How to host a large Thanksgiving Dinner

If you are planning a large Thanksgiving dinner it can be a little overwhelming. Especially if this is your first time around. Don't panic yet ... follow these instructions and you can plan a stress free Thanksgiving.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• Pen/Paper
• Food for Thanksgiving

1. 
   Checklist

   Plan. A nice Thanksgiving dinner is well planned. It is good to keep things written down in a notebook that way you always have something to go to. Write down the food that is going to be served, the guests that are coming and things that need to be done before Thanksgiving.

2. 
   Table

   Prepare. Get everything ready before the actual day. Get the house cleaned, grocery shopping done and the tables set the day before. This is especially important if you are having an early Thanksgiving dinner. You are going to be busy enough on Thanksgiving, so try to get as much done before hand.

3. 
   Turkey

   Perform. As a host/hostess make sure that you greet your guests as they come in and have food ready. Try not to have the turkey ready too much in advance. If you have to keep the turkey warm by keeping it in the oven it is just going to dry out, so try to make sure it is done about 20-30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• It's O.K. to ask for help. Have family members bring one of the items of food or drinks.
• Get some help getting things set up. Yes, men can help with this part. :-)
• Don't panic...if things get a little hectic find a room to chill out in for a few minutes. If you feel like you are doing everything by yourself see if someone can step in and help you for a few minutes.

[nlroth1]

on 10/11/2009 Great ideas! You can also use iHost: Thanksgiving, an iphone app available on the App Store. It's an easy to use party planner that helps keep track of your guests, menu, recipes, budget, calendar and more.
iHost: Thanksgiving can also be used for planning other parties! And then you don't need the notebook, you'll always have your lists with you when you are out and about.

[Alisiane]

on 11/24/2008 Hard to believe it's already this time of year again...where did the whole year go? :-) Good pointers.