How to Organize Thanksgiving Dinner

It is turkey time, not stress time. Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for family, friends and remembering the things for which we are most thankful. Keep it that way by keeping yourself organized for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Here is how to do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Prepare for Turkey Day

1. Get your home festive looking. By arranging your decorations in early November, you will have time to enjoy them throughout the month. Decorations can also help inspire excitement for the holiday.

2. Make a list of all the things you need to do the week before Thanksgiving. This will give you focus and ensure you do not forget anything.

3. Invite your guests, and request RSVPs by the first or second week of November. This will help you determine the size of the turkey that you need to purchase. Expect each person to eat about a pound of turkey. Order your turkey. It will need a couple of days to thaw in the refrigerator.

4. Get the house guest-ready. Schedule a through cleaning a week or so before Thanksgiving. Clean windows, carpets, and guest rooms so you have no cleaning stress the week of Thanksgiving.

5. Take stock of your dishes, utensils, seating, napkins, etc. Arrange to have additional seating if you are expecting more guests than usual. A kids table next to the adult table is a great way to make sure everyone gets to socialize.

Plan for Cooking

6. Develop your menu and shopping list. This will save you time when you start cooking because nothing will be missing.

7. Make sure you have all the cookware that you need. If you are baking a large turkey, be sure you have a pan big enough. Many retailers sell one-time use pans just for Thanksgiving.

8. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer at least a week before Thanksgiving. This will give you room for the extra food and turkey. It also lets you know what you have and do not have.

9. Prepare as much food as possible early in the week if not earlier in the month. Many Thanksgiving dishes freeze well and can reheat slowly the day of your big dinner.

Last Minute Drill

10. Plan your strategy for leftovers. You will need various containers for the food. If you plan to send extras home with your guests, inexpensive aluminum pie pans make great transportation for leftovers.

11. Get ready the night before. Lay out clothes for you and your family. Get the kitchen ready. Have the turkey bagged and ready to bake. Put anything that needs to thaw in the refrigerator. Take a few minutes to put things into perspective: this is a day of thanks.

12. Game day. Go back to your list to see what is left to do. Then, relax and remember what you are thankful for and enjoy Thanksgiving Day.