Putting together a Thanksgiving feast is not for the faint of heart. It takes lots of planning, time, and energy to pull off the most important meal of the year. With a giant bird to thaw, potatoes to peel, pies to bake, and relatives knocking on the door, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and want to throw up the white flag. But by following these 5 easy tips, tackling your Thanksgiving meal will look less like Mount Everest and more like a foot hill.
1. Plan: Planning is everything – the menu, the shopping list, the schedule, the seating chart. It’s essential to do this ahead of time and not on the fly. Break out the paper and make lists of each recipe, then make a detailed list of what you need to purchase. Remember to double and triple check the list so you’re not making last minute trips to the store.
2. Stock Up: Don’t wait until the week before Thanksgiving to go grocery shopping. Stock up a few weeks ahead on non-perishable items – keeping an eye out for sales on key items like four, pumpkin, bread crumbs, and spices. Pick up your perishables closer to Thanksgiving Day, that way you’re serving the freshest ingredients possible to your guests.
3. Potluck: There’s nothing wrong with asking for a little help. Ask family members and friends to bring a dish. This means less work for you and allows your guests to showcase some of their holiday favorites. Just be sure to create a list to know who’s bring what, that way you won’t have duplicate dishes.
4. Early Bird: Since you’re planning ahead, cook ahead! Make and freeze pie crusts and side dishes ahead of time, so on Thanksgiving all you’ll have to do is pop them in the oven. This will allow you to dedicate more time to the turkey and your guests.
5. Dig In & Pig Out: Relax! Dinner went off without a hitch! Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Join your guests at the table and eat with gusto.
What are some of your tips for a successful Thanksgiving?
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