Salad
One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels
A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla roll ups, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a great hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas
Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Growing up, I never liked broccoli, but I'm hooked on this salad's light, sweet taste. It gives broccoli a whole new look and personality. —Jessica Conrey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Butter Pecan Fudge
Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California
Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
My mother insisted that my grandmother write down one recipe for her when she got married in 1942. She needed to know this how to make peanut butter cookies from scratch recipe. That was a real effort because Grandma was a traditional pioneer-type cook who used "a little of this or that 'til it feels right." This treasured recipe is the only one she ever wrote down! —Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin
Chai Tea Latte
My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Triple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
Antipasto Platter
We entertain often, and this beautiful antipasti platter is on of our favorite party pleasers. It's such a refreshing change from the usual chips and dip. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Cranberry Honey Butter
If you are traveling to a friend's or loved one's for the holidays, bring them something even better than a bottle of wine—this easy to whip up treat! —Arisa Cupp, Sherwood, Oregon
Pumpkin Chip Cookies
These golden cakelike cookies are my favorite, especially around the holidays. They disappear quickly from my dessert trays. The subtle pumpkin and cinnamon flavors pair nicely with chocolate chips. —Tami Burroughs, Salem, Oregon
Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Grandma's Biscuits
Homemade biscuits add a warm and comforting touch to any meal. My grandmother makes these tender biscuits to go with her seafood chowder. —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Pumpkin Soup
While it looks elegant and is an appealing addition to a holiday meal, this creamy soup is so simple to make. My husband was skeptical at first, but after one bowl, he asked for second helpings! —Elizabeth Montgomery, Allston, Massachusetts
Green Beans Amandine
It's hard to improve on the taste Mother Nature gives to fresh green beans, but Mom has done just that for years using this green beans amandine recipe. I have always thought the crunchy almonds were a super addition. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan
Quick Coconut Macaroons
These are truly the best macaroon cookies I've ever tasted. The short list of ingredients makes them especially appealing to busy cooks. —Nancy Tafoya, Ft. Collins, Colorado
Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Dotted with cranberries, orange zest and vanilla chips, these cookies are so colorful and fun to eat. They look lovely on a dessert tray and would be a great addition to your Christmas cookie lineup. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
Cherry-Brandy Baked Brie
No one will believe this impressive cherry brandy appetizer is so easy to make. You can substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the cherries and apple juice for the brandy. —Kevin Phebus, Katy, Texas
Soft Chewy Caramels
One of my first experiences with cooking was helping my mother make these caramels. We'd make up to 12 batches each year. Today, I do at least 95 percent of the cooking at home, but my wife does much of the baking. —Robert Sprenkle, Hurst, Texas
Cranberry-Walnut Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one food that picky eaters often resist. This recipe will change their mind. You can also add garlic and dried fruits. —Jennifer Armellino, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Marinated Mozzarella
I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They're so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania
Savory Apple-Chicken Sausage
These easy, healthy sausages taste great, and they make an elegant brunch dish. The recipe is also very versatile. It can be doubled or tripled for a crowd, and the sausage freezes well either cooked or raw. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Cranberry Ambrosia Salad
My paternal grandmother used to make this for Christmas dinner. I'm not sure how many batches she made, as there were nearly fifty aunts, uncles and cousins in our family. I still make the recipe in memory of her, and it's still as good as I remember.—Janet Hurley, Shell Rock, Iowa
English Batter Buns
Since receiving this easy-to-prepare recipe from a dear friend, I've made these rolls often for the holidays. —Geraldine West, Ogden, Utah
Pumpkin Butter
Biting into this spiced butter on a hot biscuit or toast is absolutely heavenly. With a dash of whipped cream, you might think you were eating pumpkin pie! —June Barrus, Springville, Utah
Green Bean Bundles
I found this recipe in a rural newspaper years ago and have made it often. The bean bundles are excellent with chicken or beef. Sometimes I'll arrange them around a mound of wild rice to make an appetizing side dish. —Virginia Stadler, Nokesville, Virginia
Perfect Winter Salad
This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top. —DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
Grandma's Cranberry Stuff
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Herbed Bubble Bread
"It takes just five ingredients to dress up a package of frozen rolls to make this buttery, crusty loaf," says Anita Whorton of Powder Springs, Georgia.
Mushroom and Spinach Saute
Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. It’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas
Fruited Cranberry Relish
This recipe came from my aunt, who for many years invited our family to her home for Christmas dinner. I took great delight in helping myself to this relish because she always served it in one of her fancy dishes, used only on the holidays.
-Ruth Collins, Blossvale, New York
Gruyere Mashed Potatoes
Gruyere cheese and chives take mashed potatoes to a whole new level this holiday season! Don’t have chives? Just use extra green onion instead. Salsarose - Tasteofhome.com Community
No-Fuss Rolls
These four-ingredient rolls from Glenda Trail of Manchester, Tennessee are ready in no time. And they taste great with herb butter or jam. —Glenda Trail, Manchester, Tennessee
Spruced-Up Cheese Spread
A neighbor who’s a wonderful cook gave me the recipe for this zippy cracker spread. It’s easy to shape into a Christmas tree for a festive occasion, but it looks enticing in a bowl or on a plate, too. —Judy Grimes, Brandon, Mississippi
Chive Buttered Carrots
It's nice to have a reliable side dish like this that pairs well with any entree. A friend shared the recipe with me several years ago, and I use it often. —Opan Snell, Jamestown, Ohio
Pastrami Roll-Ups
For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Cheese & Pesto Biscuits
Biscuits always liven up a meal, especially when they’re golden brown and filled with pesto, garlic and cheese for extra zip. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Easy Onion Crescent Rolls
Here's a deliciously easy way to dress up a tube of crescent roll dough. These golden bites are one of our favorite recipes—and they're a nice addition to any buffet. We like them so much, I usually triple the recipe. —Barbara Nowakowski, North Tonawanda, New York
Apple-Pecan Baked Brie
As family arrives for a get-together, I make sure this fruity and savory Brie is in the oven so the aromas of cinnamon and apples fill the house. —Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Chocolate Caramel Turkey Legs
Mention turkey legs made of pretzels and chocolate, and the kids come running. Let them help by unwrapping caramels for this easy, no-bake treat. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Pumpkin Hummus
Our home economists give traditional hummus an autumn appeal with the addition of canned pumpkin. Hot pepper sauce lends just the right amount of heat.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Marinated Olives
Our son often made these olives for holiday get-togethers. They are simple to make and add a little zest to the buffet table offerings. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
Mashed Cauliflower
This is our choice for a side dish that's lower in carbs than mashed potatoes but just as flavorful and satisfying. I suggest garnishing it with chopped green onions. —Tina Martini, Sparks, Nevada
Spiced Pumpkin Warm-Up
Make this drink your own! You can add coffee or even alcohol if you want an extra kick. I’ve also chilled this mixture and blended it with vanilla ice cream to make it a pumpkin shake. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
Two-Bean Hummus
My children love this easy hummus and even like to help me make it! Hummus is a great way to sneak some beans and important soluble fiber into their diets. I also serve this in a bread bowl with my vegetable platter for our Thanksgiving dinner. —Kelly Andreas, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Tomato-Goat Cheese Spread
A good friend shared this recipe with me. It's super easy and so delicious...guests will love it! It's best served with crackers that aren't strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin