This Thanksgiving, we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all of you who have made our business possible.
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Thanksgiving Without the Stress | Ann Arbor
If hosting Thanksgiving in Ann Arbor falls to you this year, you’re probably feeling a bit daunted by planning a menu, providing drinks and music and getting your house ready for family and friends. De-stress your holiday experience with these quick tips for how to relax and go with the flow this Thanksgiving.
Don’t Over Think Hosting Duties
Thanksgiving is about love and togetherness, and you’ll shed a great deal of anxiety simply by realizing that no one expects you, your meal or your home to be absolutely perfect. Rather than stressing out over every single detail of your home’s décor, try focusing on one or two items that feel special to you, like a gorgeous centerpiece for you table or a DIY decoration that feels unique.
Host a Buffet-Style Holiday
Rather than fussing over a perfectly set table and worrying about who should sit where, go informal with a buffet-style meal this year. A casual buffet is so easy that it’s sure to become a new tradition in your family. Set up food on one long table and stack plates, silverware and drink cups within easy reach.
Prep Food in Advance
If you’re stuck in the kitchen from sunup to sundown, how can you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones? Spend the day before Thanksgiving prepping and cooking the items that can be made in advance at your own leisurely pace and you’ll only have a fraction of the work on Thanksgiving Day. Almost all of the sides and desserts can be made in advance, so make sure to work ahead and it will pay off!
Buy Local for Baked Goods
Not everyone is a culinary wizard, and pies and cakes are the most time-consuming elements of a Thanksgiving meal. Visit one of the many amazing Ann Arbor bakeries for delicious, pre-made desserts.
Clean Throughout the Day
You may be tempted to let dish duty slide during the day, but you’ll only end up with a monstrous mountain of plates to tackle at the end of the night when you’re full and sleepy. Instead, politely request that guests clear their plates at the end of every course, and keep the dishwasher running whenever you’ve got a full load. Wrapping and storing leftovers from each finished course will also keep end-of-the night cleanup to a bare minimum.
This year’s Thanksgiving holiday can be the best one ever if you can take advantage of these pointers and slow down and relax. Be thankful for the small things that help you save time this holiday season and enjoy creating simple Thanksgiving memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Ann Arbor, MI Charities: Giving Back This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and to recognize and make note of all that we are thankful for. It is also an important time to remember and reach out to those that are less fortunate. Whether it is lack of food or a warm home to gather in or it’s due to the loss of a loved one, there are people who need us to reach out to them at Thanksgiving time. There are many different charities in the Ann Arbor area, but below are a few of the city’s best:
Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
- 2375 Hubbard StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48109.
- Phone: (248) 437-4524
This 5K walk/run begins and ends at the North Campus of the University of Michigan on Thanksgiving Morning. Participants are asked to bring at least one non-perishable food item to benefit the Food Gatherers of Ann Arbor as well as warm clothing items to donate to the Salvation Army. Children and strollers are welcome. Post Turkey Trot events include awards, refreshments, and Santa Claus.
Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels
- 2025 Traverwood Drive, Suite FAnn Arbor, MI 48105
- Phone: (734) 998-6686
This wonderful company provides meals to home bound individuals in the Ann Arbor area. The meals are prepared by the University of Michigan Health System’s Patient Food and Nutrition Services and delivered by volunteers. Not only do they provide meals for those less fortunate, but they also provide dignity and fellowship. For some people, the volunteer is the only person they see all day. Donate your time or a monetary amount. Make sure those less fortunate have food and company for the Thanksgiving season.
Habitat for Humanity
- 170 Aprill DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48103
- Phone: (734) 677-1558
Habitat for Humanity makes home ownership possible for low-income families and individuals. There are many ways to get involved including donating to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, making a monetary donation, or donating your time helping out in the construction of new homes. Groups and families can sign up together. Help a family have a warm home to gather in next Thanksgiving.
Homefront Hugs USA
- 1850 Brookfield DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48103
- Phone: (734) 330-8203
Homefront Hugs USA has its headquarters in Ann Arbor and is dedicated to supporting our military, veterans, and their families. Write letters or send cards to wounded veterans. You can “Adopt” a deployed hero or heroin. Show your support and appreciation for our country’s finest. Hundreds of men and women are on the Homefront Hugs waiting list for you to come along side them. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to show these families we are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifice.
Putting the Giving Back in Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a bountiful time of year. Warm, cozy fires at home and hearty family meals should make us all feel grateful. Remember those in need and take stock of how you can help. Donate time, money, food, or clothing to those less fortunate and you will enable them to enjoy this holiday season as well.
Ann Arbor, MI Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving dinner is one of those meals where many prefer to out to eat and thus leave all of the preparation, cooking, and cleaning to others. There are a few top choices in the Ann Arbor area for those who want to get out for their Thanksgiving meal this year.
Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel
- 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- (734) 769-2500
- www.webersinn.com
Weber’s is perhaps the most well known place to grab Thanksgiving dinner in the Ann Arbor area. There are various options in this classy restaurant that include choices such as traditional roast turkey, prime rib, seafood or even roasted duckling. It’s all served with traditional trimmings to complete the meal.
Gandy Dancer
- 401 Depot Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- (734) 769-0592
- http://www.muer.com/gandy-dancer/index.asp
Gandy Dancer is another Ann Arbor restaurant that is open for business on Thanksgiving. Options include traditional turkey or duck with all of the trimmings or anything else off of the varied menu that has specialties such as fish, pasta, and even vegetarian entrees.
Haab’s Restaurant
- 18 West Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
- 734-483-8200
- http://www.haabsrestaurant.com/
Haab’s Restaurant is a great restaurant if you’re looking for something with a more casual feel. The Thanksgiving offering includes traditional turkey dinners, but also includes the favorites of this establishment.
Eating Out in Ann Arbor for Thanksgiving
Whether you want a fine dining experience such as Weber’s or something in between at Gandy Dancer or more laid back at Haab’s, you can put down that frozen turkey and find a great place to head out for Thanksgiving dinner this year.
Ann Arbor Turkey Trot
Want to start a new and fun tradition with your family this Thanksgiving season? Then register for the upcoming Turkey Day Trot in Ann Arbor Michigan. This a fun filled 5K race with thousands of participants looking to get in a good run before their Thanksgiving feast. Check out our information below about registration for this year’s Turkey Trot!
Registration
The race will take place throughout scenic Ann Arbor and will begin at 8:45 am on November 27th.
Fees are:
- $25 until October 14th
- $30 until November 25th
- $35 day of the race
- Families of 6 or more get a discount of $5 per person
- Registration forms can be mailed in or filled out online.
Why You Should Join
First of all, this race is incredible fun. Tom the Turkey will be in attendance along with Santa. Hats, bells and shirts are given away to everyone who participates. There will be a pie giveaway and even an ugly sweater contest. No other 5K race will be as much fun as this one and it is a great activity to do with your family. There is even a Tot Run for the younger children who don’t want to run a 5K.
Support the Community
The best aspect of this race is that it raises money for local charities and helps to give back to the community you live in. What better way to show your support for those less fortunate than to support events like this. If you do not wish to run in the race, there are great opportunities available to volunteer or to offer financial support. Don’t miss out on a fun day with your family and friends or a chance to make a difference in your community. Sign up for the Turkey Day Trot today!
The 2018 holiday season has officially begun! We hope you are as excited as we are.
We’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude to all of you this Thanksgiving. We have met some truly wonderful people, and we’re proud to have helped so many reach their real estate goals over the years.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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We wouldn’t be where we are today without all of your support. Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner with all of your family and friends—that’s what we plan to do!
In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any real estate questions. We would be happy to help you.