Thanksgiving time is perfect for getting together with family and loved ones, being thankful, and, of course, enjoying some kind of feast. However, it could also be a source of stress if you are hosting this year, and that will only happen if you aren’t properly prepared.
Whether this is your first Thanksgiving as host, or if you’re a seasoned pro, these five tips will help you start prepping now so you can relax and enjoy the holiday when it arrives.
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Plan Your Menu Early
One of the most important aspects of Thanksgiving is the food. Begin by planning your menu well in advance. Whether you are sticking with traditional fare, such as roast turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, or getting creative with new recipes, it’s great to have a good idea of what’s going to happen. Before the big day, decide whether you’re making everything from scratch or ordering some pre-made items from a local bakery or grocery store. This will also give you plenty of scope to accommodate any dietary needs of your guests so that there’s always something on the table for everyone. When the menu is planned well in advance of a celebration, it enables you to make a fine and detailed shopping list. This will save you time and unnecessary stress later.
Sort Your Shopping List and Buy in Advance
Now that your menu is decided, it is time to sort out your shopping list. Divide that list into non-perishable and perishable items. Now, whereas some ingredients must be bought fresh, many essentials like canned pumpkin, flour, and spices, for example, can be obtained weeks ahead of time. Shopping for your pantry staples early will keep you from the last-minute rush at the grocery store and ensure you have everything. And don’t forget the beverages either. If you are planning to have wine or cocktails served, then it’s already the right time to restock or even buy wine online. You can focus on other important things while Thanksgiving Day draws near with your basics stored.
Prepare Your Kitchen and Equipment
Take some time before the rush of cooking to inspect your kitchen and count your tools and equipment. Make sure that your oven, stovetop, and fridge are working properly and large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. Do you have a meat thermometer for the turkey? Sufficient baking sheets and serving dishes? If not, this is the time to borrow or purchase them. You can also prep by decluttering your kitchen and organizing your pantry. This way, everything will be accessible once you have to cook on the big day. With a well-prepared kitchen, you might discover that cooking on the big day might not be so difficult after all.
Prepare the Table a Few Days in Advance
Setting the table is one of those things that you let slide until the last minute but preparing it ahead of time will spare you much stress on Thanksgiving Day. Days ahead of the holiday, prepare your table setting by deciding on your choice of plates, glasses, utensils, and napkins. If you wish to, you can decorate the table with autumnal decorations like pumpkins, candles, or even autumn leaves. You can even fold napkins in advance and put in place cards if you want. This would reduce work for you on the actual day, and you could then spend more time cooking and with your guests.
Plan for Leftovers
No Thanksgiving is complete without leftovers, so stock up on containers, foil, and storage bags before the big day so you’re ready to pack up that extra food. If you’re hosting a crowd, you might even want to send guests home with leftovers, so having a few disposable containers on hand will be helpful. This will help you deal with the cleanup after the feast and ensure that the food is not wasted by rotting away. You will prepare the leftovers knowing that you will have lunch and dinner provided for the next couple of days, keeping your nerves down.
Conclusion
Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Early preparation will ensure the reduction of stress attached to the holiday, thus making it fun for you and your guests. This could be planning the menu and making a shopping list or even setting the table ahead of time. Every little step will make a big difference as you try to be as prepared as possible for this holiday, and the more organized you are now, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones when Thanksgiving finally comes.
