Thanksgiving Dinner – Step By Step Planning
Planning Thanksgiving dinner and preparing it can be very stressful, especially if you have a large family or are expecting a number of guests. In order to make Thanksgiving more enjoyable for yourself as well as your guests, some advance planning and preparation will work wonders. Use these tips to make your holiday a stress-free, memorable occasion:
10 Days Before Thanksgiving Day:
A week to 10 days before Thanksgiving, make your guest list. If there are any friends or family members you have not yet contacted, do so now to give them and yourself plenty of time to prepare. If any of your guests will be bringing a special dish, add it to your menu.
If you will be cooking turkey, decide upon fresh, frozen, or smoked. Make sure you have room in your refrigerator and oven. You should plan on one to one 1/2 pounds per person and even a bit larger if you want plenty of leftovers.
Deciding upon your final menu should be completed at least a week before the big day. Consider the number of people you will be entertaining and if you have children on your guest list, try to plan a couple of special dishes or treats especially for them.
Thanksgiving Week:
Coming into the week of Thanksgiving, you want to prepare your pantry. Stock up on paper supplies or additional cutlery, or anything you may need for serving or preparing dinner. Buy food items that will store until Thanksgiving and bake any bread, rolls, or muffins now and freeze them until Thanksgiving day.
The Days Leading Up To Thanksgiving:
A couple of days prior to Thanksgiving you can prepare a few items in advance to save time on the big day.
Things like cranberry sauce or relish can be stored in your refrigerator for a few days. You may want to cut up onions, celery, and any like items and store them in plastic ware to save time on Thanksgiving morning. You may want to prepare some side dishes the night before Thanksgiving; items like Green Bean Casserole store just fine overnight. Prepare your pies and cakes now, as well. If you have items in the freezer, they should come out now and go in the refrigerator.
Now is is time to check your shopping list and make sure everything on it is in your kitchen ready to go for Thanksgiving day.
If you have children, involve them in the planning. They can help organize games for the younger guests, assist with decorations, and can even help out in the kitchen if you desire. Bring your special Thanksgiving serving platters down from storage now. If you will need to wash and iron table linens, now is the time.
If you have purchased a frozen turkey, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator 3 days prior to cooking to give it plenty of time to thaw. Following the thawing instructions on the turkey to the letter.
Thanksgiving Morning Is Here:
On Thanksgiving morning, stuff your thawed turkey and get it ready to place in the oven. Use the time table on your turkey and place your turkey in the oven at the time necessary. Prepare any side dishes now that you were unable to prepare last night; things like peeling potatoes, for instance. Schedule your side dishes in their cooking order. Prepare any desserts that you were unable to prepare the night before.
Now, set the table, sit back, and relax for a few minutes before the guests arrive. Congratulations! You have successfully planned and carried out your Thanksgiving dinner! Less stress and more time to enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration.
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