(BlackDoctor.org) — Thanksgiving. That name inspires sweet and comforting thoughts of spending time with family – as well as eating way too much of all those delectable, irresistible treats, of course.
But let’s not even fool ourselves – preparing for Turkey Day is a lot of work, and dealing with all the details of shopping, cooking, preparing the home, etc. can be an undeniable source of stress and frustration.
The solution? Some simple preparation tips that can help you stay on track and overcome any last-minute obstacles – so you can have more time to actually enjoy your holiday.
Thanksgiving Planning Guide
As soon as you can:
• Prepare your guest list; confirm how many people will be there.
• Find out if your guests have any special dietary needs.
• Place a rental order, if necessary, for tables, chairs, glasses, plates and flatware.
• Decide on your final menu and collect the recipes you’ll need. Select some dishes that taste good at room temperature, so you won’t have to worry about your hot entree getting cold, or your cold dessert melting.
• Assign cooking projects to family members who offer to help.
• Order your fresh turkey, or buy your frozen turkey and put it in the freezer. If buying a whole turkey, plan on one pound per person. If you’re buying just the bone-in breast, plan on 3/4 pound per person.
• Order or pick up alcohol and other beverages, or delegate this to your non-cooking guests. Keep in mind that a bottle of wine contains about five glasses and always have non-alcoholic drink choices on hand.
• Shop for non-perishable goods now. You can buy flour, sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, canned pumpkin, packaged stuffing and cornbread mixes, rice, and fresh or frozen cranberries, all before the crowds descend.
A Few Days Before Thanksgiving…
Shop. Shop for hardier vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, potatoes, parsnips and turnips. Buy heavy cream now; it’s hard to find right before the day of the holiday.
Prepare. If necessary, wash and iron linen or polish silver. Dig out your turkey roaster and platter and any serving dishes hidden away in closets or high shelves.
Defrost. If you have a frozen turkey, clear a space in your fridge and put the bird in now to defrost.
Clean. Clean the house, or put non-cooking household members in charge.
Set-up. If you’re having a lot of guests, you may want to set up the table(s) and make sure you have enough space and chairs.
Two Days Before Thanksgiving…
Make most desserts, breads & sauces. Make pumpkin pies or pumpkin cheesecake, rolls, breads and cornbread for stuffing. Refrigerate pies; you can always warm things up again before serving. Apple or pecan pies don’t do well in advance, though; the crust doesn’t stay flaky and crisp. Make things that can sit for two days in the fridge, like soups and cranberry sauce.
Prep Other Food. Assemble casseroles (like sweet potato or green bean); they can be stored uncooked in the fridge and baked on Thanksgiving.
One Day Before Thanksgiving…
Set the table. Do it now so you won’t have to worry about it later.
Prepare for guests. Set up a coat rack with extra hangers.
Finish the baking. Do any remaining baking, including apple or pecan pies.
