If you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year, there are several ways to make your stepmom feel appreciated. You could offer to set the table, load the dishwasher, and sweep the floor. Having help during this time is especially appreciated, but don't feel obliged to do so. Most people expect the hosts to do all the work, such as carrying the 16-pound turkey carcass into the kitchen, ironing napkins, and putting on the music. You could even go so far as to offer to get extra toilet paper..