As we write this, Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. To help you plan and avoid last minute preparations (and save your sanity in the process), we’d like to suggest a sample planning time frame and suggestions on how to have a stress free holiday.

Beginning Now…
1. Plan your menu. Write it down and “star” those items you’d like to delegate to others if you’re hosting family and friends. Then, decide which items you can make ahead and freeze. (This is a huge time-saver for later on, particularly for baked items that freeze and thaw easily. You can shop for these ingredients now!) Finally, from your menu, write out a shopping list. Keep it available so you can revise as time goes on. Don’t forget the smaller incidentals, such as salt, pepper, napkins, tumblers, milk and other beverages, butter, cooking pans and bags (including for the turkey), creamers for coffee, etc.

2.  Determine how certain foods will be cooked (oven, fryer, microwave, etc.) and decide “what” is going to be cooked “when”.  Not everything will be able to go in the oven at the same time. You might want to even borrow certain equipment to cover your baking needs. Otherwise, decide what foods you can begin making ahead of time and refrigerate until time to cook – or reheat!

3. If you haven’t already, invite your guests as soon as possible, and get RSVPs.

4. Based on the number of people you will be serving, determine the size of turkey you will need to buy. Order it now, or watch the grocery ads to see which store will offer the best deals. Many people would prefer buying two smaller turkeys rather than one large turkey. The cooking times (depending on cooking method) can be faster. Fresh turkeys don’t tend to dry out like frozen ones, but it’s certainly a personal choice. If you do buy a frozen one, though, carefully plan out the time it needs to be in the refrigerator to thaw. DO NOT LEAVE IT OUT ON THE COUNTER. Bacteria is an ugly thing and you don’t want your guests to get sick! Generally, it’s good to start defrosting your turkey (in the refrigerator) on Monday before Thanksgiving.

5. While preparing your Thanksgiving meal, plan a few easy meals (frozen or otherwise) to fix the days prior to Thanksgiving Day. This will ease stress during this very busy week. Also, don’t forget to keep up your exercise routine. Exercising is a great stress buster!

Next Steps…

• Allow enough time (days ahead) to make pie crusts, cakes, breads, etc. Wrap well to prevent drying out and store in a place where they won’t get damaged.
• Depending on the time you plan to eat, determine how early you need to get the turkey ready for cooking on Thanksgiving morning. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes prep time, oven warm-up, and cooking time. It’s always better to give yourself a cushion of time rather than cut everything really close.

The Weekend Before Thanksgiving…

• Clean your house but plan to do a quick once-over on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.
• Do something fun with your family. Celebrate Fall!

Additional Helps…

• Plan some activities for the kids – to keep them busy the days prior to Thanksgiving and on “the day”.  Decide if there are any ways they can help you in your preparations. They often love to be a part of the planning.
• Decide on your table setting (kids can definitely help with this), room decor, dinner favors, music, etc. Plan this early so you’ll have supplies ready when you are! Polish the silver, make sure the glasses you will use are spotless, press linens and napkins, and gather your serving platters.
• Have plenty of ice? Bring out your ice bucket so it’s ready to go. An item like this is often forgotten and it’s a last minute scramble to find it. Chill beverages at least the day before.

Thanksgiving Morning / Day…

• Set the table. This can even be done the evening before, but make sure this area “off-limits” to excited children. Provide other areas where they can play.
• Start your day with a healthy breakfast to keep your energy levels up and you won’t overeat later in the day.
• As your guests arrive, welcome them with appetizers, veggies and dips, and holiday beverages. This will encourage conversation and give you a little more time to pull everything together.
• When everyone is seated, take just a few minutes to appreciate each other and, most importantly, to thank God, not only for who He is, but for His abundant blessings. He alone deserves our praise and adoration.
• Enjoy your family and friends, and enjoy the food! Besides kicking back and watching the games on TV (after everyone has chipped in to help clear the table and put food safely away), you might enjoy a brisk walk or some fun board or card games. Then, a little later, bring out the dessert. The perfect ending to a most wonderful day.