19, 2024
These tips are a great refresher for a seasoned holiday veteran or a first-time host.
To reduce stress on the big day, make a Thanksgiving game plan.
Get our complete Thanksgiving shopping list here.
We suggest working about two weeks out, beginning with planning your menu and guest list.
When Thanksgiving arrives, you will be so thankful you planned in advance.
verify to also check out ourultimate guide to hosting Thanksgiving.
Delegate tasks
Good luck keeping everyone out of the kitchen.
After all, its the heart of the home.
Instead of getting flustered when Aunt Susan hovers over the stuffing, put your company to work.
Save a few small tasks for a trusted friend or family member.
After all, bringing everyone together and combining traditions is the very meaning of Thanksgiving.
Work ahead
This tip iscrucialfor a successful holiday meal.
Take a look at your menu and identify dishes that can be made ahead of time and frozen.
Your dressing, for example, can usually be made a few weeks in advance and frozen.
Then, defrost and bake it on the big day.
Other tasks, like chopping onions and scoring Brussels sprouts, can also be done days in advance.
And dont forget to defrost your turkey!
Get our complete guide for how to prep, freeze and defrost your favorite holiday dishes.
Paper and plastic options have come a long way over the years.
And, in many cases, its hard to notice the difference at first glance.
If disposable plates arent your jam, consider using disposable cookware for easy clean-up.
Baking something for the host?
Consider these holiday food packaging ideas.
Just be sure to allow extra prep time for thawing.
Plan for leftovers
You will more than likely have plenty of leftovers.
Or, ask them to bring their own containers!
Here are ourtop 10 ways to dress up leftover turkey.
When you wake up on Thanksgiving morning, make you and your table a priority.
Better yet,set your tablethe night before.
Label your dishes
As you begin preparations, add labeling to your to-do list.
Pull out all of the serving dishes that youll be using for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Then, write down each menu item on a sticky note and place it in the appropriate dish.
Dont stress over incidentals like mismatched napkins or that second dessert you begged your sister not to bring.
Its about spending time with those we love the mosteverything else is just icing on the cake!
(Or should we say whipping cream on the pie?)
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