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Tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving – Ok Maybe, Less Stress:)

Tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving  – Ok Maybe, Less Stress:)

I’m a list maker.  I love my notebooks that have pages filled with lists I’ve checked off and accomplished.  I think I get it from my Dad.  He makes his lists on an index card that he carries folded in his pocket.  There is something satisfying about planning out what you have to do, writing it down, and checking it off when it is done.  It’s the little accomplishments each day that add up.  Same goes for the holidays.  With Thanksgiving around the corner my list has been made and I’ve been checking off the boxes as I finish the task. Here are a few of the things I listed to help me make Thanksgiving a holiday where I can enjoy my loved ones and focus on creating memories:Tablescape Start

Two to Three Weeks Ahead

  • Plan Menu – My menu is typically the same each year with maybe a twist here and there with a dessert or drink. Stick to tried and true recipes for the main meal as you want everyone to enjoy their favorites.  No one wants to try a new version of Grandma’s stuffing when they’ve been looking forward to it for a year!  If you are having guests bring a dish, list their name next to what they are bringing.  Make sure to let them know how many people plan on being there.
  • Order Your Turkey – Don’t wait to the week before to order your turkey, especially if you plan on getting a fresh one.  Your local butcher should be able to help you decide what size bird you need to feed your guests but a good rule of thumb is 1 1/2 pounds per person.  This should allow for leftovers.
  • Visit the Grocery Store – Start picking up non-perishables at the store.  Make sure you check your pantry first to see what you may need and make your list.  For example, do you have the right spices for your pies, enough stock for your gravy,  and aluminum foil to cover your bird?
  • Stock the Bar – Remember to visit the local liquor store to pick up your favorite wine and liquors.   Make sure to have non-alcoholic beverages as well.  Check to see that you have enough stemware and glassware.Platter

One to Two Weeks Ahead

  • Decorating – Hopefully by now you’ve taken down any Halloween décor.  I’ll be honest, this year with Thanksgiving being later in November, I’ve already done most of my Christmas decorating.  I’ve created my Thanksgiving table-scape for the dining room but come Friday it’s Christmas time in our home! Whether you’re like me and like to get a jump on Christmas or if you enjoy waiting for after you carve the turkey, you can gather your decorations for the holiday.  I tend to use a variety of real and artificial items throughout my home for decorating. For the dining room table,  I start with the candles. (I love scented candles, but DO NOT USE SCENTED CANDLES on your table! Let your delicious food fill the room) Although they are taller than I typically like to have during a dinner party, these hurricane glass candle holders are see through so I’m using them this year.  I layered numerous picks down first then layered in gourds, little pumpkins, berries, flowers, and sprinkled with leaves.  I think using various textures, heights, and colors, adds interest to the table.
  • Bring Back Memories –  While a beautiful table is lovely to look at, I love to bring back memories of things from the past such as the platter my Grandma used to serve the turkey on.  I also put out the paper turkey place cards my daughter made when she was three with my sister.  Every year these simple traditions put a smile on all our faces.Little Turkey
  • Set the Table – If you are fortunate to have a dining room table or table that is not of daily use, I suggest setting the table for Thanksgiving a few days ahead a time even a week ahead a time if possible.  This is one more more thing you can check off your list and not need to rush doing the day your guests arrive.  For large crowds especially, you want to make sure you have enough silverware, plates, and seating.  How embarrassing not have a place setting ready for Great Aunt Tillie when she arrives!
  • Prepare Your Guest Room – If you have a spare room for out of town guests or if they are going to be sharing a room with your teenager, make sure you have your linens ready.  Check that you have clean sheets, pillow cases, and blankets ready for your guests.  Clean towels and toiletries should be set aside so you aren’t looking for a “good towel” when they are about to take a shower.

The Week of Thanksgiving

  • Clean– Dust, vacuum, and clean the house.  Make sure bathrooms are clean and stocked with toilet paper, soap, and fresh towels.
  • Stock Fridge – If you are fortunate to have two fridges, stock your beverages making sure white wines and beer are chilled. If you don’t have two refrigerators fill a cooler with ice and place outside with drinks in it.  Thanksgiving day put beverages in a nice container filled with ice to keep cool.
  • Prepare Kitchen – Layout all serving bowls, serving utensils and remember to fill the salt and pepper shakers.  Stock up on paper towels and put fresh kitchen towels out.
  • Make Ahead Dishes -I try to make a few things the day before if I can.  I love getting in the kitchen with the kids and making the pies together the day before Thanksgiving. We also make a few side dishes such as the sweet potatoes and turnips.  We put the stuffing together but wait till Thursday to cook it.
  • Prepare Bird – Wash turkey and remove the bag.  Prepare it for cooking.
  • Set Your Alarm Clock – Make sure to put your turkey in on time! We eat early on Thanksgiving Day, typically around 1 or 1:30 because we have other relatives to visit later in the day.  For me, I need to make sure that bird is in the oven by 6:00am!

Thanksgiving Day

  • Put your turkey in the oven – make sure to remember to continue to baste it throughout the cooking process.
  • Finish making your side dishes.
  • Put out any appetizers or snacks such as nuts and dates for your guests to nibble on when they arrive.
  • Make sure you have a designated area prepared for your guest to get a drink including ice, the glasses, can opener and bar tools.
  • Enjoy cooking together with your family and friends in the kitchen.  It is a perfect time to learn from each other, exchange recipe ideas, tell old stories, and enjoy being together.
  • Eat up!  After all the prep,  make sure to sit back and watch everyone dig in.Apple Pie
  • After clearing the table and putting leftovers away, I make fresh whipped cream for the pies.
  • We read from our Thankful Tree and try to remember to take a family photo!

I hope these steps help you as you plan for your Thanksgiving together with family and friends.  May you have a wonderful holiday together and God Bless!



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