A Perfect Stress Free- Thanksgiving

Are you hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year?

Here are some tips to help you out as you plan for Thanksgiving Day:

This year, for the first time ever, my husband and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our place. I am going to try to take the necessary steps in planning to make sure it all goes off without a hitch. (I will update you on how that goes when we all come back from Thanksgiving.)  Below are some tips on how you can host Thanksgiving Day with ease.

Shopping
At least a few weeks in advance, unlike me (deciding just last night) who is making what, what the menu will be, and what groceries you will need. Then compile a master shopping list that you can add to as new dishes pop up or you discover a great recipe that calls for specific ingredient.

Cooking
  Thanksgiving happens to bring out the cook in everyone so let your guest bring a dish if they insist! Let people sign up for sides and desserts to help take some of the weight off your shoulders. That said, be prepared to have enough food in case someone backs out at the last minute.Cook or prepare as much in advance. Then on Thanksgiving morning you can start placing your food in the oven to cook. It will be a lot less stressful if you do this!

Setting the Table
It seems simple enough, but if you plan on having a beautiful festive table, be sure to lay everything out the night before.Wednesday arrange all your seating, tablecloths, fold napkins, and make place cards. Be sure to have extra serving spoons for the dishes your guests are planning to bring. Even if you are keeping things simple, setting the table is one less thing you have to do the day of  if you set it the night before.

Getting Ready
The day before, double check that you have everything you may need. Be sure that there are enough hand towels and toilet paper in the bathroom, and ice in the freezer.  If you start with a glistening clean kitchen it will be easier to keep it that way as the cooking festivities ensue. Schedule in some time about an hour before guests arrive to get yourself ready. Waiting until that last fifteen minutes to tear off your apron and slap on some lipstick will only make you more frazzled.  The beauty of having a prep list is when someone asks to help you, can have them read the list and see what needs to be done.

Last but not least, just because you are the host doesn’t mean you cannot have a good time. Thanksgiving is a great Holiday in that the goal is simply to be together. No one will remember a dry turkey or a soggy pie crust. A host who is calm and happy will make everyone feel at home!

So enjoy the day and the time with family and friends!