The holiday season is officially here, and that means family gatherings, festive food, and playing host — which happens to be one of my favorite parts of the season. I’m fresh off hosting a Halloween bash, so I’m already in full-on entertainer mode. And trust me, a seamless Thanksgiving comes down to the right essentials.
If you’re looking to keep things warm, cozy, and low-stress this year, here are 4 Thanksgiving Hosting Essentials You Need, all budget-friendly and featured on FOX 6 Real Milwaukee and Fox 32 Chicago. We partnered with these brands to help you create a smoother, warmer, and more enjoyable holiday — for everyone at the table, including your pets.
1. Wanish XXL Electric Warming Tray
The secret weapon of a truly stress-free host is the ability to keep every dish warm without a frantic rush in and out of the oven. This XXL Electric Warming Tray is a game-changer for Thanksgiving.
- XXL Capacity: The generous 32” x 18” surface offers a full heating area, easily accommodating multiple large dishes at once—perfect for an elegant, buffet-style presentation.
- Temperature Control: An adjustable thermostat ensures you can maintain the perfect serving temperature for everything from gravy to mashed potatoes throughout your entire gathering.
- Style Meets Function: Its sleek, tempered glass design with stylish gold handles elevates the look of your holiday table, making it a functional and aesthetic centerpiece.
- Host Benefit: Enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted flow and significantly fewer trips running back and forth to the kitchen.
Get It Here:Wanish XXL Electric Warming Tray
2. BedSure GentleSoft® Ribbed Heated Blanket
As the weather turns chilly, a cozy atmosphere is essential for fall gatherings. A luxurious, warm throw is something guests always appreciate for snuggling up after a big dinner.
- Ultimate Comfort: Features ultra-soft ribbed flannel and plush sherpa material, making it a luxurious texture upgrade for your living space.
- Customizable Warmth: Choose from 6 customizable heat settings and 4 timer settings for personalized, post-meal relaxation.
- A Stylish Upgrade: Available in stylish colors that are perfect for curling up with or for thoughtful gifting this season.
- Atmosphere Booster: Creates an instantly warm, inviting environment, whether guests are lounging after the meal, watching the football game, or relaxing by the fireplace.
Black Friday Deal Alert! This blanket will be on sale for $37.99 from November 20 through December 1 for the Black Friday/Cyber Monday event.
Snuggle Up:BedSure GentleSoft® Ribbed Heated Blanket
3. Asher House Wellness CBD Oil
While the holidays are fun for us, the sudden influx of new people, new smells, and loud conversations can be overwhelming for our beloved four-legged family members. A relaxed pet ensures a more peaceful hosting experience for everyone.
- Stress Reduction: Asher House Wellness CBD Oil is formulated to help promote calm and comfort, effectively reducing stress and anxiety for both dogs and cats during busy gatherings.
- Simple Administration: Easily administered by adding a few drops to your pet’s food or directly into their mouth.
- Quality You Can Trust: This is a broad-spectrum, USA-made, Non-GMO CBD product that is natural, safe, and vet-approved.
- Rescue-Inspired: Founded by animal rescue advocate Lee Asher, the brand is dedicated to helping pets and owners live their best lives together.
Keep Them Calm:Asher House Wellness CBD Oil
Ready to Host? By adding these three essentials to your checklist, you can dramatically cut down on hosting stress and focus on what truly matters: making memories with family and friends.
4. ROG Xbox Ally
Thanksgiving always comes with that stretch of time where guests are waiting, chatting, and drifting toward the kitchen. The ROG Ally ends up being a smart way to keep everyone entertained without adding noise or clutter to an already busy space.
Because it runs Windows 11, the Ally has access to a wide range of games from platforms like Steam, Epic, and GoG, along with the huge catalog available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That makes it easy to offer something for every type of guest — casual, competitive, or somewhere in between.
If you want a group activity, the device can be docked to the TV and used like a traditional console for light party games. For quieter moments, guests can use it handheld for solo play, and its cooling system keeps it surprisingly quiet during use.
Beyond gaming, it doubles as a small media hub, capable of streaming football, holiday movies, or kids’ shows thanks to its full Windows functionality. And since it’s portable, it doesn’t take up counter space or interfere with meal prep.
Keep Them Entertained: ROG Xbox Ally
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