How to Start Planning Now for Your Thanksgiving Day Party

Want to make sure that your Thanksgiving is stress free? Follow this simple time line and start planning for your Thanksgiving now so that it isn't full of stress!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a calendar

1. 4 WEEKS AHEAD OF TIME
   1. Decide on a theme! Will you have a elegant dinner party, an outdoor BBQ turkey extraganza, a family event, an intimate event for a few friends. Now is the time to decide on the type of Thanksgiving you want to host this year.
   
   2. Make the guestlist! Decide who you will invite this year and make a list of their names and addresses. If you are going to send homemade invitations, start constructing them. Otherwise, buy your invitations or design your evite.
   
   3. Call each of your guests and find out if they have a food allergy so you can plan your menu around that or at least make sure to have an option for them. The worst thing is to have a guest who can't enjoy the wonderful food you prepare.

2. 3 WEEKS IN ADVANCE
   1. Now is the time to plan your menu and collect any recipes you may need. Browse the local food magazines and websites for ideas! Make sure your menu fits your theme and also you budget :)

3. 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE
   1. Make a list of all the groceries you will need for your menu. Make sure to write down the quantity. Order any specialty items you may need.
   
   2. Design the layout of the table or space. Will you have enough space? If not call a local rental company or friends to borrow or rent a table and chairs. Also, make sure you will have enough plates and silverware.
   
   3. Design your Thanksgiving Day centerpiece - look online for ideas! Order your flowers if you will need them.
   
   4. Begin to clean the house and the fridge to fit all the groceries and leftovers. Yummy.

4. 3 DAYS BEFORE
   1. Go grocery shopping! Make sure to bring your list and a calculator if you are on a tight budget.
   
   2. Begin to decorate your home for the festivities!
   
   3. Create a cooking schedule, and think about what you can prepare ahead of time so you can enjoy the day as much as possible!

5. DAY BEFORE
   1. Cook anything that can be prepared the day before so you can enjoy the day as much as possible!
   
   2. Get ready to have a wonderful day!

Tips & Warnings

• The earlier you begin the better - you want to enjoy the day with family and friends!

[2besure]

on 11/6/2008 Wow Thanksgiving...I don't know how you do it! I am going out this year.

[pianistic]

on 11/3/2008 I like your layout.