Veterans Day is a public holiday that is devoted to honoring those who served in the United States military. It originated as a day to recollect the end of World War I and was professed a holiday in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. Initially recognized as Armistice Day, the holiday developed into Veterans Day in 1954. Most businesses take this day off, but especially federal workers.

Many people celebrate Veterans Day over the weekend, if it falls on a week day, so that people can enjoy time together in honoring our vets. Typically holding banquets, BBQ’s, picnics or outdoor gatherings; many people host parties at venues such as the park, garden, beach, or banquet halls. Often we will see patriotic decorations such as red, white, and blue balloons and arches that lead us to where the party is. Other decorations can include streamers, centerpieces, and cut outs of military novels.

Many who were apart of the military, and are present today, will host a banquet to honor or award the veterans for their service. Often Americans attend parades or fairs that are dedicated to honoring the troops. This is a good day to gather the family and enjoy some quality time together, eating hot dogs and burgers from food trucks and food carts, while educating the kids on how important our veterans are.

Take out extra tables, chairs, table linens, dinnerware, silverware, plastic ware, cups, place mats, and plates because Thanksgiving is here. Clear up some space, and make some room for a dance floor and for seating arrangements, as Thanksgiving is usually a huge family event! Music will be a must have, so arrange a playlist that you know everyone will like and hook up the sound system. Or you can hire a local band to play live music to add to the idea of a family oriented event.

Add some décor to your front door, patio, and throughout the house to enhance the mood; cornucopias, turkeys, pine cones, and everything brown, orange, yellow, and red such as balloons, streamers, and centerpieces to add to the festivities. Don’t forget to send out invitations early enough, so you can have an accurate head count to prepare as much food as you need. This way you can also create special place cards for each individual. Get out as many tables and chairs as you’ll need, and start to arrange them throughout the space; whether it is throughout the house, or out into the backyard. Gather some table linens that are appropriate for this time; Thanksgiving themed or of the traditional colors.

Most families like to cook their own Thanksgiving dinner, but if worst comes to worst and you need an alternative, there are always caterers on deck; but make sure you call ahead. Providing some sort of entertainment to keep the kids occupied will be best for everyone so that all can relax; a turkey themed jumper or bounce house, a turkey shaped piñata, or some games will do the trick.