Planning a Successful Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is just a few days away and, if you are hosting this year, chances are that right about now you are in the midst of menu planning (and maybe even questioning your decision to host the biggest cooking event of the year!). If you feel a little overwhelmed right now, I have good news for you: Thanksgiving should not be stressful or complicated so here are my simple tips to help you plan a successful Thanksgiving:

Four Tips for Planning a Successful Thanksgiving

Make detailed lists a priority:Create a list for all your menu dishes, gather your recipes, and print them out. Make two detailed shopping listsone for staples and one for perishables. Write down your oven schedule (i.e., what goes in when and for how long.) Make a list of all your guests so you can keep track on their RSVPs.

Prep ahead of time: Make a note of which dishes can be done ahead of time and stick with the schedule. You can make your cranberry relish, your pie crusts, your gravy and your breads well ahead of time.

Get the house ready: Thanksgiving is more than just prepping food. The house needs to be organized and set up for the big feast, the silverware needs polishing, and the table should be set with your nicest china. All these can be done earlier in the week. You can also decide which dishes will go on which platters or serving bowls and place a little sticky note on each one.

Accept help: I know it is hard! Many of us like doing things our own way, but dont try to be a superhero. Delegate tasks to your guests and let them bring their signature dishes (but be sure to keep track of who brings what). Involve the kids by asking them to make place cards for your guests.

Counting Down to Thanksgiving

If you need to make a prep schedule that will help you keep organized on these few days leading to Thanksgiving, here are a few suggestions and my simple Countdown to Thanksgiving that I shared with you last year.

Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes

Easy Dry-Brined Roasted Turkey

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy with onions and sage from Ina Garten

Easy Buttermilk Drop Buiscuits

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans with Sauted Shallots

Sweet Potatoes with Sherry

Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Orange-Shallot Vinaigrette

Heavenly Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

To all of you who have been following my blog since its beginning and to all my new readers too:

I am very grateful that you have signed up to receive my weekly posts and for following along with my culinary adventures.I am very thankful that you take your time to read my posts, try my recipes, and leave your comments!

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