Four Weeks Till Thanksgiving

Only four weeks till Thanksgiving! Does the thought of the approaching holidays leave you breathless? Is it your turn to host the thanksgiving meal this year? Do you feel like there is just not enough time to get ready? What can you do to be ready for the day?

Years ago I read an article that had several steps that would help you to be ready for Thanksgiving. I wrote a few notes down on an index card, placed it in with my recipes and have used the advice every year since then. Even though you only have four weeks till Thanksgiving with these ten simple steps you too can be ready for the big day.

1. About a month before Thanksgiving compile a guest list. Figure out who’s coming for dinner and if anyone has any sort of food allergy.
2. Have your guests help out by contributing a dish or a dessert. Be specific, ask your aunt to bring her wonderful creamed onions or your sister to bring her delicious cherry pie for example. Tell everyone you’ll do the turkey and let your guests bring the sides. Once everyone has decided what they are going to bring you can fill in the missing items.
3. Purchase your turkey at least 3-4 weeks ahead of the big day. If you’re ordering a fresh bird you can do that 2-3 weeks in advance.
4. Prepare and assemble any dishes ahead of time. Baked goods and pie crusts can be prepared ahead of time and placed in the freezer.
5. The Saturday before Thanksgiving shop for your perishable food. Get out your china, serving dishes and serving utensils.
6. The Monday before Thanksgiving put the frozen turkey in the refrigerator to thaw. If making your stuffing from scratch cut bread into cubes and put in a plastic bag.
7. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving cook, peel and mash sweet potatoes, cover and refrigerate. Chop your onions and celery for the stuffing and refrigerate.
8. The day before Thanksgiving prepare your stuffing and refrigerate. Cook the giblet broth for the gravy. Prepare your cranberry molds and refrigerate. Make your creamed onions. If you can, set the table and arrange the centerpiece. Bake your pies.
9. On the big day add your liquid to the stuffing and stuff your turkey. Start roasting the turkey so it will be done 30 minutes before you plan to eat. Make sure you have a few light appetizers set out for your guests. Having a few nibbles will help tide everyone over until dinner is ready.
10. Remember what Thanksgiving is all about. It’s not about the turkey or the special dessert, but who is gathered around your table. Be thankful for your family and friends and enjoy the day!