Ten Tips to Prepare for Thanksgiving Day

We are not hosting Thanksgiving meal at our home this year but here are the tips that have helped me personally the many years that we have been the host. :)

Here are my ten tips in preparation for Thanksgiving Day:

1.  Clean out your refrigerator.  

You will need room for your Thanksgiving dishes as well as leftovers after the meal.

2.  Put beverages in fridge to chill.

3.  Gather all items needed for set up on that day.  

Example:  Tablecloths, napkins, dinnerware - Count out how many you will need for the number of guests you are expecting.  (I set my table the night before! :)

Serving dishes - very important! Some dishes you may not use very often such as the turkey platter. Find all you will need.  Place the items with the dish if possible.  For example:  Chips with the chip/dip tray.  Olives and pickles with their dish.

Cooking utensils - extremely important!  What items do you need to cook that turkey?  Thermometer, baster, baking bag, etc.  Place them all together.

4.  Have plastic containers ready to place leftovers in.  With their matching lids. :)

5.  Prepare as many dishes as you are able to the day before.  

This will definitely ease your Thanksgiving morning work load.  Many dishes you can prepare and place in a slow cooker the night before.  Then simply plug in Thanksgiving morning!

6.  Use slow cookers to keep food warm in until the meal.  For example:  I remember someone always mashing the potatoes at the very last minute before our Thanksgiving meal.  A slow cooker is a wonderful way to keep them warm and ready to serve and you will be able to properly host your guests as they arrive.

7.  Create a drink station.  

I like to set up a small table for hot drinks - coffee, tea, hot cocoa, cider. I have one coffeemaker with coffee prepared and one with just hot water.  Also have a place for your cold drinks on ice where the guests can help themselves throughout the day.  

8.  Choose your outfit the night before.  

Yes, I know, it is a holiday and you will be cooking.  I encourage you though to dress up a little!  AKA...leave your pajama pants and slippers at home. :)

9.  Make your home cozy and inviting as possible.  

Have fresh flowers for your table.  Use real tablecloths and napkins.  Have scented candles burning.  

10.  Put on a smile.  

You may not have the Norman Rockwell scene happen in your home.  But you can make it a time of happiness with those you love.