We are closing in on Thanksgiving in and everyone knows what that means… food! And I do mean FOOD– glorious, wonderful, delicious food! The very best kind, too… celebratory, Thanksgiving-y, delectably aromatically intoxicating. I know; way too many adverbs and such, but I get positively giddy and worked up when it comes to Thanksgiving. This is simply my favorite holiday!
But it can be a huge bomb if it is inadequately planned for. We’re talking about menu planning all this month and if any meal demands menu planning, it’s this holiday!
In my estimation, holiday menu planning should not be lumped in with your menu planning, but rather planned out separately and then added to your regular shopping list a little bit at a time. It’s much easier to add a couple of non-perishables each week than to have to make one big holiday shopping list. I’m a big believer in baby-stepping on this kind of thing!
But let’s pretend for a minute you didn’t do that. Here we are, one week before the big holiday. Let’s get a quick grip on where you are and what really needs to be done right now, today so you can have a holiday that is stress-free with less rush. In other words, it’s not too late!
1. Guestlist. Get this firmed up now. Call, email, or send carrier pigeons to your intended invitees, but do it today!
2. Menu. ‘Nuf said. You know what to do on that! Click here.
3. Grocery List. The groceries needed for your feast need to be listed, preferably in their specific categories, like dairy, produce, etc.
4. Special Needs. Do you need linens ironed, serving pieces cleaned, polished, or borrowed? Do you have enough silverware, do you want someone to stop and get ice on the way to your house? Add this to your list.
5. Prep list. Make as much as you can ahead of time. As for me and my house? You know we’re using my Thanksgiving Timeline and you can get it for free by clicking here.
6. Timeline. If you sit down and logically figure out how everything needs to go, you’ll be less stressed and more relaxed. (My free menu above, has this done for you!!)
Thanksgiving is a time of being thankful, not a time for perfectionism! Remember to ask for help, recruit big guys to do your mashed potatoes (they do a great job, btw!), and do as much as you can ahead of time!
This year shed the Thanksgiving martyrdom and become the relaxed hostess you’ve always dreamed of being! It can happen, with a little forethought and planning!
Enjoy!
Love,
Leanne Ely, your Dinner Diva since 2001
Do you want to really “WOW” your Thanksgiving guests? My Pumpkin Cheesecake is exactly what you need – see how I make it here!
2 Responses
Is your prep list still available?
You bet Rachel! We have a whole bundle of Thanksgiving menus, http://savingdinner.com/thanksgiving with ALL the things from shopping list, to the prep timeline to setting the table and the troubleshooting guide.