Are you hosting this year? If so, here are – things to do to prepare before Turkey Day so that you can enjoy a stress-free and fun day.
2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving
Create A Menu
It might sound easier said than done, but accounting for food allergies and restrictions, it might not be as straightforward as you think. Additionally, you should also plan ahead for who is bringing what, what you will need to cook, and when things will need to be made in advance.
Buy a Turkey
Buy the bird as soon as possible and leave it in the freezer until you’re ready to start cooking. The closer to Thanksgiving weekend it is, the less stock of turkeys stores have and you don’t want to be caught without one. Keep in mind that you need about one full day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey.
Confirm Your Guest List
Once you know how many people will be at your home, you can check for things like the amount of seating you will need, if you have enough tableware, etc. This will also help when you go to put the grocery list together, for things like amount of drinks, appetizers, etc.
A Week Before
Grocery Shop
With your meal plan planned out, you can put together what you need to buy. You should have little to no trouble with perishable foods if you shop five to six days ahead of time. This also gives you some wiggle room if you forget anything or a menu change happens.
Plan Seating
You must decide where to seat each person. For additional seating, is it necessary to buy or rent a folding table and chairs? Is a children’s table necessary? Who is going to sit at each table? Are there enough glasses, linens, dinnerware, and silverware for everyone? Do any of your possessions require cleaning or replacement?
Plan Your Cooking/Baking Schedule
Being organized is essential to minimizing stress! Go over your recipes right now and plan your cooking for both Thanksgiving Day and the days coming up to it. Some things, like pie crusts, rolls, appetizers, can be made in advance and stored in the freezer, freeing up time to spend on other dishes.
Test Any New Recipes
Pinterest makes it look easy, but not all recipes will go as planned, or taste the way you think they will. If you’re planning on trying a new dish, it’s best to make it once beforehand, to ensure it’s edible and something you want to serve.
The Week Of
Start Cooking
Start thawing the turkey, finish any baking or cooking that can be done in advance, and if there is anything that can be prepared beforehand; like washing vegetables or prepping stock, do so now.
Clean the House
Touch Ups will likely have to be done the day of, but chores like mopping the floors, laundering tablecloths and napkins, and ensuring all serveware and dinnerware is ready to go should be done in advance.
Set the Table
Unless you use the dining room/what table you’ll be using on a regular basis, set the table now and get it out of the way. It might be a good idea to plan a seating arrangement, if kids are sitting at the same table or accommodations need to be made.
Thanksgiving Day
Clean (Again)
A clean kitchen is better to cook in than a messy one, and clear counter space and an empty dishwasher will be useful later. Stock bathrooms with extra toilet paper and hand towels, remove anything breakable you don’t want kids getting their hands on, and make sure you have extra garbage bags for cleanup.
Start Cooking
If you’ve planned out a cooking schedule, this should be easy. A few hours prior to serving, reheat prepared food. This will assist in distributing your time and space between the stove and oven. Get appetizers and hors d’oeuvres ready, chill drinks in the fridge, and start prepping the main course.
Enjoy the Day
Hosting can be stressful, but Thanksgiving is still a time to spend time with family and friends. Even if things go wrong or your plans can’t be perfectly executed, take the time to relax and have fun.
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