Get ahead on Thanksgiving with this smart tip from the queen of ease.

It turns out that not even Ina Garten, the queen of ease, tries this unrealistic feat.

And she meant it.

Mashed potatoes Ina Garten

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Sarah Crowder / Getty Images

There’s one nugget of advice I’ve used again and again for makingmy favorite mashed potatoesbefore Thanksgiving.

The key is to reheat them properly.

Ina’s tip is so easy and Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes' founder, usesthe same trick.

A casserole dish of make-ahead mashed potatoes with minced fresh chives on top

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Then pop it into a 350F oven for 30 to 40 minutes as the turkey rests.

That way everything goes on the dinner table warm at the same time.)

They’ll take a little longer to warm through.

Mashed Potatoes in a white bowl

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

You could skip the cheese and dollop butter on top, as Elise does.

If they do dry out, stir in a littlewarmedheavy cream or milk and pads of butter.

Your mashed potatoes will be creamy and ready for Thanksgiving without any last-minute scrambling.

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

Our Favorite Mashed Potatoes Recipes