Things You'll Need:
- Patience
- Pre-planning
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Step 1
PLAN AHEAD - The main sress-reducing step in hosting a successful and enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner is to plan well in advance. Determine how may guests will be attending and then take an inventory of your supplies. Stock up on flatware, place settings, glasses, serving platters and bowls, serving spoons, cookware, chairs, tables, and table linens. Purchase, rent or borrow what is needed to accommodate your guests.
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Step 2
WRITE OUT THE MENU - Determine your menu and write down exactly what will be served. Make a list of ingredients for all dishes and buy non-perishable ingredients well in advance. If you are enlisting others to help prepare the food, assign items early.
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Step 3
FREE UP THE FRIDGE - Figure out what will need to be refrigerated and be sure to make enough space in your fridge. On the day of your dinner, use a cooler to hold items that will not be used for Thanksgiving. Place the cooler in the garage or in another area out of the way. You may also wish to use a cooler to hold extra beverages. Don't forget to have enough ice on hand.
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Step 4
PRPARE FOODS AHEAD - Think about preparing some foods in advance. Many dishes can be made ahead and frozen until needed. This is a great time saver.
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Step 5
ENLIST HELP - Feeling like you need to remember EVERYTHING can be overwhelming and add to your stress level. Enlist help of family members. Ask guests to bring a dish to share. Take help if anyone offers!
Comments
msromagnola said
on 11/10/2009 These are great ideas that I need to start thinking about now!
msromagnola said
on 11/10/2009 These are great ideas that I need to start thinking about now!
turtledove said
on 11/10/2009 #3 Free up the fridge. That is so important. And I always forget. I end up crouching in front of it, deciding what to throw out on Thanksgiving morning. :-) 5*