Ready For a Stress Free Thanksgiving?

Several weeks ago I shared a post on getting organized for Thanksgiving, are you ready for a stress free Thanksgiving now? Hopefully your menu is set and you’ve realized that you can’t buy all the food in one shopping trip. Instead stock your pantry ahead of time with the basic items that don’t need to be refrigerated. Buy the perishable items just a few days ahead.

 

When planning your menu don’t go overboard. Consider how many people are coming to the meal. Most people don’t want to over eat but want to enjoy the company of others. Include a few healthy choices for those watching their weight. Skip the fancy appetizers and just serve nuts, good olives or figs and prosciutto. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes is another idea for a healthy choice!

 

Create a game plan so you know what needs to be made when. Figure out which tasks can be done a few days ahead. Delegate! If you’re hosting this year don’t try to do everything yourself! Ask each person to bring a favorite dish or give them choices as to what they could bring. Remember your goal is to have a stress free Thanksgiving!

 

Do as much food prep ahead of time as possible. Pies, blanched vegetables and cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.

 

Identify which of the dishes that have to be made on Thanksgiving Day will take the longest. Work backwards from the time you want to eat, allow 10 minutes extra per recipe.

 

Figure out the cooking temperatures and see what can go in the oven at the same time. Have your recipes on hand; make copies if necessary to cut down on the clutter!

 

When your guests arrive give them all a chore such as setting the table or pouring the water. My sister in law has a wonderful way of letting everyone be a part of the preparation. She has chores written down ahead of time and when you arrive everyone draws one or two chores to do. Everything from setting the table to clearing the table is covered.

 

Take a few moments between eating the dinner and dessert. Set up a desert station on a side table with forks, plates, pie servers and coffee cups. Have the coffee pot ready to go so that all you have to do is hit brew.

 

Once the table is cleared put the dishes right in the dishwasher. If you are particular about how your dishwasher is loaded at least have the dishes soaking in the sink.

 

By planning ahead and delegating the food and clean up you will be able to enjoy a stress free Thanksgiving. I love hosting Thanksgiving! I use these same tips whether I’m hosting a dinner party or a holiday meal. It helps keep the stress of the day to a minimum.