Preparing your Thanksgiving dinner takes a lot of planning. It can be stressful, to say the least! How can you make your dinner successful, especially when you have a large group? By laying out a planning strategy that works, of course. Let’s look at some ideas and tips for planning your holiday meal:
10 Days Before Thanksgiving Day:
A week to 10 days before Thanksgiving, make your guest list. If there are any friends or family members you have not yet contacted, do so now to give them and yourself plenty of time to prepare. If any of your guests will be bringing a special dish, add it to your menu.
If you will be cooking turkey, decide upon fresh, frozen, or smoked. Make sure you have room in your refrigerator and oven. You should plan on one to one 1/2 pounds per person and even a bit larger if you want plenty of leftovers.
A final menu should be ready at least a week before Thanksgiving. Look at your guest list and adjust your menu to take into consideration the younger children, big eaters, or anyone with a special dietary need. Offering the children onion-less stuffing in a separate casserole might make their meal a bit more special.
Week of Thanksgiving:
During the start of Thanksgiving week you want to start stocking your non-perishable foods and pantry items. Be sure you have all the paper products, serving pieces, cutlery, chairs, and other items on hand that you will need for dinner. You may want to bake your rolls and bread now and freeze them ahead of time.
The Countdown To Thanksgiving Day:
With just a few days before Thanksgiving, prepare some items beforehand to save a bit of time during the final rush.
Things like cranberry sauce or relish can be stored in your refrigerator for a few days. You may want to cut up onions, celery, and any like items and store them in plastic ware to save time on Thanksgiving morning. You may want to prepare some side dishes the night before Thanksgiving; items like Green Bean Casserole store just fine overnight. Prepare your pies and cakes now, as well. If you have items in the freezer, they should come out now and go in the refrigerator.
Make sure you have everything on your shopping list in your kitchen at least 2-3 days before Thanksgiving morning.
Time to plan the day’s games. If you have children in the house, be sure to include them in deciding what games to play. Get out the decorations for the table and the house. If there are any special Thanksgiving serving pieces, now is the time to get those out onto the kitchen counter. Don’t forget to take care of your special linens now, too. Wash and iron them if necessary now to prevent having to do that at the last minute!
Thawing your frozen turkey correctly is very important. Three days before Thanksgiving morning should be sufficient when you thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. Be sure to following the thawing instructions on the bird itself.
Thanksgiving Morning Is Here:
It’s Thanksgiving morning and you are all set! Your turkey is thawed and ready to stuff. Figure out the timing to roast your turkey using the time table on the packaging. Prepare your bird, stuff it, and get it ready for the oven in your roasting pan. Plan your side dish cooking schedule. Prepare any side dishes and desserts that you were unable to prepare overnight; peeling potatoes, etc. Wash dishes as you go to prevent a pile up during dinner.
Now it’s time to set the table, and take a break! Enjoy the aromas already wafting through your house… that is the smell of a wonderfully planned and prepared Thanksgiving dinner. Good for you! You have successfully created a memorable Thanksgiving without all the stress. Go light the candles and relax with your guests!
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