Thanksgiving Day Tips
By Kim Ray
Photo: © Sean Locke - iStockphoto.com
 If you are having family and friends over for a Thanksgiving feast, you may be wondering how you will get a chance to enjoy this time together. If you already have people bringing a few of their delicious specialties, then you are on the right track. Here are a few ways to simplify Thanksgiving preparations even more, so that you can relax and be thankful right along with your company.
The first step is to sit down at least two weeks in advance with a pen and paper to brainstorm. Write down everything you will need (have your recipe book in front of you). Also write down tablecloth, napkins, and anything else you will use that day. This is a good time to call people to ask them if they are planning on bringing anything. You are not imposing. They are probably already wondering what they should do to help you. Ask them what they like to make first, before making any suggestions. People, who are willing to bring whatever you need them to, can help you free up some much needed oven space. |
Others, who are not big on cooking, can help out by bringing a beverage, or a table arrangement of flowers. With proper planning, you can do everything yourself (if you really want to!), but remember that many people are proud of their traditions. If they are set on helping you, let them!
Now that you have your menu in mind, you can buy your ingredients and start cooking. If you can get most dishes prepared one or two days in advance, then Thanksgiving Day can be as easy as heating up and serving. When you think about the items you are in charge of making, first make the ones that typically taste just as good, if not better, the next day. If you don’t want everything precooked, prep as many of the items as you can. For example, chop up your ingredients for stuffing and keep them in plastic bags until you are ready to mix everything up, or boil your eggs ahead of time for deviled eggs.
The night before Thanksgiving put as many side items as possible into the serving dishes that you want to use. This way you won’t be trying to juggle visiting with relatives with organizing your refrigerator. Have your butter on a dish, ready to go, and anything else that you can just take the wrapper off of when it’s time to eat. Of course, have your table set and any carving tools, serving spoons and condiments put aside. |
