Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and gratitude—but hosting can feel overwhelming at times. Planning the menu, coordinating schedules, and keeping everyone entertained can be complicated.

From smart apps to clever automation, you can simplify your holiday and focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones. You don’t need anything new or flashy; your typical home tech can achieve the results you need.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to use tech for planning, cooking, hosting, and staying connected—even if your family is scattered across the country. Use these tips and make your holiday celebrations personal and streamlined.

Planning the day

Start by organising your schedule. Use the Calendar app on your smart device to block out prep time and send calendar invites to family and friends. This keeps everyone on the same page and avoids last-minute surprises.

You can create a group chat on your messaging app for quick updates. Whether it’s confirming arrival times or sharing a shopping list, these apps make coordination effortless.

Smart cooking solutions

Depending on your kitchen set-up, you can use tech that works while you relax. Smart ovens, Wi-Fi-enabled slow cookers, and Instant Pots let you monitor cooking remotely and use preset modes for perfect results. For some, you will be able to start, monitor, and pause cooking directly through a mobile app, so you can be prepping the day even if those last-minute errands come up.

If you don’t know where to start, there are plenty of apps that can be downloaded through your app store. They can organise recipes, create shopping lists, and adjust the serving size based on your party.

With voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, or Google Assistant, the efficiency is limitless. Set timers to stay on track, get help with recipes, or convert measurements as you cook. Thanksgiving prep can be a rush, but these tools are there to help you work hands-free.

Hosting and entertainment

If you’re hosting guests, create the right atmosphere with clever entertainment options. Create a festive music playlist to play through your smart speaker. You may also share the playlist with your guests so they can queue up their own song selections to play.

Alternatively, for cosy entertainment, stream holiday movies on your TV using apps like Apple TV, Netflix, Prime Video, and more. These can run in the background to create a festive atmosphere while you enjoy time with your guests.

Alternatively, celebrate Thanksgiving by expressing gratitude and reflecting on the past year through a slideshow of family memories and photo albums. Display them on your TV’s large screen, or on more portable digital photo frames and smart displays.

Staying connected from a distance

Not everyone can be at the table. With families dotted around the globe, travelling for the holidays can be a stretch. But tech bridges the gap.

Use video calling apps like Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp for virtual gatherings so everyone feels included, no matter where they are. If your time zones don’t align, sharing a digital photo album or posting highlights on social media can keep the holiday spirit alive and let people know you’re thinking of them, even if you’re not together.

Final thoughts

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right apps, smart devices, and automation, you can simplify planning, cooking, and connecting—leaving more time for laughter and gratitude. Embrace tech this holiday season and make Thanksgiving easier, warmer, and more memorable.