Thanksgiving is all about gathering loved ones and enjoying a meal together, but the holiday can be a little stressful for people with allergies. With so many ingredients and dishes in one place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the possibility of an allergic reaction. Luckily, hosting an allergy-friendly Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. You can create a welcoming, safe environment for all your loved ones by taking a few thoughtful steps.
1. Ask Guests About Allergies in Advance
Food allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States. Before making your shopping list, ask your guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. Knowing specific allergies, whether to food or fragrance, allows you to plan a menu and environment that caters to everyone. Once you understand their needs, you can consider how to make safe adjustments.
2. Label Foods with Potential Allergens
Place a small card next to each dish with potential allergens to keep things clear. This makes it easy for guests to know what’s safe to eat without needing to ask. Some key allergens to highlight may include:
- Dairy: common in mashed potatoes and creamy casseroles
- Gluten: found in stuffing, gravy and rolls
- Nuts: often found in desserts and salads
3. Check Decorations for Allergens
When setting up Thanksgiving decorations, it’s important to consider fragrance and plant sensitivities. Avoid strong-smelling candles or floral arrangements if guests have fragrance allergies and consider swapping plant decorations for paper turkeys and other allergy-friendly décor.
4. Consider Treatment Options
If you or a member of your family has been living with allergies for years, you know that preparation is key to a stress-free holiday season. Having allergy treatment options on hand provides peace of mind in case of unexpected reactions during Thanksgiving dinner. If guests have severe allergies, make sure they feel comfortable bringing their medications.
If you haven’t seen an allergist about your or your family’s allergies yet, consider making an appointment with ENT of Athens today to review your treatment options.
Why These Steps Matter
Following these steps not only helps keep your guests safe but it also shows that you care about their well-being. Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner that accommodates allergies means everyone can focus on spending time together and thinking about what they’re thankful for.
To learn more about how you can enjoy an allergy-friendly Thanksgiving, contact the Allergy Center at ENT of Athens today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.