Several years ago when I was on-site we hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner at our property which was a high-end, largely 20/30 something demographic community. I have to admit, I didn't think it would go over that well...I was very wrong. It was packed and we received a tremendous amount of positive feedback. Because so many of our residents were young, business professionals and not from our city, many were not going to make it home for this family holiday. They were thrilled to be able to eat a feast in the comfortable company of friends. Our handful of senior residents also loved playing everyone's grandma. We hosted it the Thursday before Thanksgiving, cleared out our clubhouse, rented tables and chairs, provided the Turkey/dressing/gravy and table service. Residents brought a covered dish and for those who didn't cook, they brought the wine. So glad...

Fun way to attract residents. Depending on the size of your community, crock pots work great to keep the taco meat hot. Offering both hard and soft shell tacos along with bowls of standard prepared toppings ie. shredded lettuce, cheese, tomato, and some local favorites - onions or black olives, this event always draws a crowd and remains relatively inexpensive. During the summer we hold this event outside to reduce the mess - it is ideal for a community pool party or outdoor gathering. To reduce expense we also allow the residents to bring their own beverage of choice. As long as you are running a nice community with responsible residents this does not become a problem and allows residents to socialize the way they feel most comfortable.

Last night we hosted a Thanksgiving Potluck and Bingo night. We at the property provided the Turkey and Ham and desert and we asked that everyone that came brought a side dish. It was a huge success! Everyone loved what everyone else brought, recipes were exchanged as well! We also had a bingo night after dinner. We did our event early as people as busy or out of town right before Thanksgiving.

We are a 50 unit elderly/disabled property. Since 1983 we have provided the Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy and rolls. Side dishes brought by the residents. Held at our community center. We deliver dinners to those who can't come to the community center. We always have enough for leftovers to go home with the residents. Even though we could supply the entire meal, the tenants like to bring side dishes that mean something to them like "grandma's pumpkin pie" Many times recipes are exchanged. Tenants decorate the community center and light the fire place.....

Every year now for the past 5 years at The Wyndham Apartments in Lubbock, TX. we have had a Thanksgiving Potluck. It's always the Thursday before Thanksgiving. The community provides the turkey, ham, rolls, and drinks. The residents bring their favorite dishes to compliment the meal. We have so much fun. We usually have about a 15% resident show. We end up having the best Thanksgiving meal of the year that night. Everyone gets to meet new residents, make new friends and visit with the ones they already know.