Thanksgiving Planning 101
I’m getting my plan-on this week for Thanksgiving!! I thought I’d do a couple posts this week about how I get ready for the big day of merriment. I sat down and wrote out a few tips from my table…here ya go!
-Folder first. I keep all my favorite recipes in a folder just for Thanksgiving so I know exactly where they are every year. Even if a recipe I love is in a cookbook I make a copy of it and stick it in there.
-Menu. About a week before I nail down exactly what I’m making and what I’m having other people bring. (Becky, you’re bringing that corn puddin’…fo sho!) I write it all down so I can see it on paper…it’s just better that way.
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-Make ahead. This is really important because I do not like being frazzled and crazy on the big day. Anything that can be chopped, sliced, cooked, or prepped ahead of time…do it! I usually prep all my dishes and keep them in the fridge til it’s time to cook them. Things like cranberries can be made a week in advance. Pies a few days ahead. It’ll really pay off!
-Plan your table and make it pretty before Thanksgiving too. I usually set my table on Wednesday night so I can take my time with it and not be rushing to get it done on Thursday. Here’s a link to my table a few years ago. And HERE’s a link to another table I did. Oh, and here’s one more fun little project you could make for your buffet table.
-Brine. Yes, brine your turkey. More on that tomorrow.
-Plan things for the kids. I usually like to have a little simple craft or something to keep them busy in the morning while I’m cooking and getting ready. Making something for their little table would be really fun!
-Buy paper plates. Maybe for the main meal you want to go classy, but later when everything is all cleaned up and people want to start busting into the pie you are not going to want to wash dishes again. Just get some cute Gobble plates at Target and eat pie and turkey sandwiches off those. You’ll thank me later.
Ok, gotta go plan my menu…and 100 other things 😉 Are you hosting this year? Would you rather be hosting or guesting?
xo,
{alicia}
Hosting Thanksgiving is one of my favorite things! Love it!
a few things. 1. love your simple new header. 2. you make me want to host thanksgiving. kinda.
i hosted thanksgiving dinner a few years ago. i don't want to do it again. is that bad? ; ) you will do amazing. because you ARE!
I've hosted the last three years and loved every minute of it. We'll be hosting again this year too.
And where in the world do you get your cute folders and binders?!
I'm dreadfully afraid of the whole turkey nonsense. Please help.
I'm so looking forward to reading your blog this week!! I live planning & reading about other people's plans. (Nerdy) being an obsessive organizer, I must ask of your folder: did you make it or but it? I must have it!!!
I love your table setting! I love Thanksgiving with family and friends. It really is my favorite holiday..
Have fun!
I will be guesting this year at my sisters bringing two sides but either way I love it even more then Christmas. That turkey on your sideboard is too cute.
Happy hosting!
I am hosting this year and some friends from out of town will be joining us! I needed this! Thank you! Very interested in this brining also 🙂 xo
Gotta be honest…I'm pretty stoked to be guesting this year. I'm so glad I've got you, my planner friend, thinking it all through cause I'm beat. You just tell me what to make, where and when… and I'm there;) Have you heard of some grove hotel? Everyone says it's a must see…
love your table. I have never hosted turkey day, i would be happy too though! However, I do love sitting at my mama's kitchen table, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and helping her make make pies.
You are amazing girl! Love your fun table settings! It will be just us this year- so super casual- but I'm very intrigued by this whole brining the turkey . . . Have a great day!
I love thanksgiving planning. We were hosting but now not. 🙁 I am no doubt sad but had to give a little (no pun intended!) and do the traveling this year. I love setting a pretty table!
Ah! I love Thanksgiving!! I've been planning for a bit now too… Hosting (one of 4) for the first time this year 🙂 Eek!