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Planning and preparing the Thanksgiving meal can be very stressful. This is especially true if you are expecting a large gathering. Planning and organizing well in advance of the Thanksgiving will make the holiday more enjoyable for you and your loved ones. Getting organized for Thanksgiving also helps you focus on the things that are really important- spending time with family and friends, being generous, and counting your blessings.
Use these tips to make your holiday a stress-free, memorable occasion:
One Month Ahead
Start Early with menus and guest planning. Draw up your guest list and start inviting. Make it easy on yourself and ask each guest to bring something. Even bachelors who do not cook can pick up beverages or a shrimp platter from the store. Divide your menu into categories and ask each family to bring a side while you make the turkey, gravy and stuffing.
Create A “Whole House” Cleaning Schedule. Really take the time to deep clean your home. The month prior to Thanksgiving is ideal, as your house will be clean for Christmas as well. See what’s on your calendar and schedule 2 rooms each week. Get the whole family involved if you can. Once the house is clean, you can simply do maintenance – daily decluttering, dusting and vacuuming. Do any necessary repairs around the house, if needed.
Consider Making Most Of Your Meal Ahead And Freezing It. Yes, I’ve said it, but the goal is to have a stress free Thanksgiving holiday! Since I cook turkey frequently, I don’t feel any special attachment to cooking it on Thanksgiving day. I like to cook it slow so it gets pull apart tender. I cook the corn bread for my cornbread dressing early and yes, you can even cook mashed potatoes ahead. I also make the pumpkin and cranberry orange muffins (for breakfast), and quick breads (pre-meal munchies). Cheesecake freezes very well, so if that’s on your menu, now may be a great time to make it.
Make Your Grocery List And Start Shopping Now. This goes for the non-perishables and food for the freezer. I hate crowded grocery stores and if I wait until the last minute, either I’ve forgotten something or the store is out of it. Put a big “X” or “TH” on the food items you need to reserve for your Thanksgiving meal.
Don’t forget to start decorating simply. You want to enjoy the festive season for as long as possible.
Start A Gratitude Journal Or Thanksgiving Devotionals.
Two-Four Weeks Before
Order Any “Special” Foods. This would include your fresh turkey, if that is what you are having.
Check Your Supply Of Linens, Dishes, And Serviceware. Make sure you have enough for guests. An insulated coffee carafe is a great idea, should you choose to serve decafe and regular.
The Week of Thanksgiving:
The week of Thanksgiving is the time to stock up on necessary items from the grocery store. You can make certain items in advance such as bread or rolls and freeze them until Thanksgiving morning. Also make sure you have supplies such a napkins, cups, etc.
The Days before Thanksgiving:
A couple of days prior to Thanksgiving you can prepare a few items in advance to save time on the big day.
Things like cranberry sauce or relish can be stored in your refrigerator for a few days. You may want to cut up onions, celery, and any like items and store them in plastic ware to save time on Thanksgiving morning.
Make sure you have everything on your shopping list in your kitchen at least 2-3 days before Thanksgiving morning.
If you have children, involve them in the planning. They can help organize games for the younger guests, assist with decorations, and can even help out in the kitchen if you desire.
If you have purchased a frozen turkey, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator 3 days prior to cooking to give it plenty of time to thaw. If you will need to iron linens, etc., do so a couple of days before Thanksgiving to cut down on the amount of work you will have to do the night before the big day.
Thanksgiving Morning:
On Thanksgiving morning, make sure you have your thawed turkey stuffed (if necessary) and ready to place in the oven. Side dishes should be ready to cook or place in your oven and it would be a good idea to have desserts prepared the night before to save time and frustration on Thanksgiving Day. Any items you have frozen should be taken out of the freezer the night before so they can be heated easily.
With some advance planning and preparation, Thanksgiving can be a stress-free (almost) occasion and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the company of friends and family.
