10 Brilliant Tips to Make Your Thanksgiving Dinner Go Off With Out a Hitch
~ by Brandy Hunt
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to host a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. The added pressure for everything to be “just right” can have our candles burning at both ends. My family has always celebrated with fabulous food and good times for as long as I can remember. With us being such a large group, it would have been a major undertaking for one (or even two) people to pull off. Here are a few of the things I have learned over the years.
Last Minute Tips for Thanksgiving
1) If you’re using disposable plates and utensils shop for them early or stock up for the next year after they go on sale. You can also ask one of your guests to be in charge of bringing them. Be eco-conscious, look for compostable dinnerware.
2) Make it Pot-luck without leaving it to luck. 😉 Ask everyone to bring a side dish that they love, or assign them something to bring. Everyone has their favorite green bean or sweet potato recipe. That way you don’t end up with 10 desserts, which has been known to happen on occasion at our house.
3) Do your prepping the day before. Chop everything you can and place it in a container labeled with what it is, how much is in it and what dish it’s for.
4) Get out your baking dishes and label them, with sticky notes, with what dish you will use it for. That way you can avoid scrambling to figure out what you’re going to put the green beans in at the last minute.
5) Don’t forget the ice! Ice is one of the most forgotten items during the holidays. Ask one of your guests to be in charge of picking up and bringing the ice. Have a little cooler ready for when they arrive to put it in.
6) Set your table and your tablescape the night before. To avoid added stress, remember that even a bowl full of lemons can make an eye catching centrepiece. To go even simpler and throw in some seasonal flare you can use small gourds placed throughout the table setting.
7) Tell everyone to bring their own container for leftovers, incase there’s actually anything left over. You know you’ll never see your containers again if you supply them. 😉
8) Go over all of your recipes and make your grocery list. Don’t forget to check the bathrooms for soap and toilet paper, things you definitely don’t want to run-out of with a house full of guests.
9)For an efficient shopping trip, make sure to organize your list by departments. Double check your pantry and fridge before you leave the house. This can save you that return visit for the butter you forgot.
10) Remember to slow down and give thanks for all you have. Be present and enjoy spending time with your family and friends. That’s what it’s all about.
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