Thanksgiving is usually the time of year where family and friends gather to celebrate all that we are thankful for. This year celebrating Thanksgiving in Portland might be different. 

Our kitchens will have a few less cooks, our table a few less settings and a few less side dishes. But our hearts and our hopes can still be full. This is a good year to set new traditions and make new memories.

Here are some ways to downscale this Thanksgiving holiday when hosting dinner in your Portland apartment.

Have a Set Menu with Less Items

It is easy to get carried away with side dishes, but instead of making everyone’s individual favorites, choose a few dishes. This means less time in the kitchen and few leftovers.

Go Paper and Plastic

You can spend less time in the kitchen doing dishes when you use paper plates, napkins, and plastic silverware. You can purchase decorative paper plates at Khol’s at 10010 NE Halsey Street near your Linc 301 apartment. Additionally, you can order them online at Amazon.

Host a Virtual Thanksgiving

We are all familiar with Zoom Happy Hours, virtual meetings and even virtual school! Why not celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends via Zoom or another virtual tool? If you loved cooking with your family members, set up a time to cook turkey or pies virtually. Set a time to eat dinner or dessert and arrange for a Zoom meeting. Be certain to share what you are thankful for and to take a Zoom selfie. Thanksgiving in Portland 2020 will likely be a watershed moment.

Meet for a Walk

Health experts say gathering outdoors poses less risk to getting the virus, so why not meet after dinner at one of these great parks or walking trails near your apartment in Portland. Perhaps you can swap a dessert or share a few leftovers.

No matter how you spend Thanksgiving in Portland, make it a memorable and safe one.