Staying Organized for Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving and the holidays approaching, stress is unavoidable. Whether you are hosting for your family and friends or attending as a guest, thoughtfulness and organized planning will be your best friend throughout the chaotic season. Hopefully with these tips you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday while also preparing the turkey.
Plan Ahead
Making lists and contemplating the needs of your guests is the perfect way to start planning. Take a moment to sit and consider your event. Work and life are crazy at this time of year and its usually not until after a holiday that we slow down to think. However, taking the time to process the upcoming event will allow you take control of every last detail. Noting the details of travel plans, place settings, menu items and decorations will allow for a smooth holiday.
Kitchen Organization
Before you begin to cook for the big day, make sure to take inventory. Write out ingredient lists and make sure you don’t already own the items before you go shopping. This could be a good moment to clean out expired canned goods and spices from years past.
Meal Prep
Once you’ve cleaned your kitchen and thought out a concrete plan, look ahead to meal prep. If you are making pies or specialty dishes look for freezer options. If you can freeze it, you can make the pie or dish well in advance and it will still taste great!
Ask for Help
Hosting Thanksgiving is a large task that usually isn’t done alone. Family traditions surrounding the food are almost as important as the holiday itself. However, asking other family members to bring dinner items is a must. If your family is challenged in the kitchen, consider catering!
Plan a Cooking Day
Many people reserve the day before Thanksgiving to help with holiday prep. This way work to be done is delegated and made fun! Gathering your family together to help is a great way to slow down the holiday and allow for some quality time.
Leftovers & Clean-up
Leftovers are an extremely important part of the Thanksgiving holiday. It may sound funny but have your guests bring their own Tupperware for easy leftovers! This way no one gets left out and no Tupperware gets lost in the world.
This year Thanksgiving is going to look very different to many Americans. Whether you are getting together after covid testing or meeting over zoom taking little ways to enjoy the holiday will be so important this year. I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving.
