If the thought of Thanksgiving already has you stressing, the good news is that planning ahead can seriously reduce the stress. If you have enough foresight to look ahead you can make a plan that can help you cook the big meal, invite the guests, decorate the house and still come off looking cool and collected. Most entertaining experts recommend starting about two weeks before Thanksgiving. In those two weeks with some careful planning you can accomplish much of the work that will have you being able to enjoy the holiday with your family and friends and leaving you with a lot to be thankful for. Here are some tips for planning ahead for Thanksgiving-
• Two Weeks Before:
1. Confirm your guest list. While most people should know at this point whether they are coming or not it is always wise to plan for a few last-minute guests whose plans may suddenly change.
2. Order your turkey, if it’s fresh. There is an ever increasing demand for fresh turkeys so if you have your heart set on getting a specific one-don’t wait! Purchase your turkey now, if it is frozen. Grocery stores will begin having sales at this point so watch the ads for your local stores.
3. Plan the remainder of your menu. Give out specific food assignments if guests will be contributing dishes to the meal. Sometimes it helps to give a recipe if your guests are hesitant about an open-ended “bring a salad� request.
4. Prepare your complete shopping list. This is when you want to take an inventory of table and kitchen supplies. You will also want to make arrangements to borrow or rent any items that you lack which may include:
Tables
Chairs
Dinnerware
Glassware
Flatware
Linens
Serving platters and bowls
Serving spoons and ladles
• One Week Before:
1. Order your centerpiece. Or if you will be making one put together the needed supplies. If you are counting on gathering up materials from nature you may want to do so and store them in a plastic bag in the garage. This way your plans will not be thwarted by an unexpected snow storm.
2. Iron all the linens. By doing this early you won’t have to worry about your table not being best-dressed! Also this is the time to polish the silver if you will be using it. You can also enlist family members help with these tasks.
3. Purchase all beverages. In addition now is the time to shop for non-perishables. If you are worried about them being used before Thanksgiving store them all together to keep in mind what items you will need.
4. Select music that will enhance the atmosphere of your Thanksgiving dinner.
5. If you are using a frozen turkey, plan the day you will begin to defrost it in the refrigerator. The rule of thumb is to allow one day for every five pounds of turkey.
6. Make a plan for cleaning your house, particularly the rooms that will most likely be seen by guests. In order to get you started declutter the messiest rooms first.
• Three Days Before:
1. Purchase all of the perishable ingredients.
2. Bake and freeze any pies or other desserts that can be frozen.
• Two Days Before:
1. Begin cleaning and chopping any vegetables for the stuffing/dressing and side dishes. Refrigerate these in labeled bags.
2. Now is time to take out your roasting pan, meat thermometer and any specialty kitchen equipment that you keep tucked away the rest of the year.
3. At this time you can also prepare recipes that can be refrigerated for two days such as dips, soups and cranberry sauce.
4. It can also be helpful to make a written plan for cooking your meal.
• One Day Before:
1. If possible have someone do some light cleaning so you can focus on the cooking.
2. Set and decorate the table.
3. Make and refrigerate the stuffing or dressing.
4. Clean and truss the turkey, then refrigerate it.
5. Prepare and refrigerate salads and other side dishes that can be done ahead.
6. Make sure that you centerpiece is complete or verify when it will be delivered.
With all that you have done and planned ahead you can now just finish cooking your dishes on Thanksgiving Day. Just be sure to take a few minutes before your guests arrive to light the candles, check the table, take a deep breath and get ready to enjoy yourself.
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