Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and here at Riverside Homebuilders, we know how meaningful it is to celebrate with loved ones. There’s something truly special about gathering together for a holiday meal, reflecting on gratitude and making memories in a new home in DFW designed with family and comfort in mind. Our open floor plans and spacious living areas create the perfect setting for hosting an unforgettable Thanksgiving in your Riverside home—and our team is here to provide a few tips to help make this holiday gathering smooth, cozy and full of joy.

Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere

As family and friends enter your home, it’s essential to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at ease. Our new homes in DFW are crafted with inviting entrances that provide amazing opportunities for first impressions. Add a few festive touches to the entryway—consider a wreath with autumn colors, a seasonal rug or a welcoming sign to set the mood.

Once inside, incorporate Thanksgiving-themed decor throughout the home to keep the holiday spirit alive. Simple accents, like pumpkins, fall-colored florals and soft lighting, can create an elegant look without overwhelming the space. If you’re a fan of scented candles, opt for comforting scents like cinnamon, apple or vanilla—and you can even add a simmering pot of cinnamon sticks, orange slices and cloves on the stove for an inviting, all-natural fragrance that fills the whole home.

Set up the perfect dining experience

Thanksgiving is all about the meal, and a Riverside Homebuilders dining area is the perfect space to enjoy it. With our open-concept layouts, your dining room or breakfast nook flows seamlessly with the kitchen and living areas—making it easy to serve, socialize and savor the moment.

Try setting your table with a thoughtful arrangement that combines elegance with a cozy, family-friendly vibe. A neutral-colored tablecloth or runner is a great addition, complemented by warm-toned placemats, candles and small autumn decorations. Family-style serving is an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, as it encourages passing dishes and sharing in the spirit of togetherness. With Riverside’s spacious dining areas, there’s plenty of room to add extra seating so everyone feels included.

Leverage the kitchen layout for easy meal prep and serving

At Riverside Homebuilders, our kitchens are designed with the modern family in mind, offering ample counter space, large islands and open layouts that make meal preparation a breeze. If you’re handling the entire Thanksgiving meal, take advantage of these features to keep things organized. Set up a station with prepped ingredients on one side of the island, and leave the other side open for family members to help.

If you plan to host a large group, consider using the kitchen island as a buffet-style serving area, letting guests serve themselves at their own pace. This setup keeps the dining area clutter-free and allows people to pick and choose their favorites. For dessert, don’t forget to create a separate station with all the pies, sweets and coffee for a perfect end to the meal.

Make use of indoor-outdoor living spaces

One of the joys of Thanksgiving in Texas is the mild fall weather, which makes it possible to expand your gathering into the outdoor living areas. Many Riverside homes feature patios or covered porches that extend seamlessly from the living room. Setting up a cozy outdoor area with extra seating, blankets and a fire pit gives guests an alternative space to relax, talk or even watch football. For children, this outdoor space can be a wonderful place to play—giving the adults more room to enjoy the indoor dining and seating areas.

Relax and enjoy the holidays together

At Riverside Homebuilders, we believe that the essence of any holiday gathering lies in the connections and the memories you make. While planning, preparing and decorating can add to the experience—we truly believe that the heart of Thanksgiving is simply being together. Embrace the laughter, the conversations and the quality time shared in your Riverside home. We’ve designed our spaces to accommodate your lifestyle, ensuring that you and your loved ones have everything you need to focus on what matters most—each other.

As a trusted and experienced home builder in the DFW area, Riverside Homebuilders is honored to create new homes in Texas where families can celebrate traditions, make memories and feel truly at home. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or continuing a family tradition, we hope these tips help you make the most of this special day. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours, and to learn more about our new homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, contact us at (817) 601-6230 or fill out our online form today.