How to Prepare for Thanksgiving

Fall has flown by; September to Halloween felt like a blur and it is almost time for Thanksgiving — before you know it January 2017 will be here. Before we ring in the New Year, there are still a few holidays left to celebrate. Thanksgiving is always a hectic time, especially for those hosting as you are in charge of preparing and usually cooking the food and eventually cleaning up.

If you’re like most people, you didn’t think about Thanksgiving until Halloween passed, but now as it is approaching you are beginning to worry — but remember, this holiday is all about giving thanks. Sure, your family would enjoy a nicely cooked meal, but be thankful you can spend this time with them — don’t waste it crying over the burnt apple pie.

The final countdown is on and if you’re not quite ready for Thanksgiving, this is where we step in. Now if you’re not in the United States, Thanksgiving is just another Thursday, but if you are celebrating here are a few things you can do to ensure your day will run smoothly.

Prepare your guest list and confirm how many people will be over your house. The last thing you want is to not have enough turkey for your guests — what’s Thanksgiving without turkey? Just a normal Thursday dinner. Be sure you have enough table space or chairs.

Check your cookware and kitchen tools to make sure you have the tools needed to prepare dinner. Take inventory now; if you need a roasting pan, pie dishes or a meat thermometer you don’t want to wait until Thanksgiving morning and realize you they are missing. Be sure to stock up on Ziploc containers to encourage guests to bring home leftovers, unless you want to have Thanksgiving dinner for breakfast and lunch the next four days.

Create a food shopping list. If guests are bringing dishes, you should have an idea so you don’t end up making too many yams. If you are cooking solo, be sure to go through the recipes and write down all of the necessary ingredients, keeping in mind you may need to double or triple a recipe. Clear space in your refrigerator and freezer before you go shopping in order to make room for everything on your list.

Don’t forget to order a turkey; assume two pounds per adult and one pound per child. Choose a signature drink so you don’t need to serve as a bartender and make a big batch before guests arrive, allowing them to help themselves.

If it helps, make some of the food ahead of time, so you don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to begin cooking.

Pick up the pies a few days before to ensure the crust is flaky and crispy.

Tidy up your home and set the table the day before, so you won’t feel so rushed that morning.