Simple Organization Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
I think we have all endured at least one Thanksgiving dinner where the hosts seemed frazzled. It is not impossible to get through the day stress free! As an adult, I have hosted many calm Thanksgiving dinners thanks to my brief career in food service and love of list-making. Today I'm sharing how I do it.
Tip #1: Refresh your Refrigerator
Start a few days ahead. Go through your refrigerator and clean out the moldy cheese, dips, and jars of sauces that haven’t been used in quite a while… you know, all the scary stuff. Make room for prepped food and leftovers. While you're at it, go through your pantry, too. This is a great time to donate unopened boxes of pasta, rice, beans, and sauces to your local food pantry or food drive.
Tip #2: Prepare Shopping Lists, Dishes & Food
Planning your meal also means planning the cookware, serving dishes, and utensils that will be used. If these are in storage, locate them and make sure they are clean and free of nicks and cracks.
Go through your recipes and make a shopping list. Many Thanksgiving dinner items can be purchased days in advance to avoid crowded stores.
Do what you can ahead of time. Most vegetables can be prepped a day ahead and placed in the refrigerator in a bowl of water. If you bought a frozen turkey, read the recommended thaw time and add one day. A thawed turkey will be safe for 1-2 days in the refrigerator, longer if it is vacuum packed.
Tip #3: Trim the Table Ahead of Time
Decide on how the table will be set and how food will be served. Formal? Start 2-3 days in advance: Get out the china, crystal, and stemware, and polish and clean as needed. Launder or press linens and fold the napkins. For centerpieces, purchase flowers and keep cold, and trim wicks on candles.
Is your gathering more casual? Stock up on heavy duty disposable plates and flatware. Plan out the buffet (the kitchen island or a folding table works well) with a sketch for food placement so the line moves smoothly.
The day before the feast, decide on dinner time and plan cooking times for each dish. For example, let’s say you want to eat at 1 pm. If recommended cook time for the turkey is 4 hours, add the resting time and carving time, and plan to put it in the oven at about 8:30 am. Side dishes can often be popped in the oven while the turkey is resting. Knowing the timeline eases stress and ensures that everything will be finished on time. Clean as you go!
Tip #4: Set Up a Self-Serve Snack & Drink Station
Consider setting up a drink and snack area in the living room or family room -- away from the kitchen! Include cups, drinks, ice, napkins, and small plates. Having healthy snacks like veggies and cheese will appease appetites, especially for young kiddos.
Speaking of children, giving them small tasks will keep them occupied and help them feel important. They can draw or write out place cards, draw turkeys by tracing their hands and coloring them, and set out salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.
Final Advice for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Allow time a few days in advance to prep guest rooms and thoroughly clean the house. This way, when the big day arrives, all that is needed is a light tidying up. Be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before so that you are well rested. If your guests want to help by bringing something, ask that it’s prepped and ready to go when they arrive.
I wish all of you a happy, stress-free Thanksgiving, sharing the day with people you love.
Want more tips for simple home organization with big impact? Check out my blog post on organizing for entertaining or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Until next time,
Laura