6 Tips For An Organized Thanksgiving

The holiday time can be a joyous time, and at the same time, it can be stressful and chaotic. So here’s some helpful hints to make Thanksgiving the time of remembrance, family and thanks.

1. HAVE SOMEONE ELSE SERVE YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER. A lot of supermarkets and restaurants offer fully cooked dinners for Thanksgiving. Place the order and simply pick everything up and place it on your table ready to serve. For a personal touch, make a special dish of your own. If you’re extremely busy, considering have dinner at the restaurant and have dessert and coffee at home.

2. INVENTORY CHECK. Check your supply of utensils, serving plates, chairs, tables, dishes, glasses, pots, and pans.

3. MEAL PLANNING. Use a piece of paper to plan your meal from the main dish to appetizers and desserts. Make a list of all ingredients needed. If you use index cards, put one item on each card with a list of ingredients needed for each main dish, dessert, beverages, etc.

4. COOK MEALS AHEAD OF TIME. Freeze your meal, and then on Thanksgiving Day, just defrost, heat and serve. You’ll be able to join in on the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.

5. EASE THE STRESS. Set the table with your good silverware and lay out your wardrobe for the family the day before.

6. MAKE A LIST OF THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO. It’s the one day of the year that people take time to be thankful for all that life has to give--health, family, and friends. Some people choose to have a simple moment of silence, a special prayer before dinner, while others prefer to read a Thanksgiving story or poem. Be sure to reference your list as the day progresses so you don’t forget what you need to do.