Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving often means a hectic weekend for the hosting family. Preparing for a delicious meal, well-set table, clean house, and festive atmosphere can challenge even the most seasoned entertainer. Follow our helpful hints and watch a potentially stressful event turn into into a happy holiday.

1. Shop Early. Grocery stores are jam-packed in the two days just before Thanksgiving, so make a shopping list and purchase necessary items at the beginning of the week. You'll save time and avoid the hassle of fighting your way through the aisles.

2. Delegate. If you're hosting, you may be envisioning a Martha-worthy feast, but it's likely you won't be able to accomplish it alone. Pinpoint your weakness (or what jobs you least enjoy) and delegate those tasks to a guest or relative. "I like to have a pretty table setting" says Sarah Whisenant, a stay-at-home mom of four who often hosts Thanksgiving dinner, "but I'm so busy with food preparation that I usually don't get to it. Last year I asked my sister to be in charge, and she came up with a beautiful centerpiece, place cards and napkin holders."
3. Buy It. Be realistic about your time and resources (and recognize that Thanksgiving should be holiday for the host as well). Prioritize what's important and consider opting for one or two items that aren't homemade. If Grandma's crescent rolls and cranberry chutney are a must-have, put those items on the list and purchase a pumpkin pie from a great bakery (or arrange to swap with a friend: you make rolls for her; she makes an extra pie for you). "Last year I ordered pies from a local farm," says Heidi Benjaminsen, a stay-at-home Mom of three in Massachusetts, "and they were delicious. No one could tell I hadn't made them myself, and I could cross one to-do off of my list."

4. Cook the Turkey Ahead (gasp). The bird isn't supposed to be eaten piping hot, and if you brine it, you can ensure it will still be tender. Consider cooking your turkey the evening before, and placing it in the warming drawer (or in the oven on the lowest setting) an hour or two before Thanksgiving dinner. Baste it with a bit of additional butter and stock, and chances are your guests won't know the difference. You can avoid the mess and devote your time to side dishes and last minute preparations.
Write a Script: Event planners write detailed scripts to help successfully execute large celebrations. Create one for Thanksgiving, and you can use it each year the celebration takes place in your home. Make a list of each item that must be purchased, made, cooked, cleaned or set up. Include a list of stores and prices, as well as an estimate of how much time each activity will take. Then, create a calendar that begins a week before Thanksgiving, slot specific tasks into each day. Remember to be realistic about your daily schedule as well. For instance, iron the tablecloths and napkins a week before, or if you need to borrow chairs, get them several days early and keep them in a the garage or basement. A script includes each detail. It will not only keep you on track, but will help you remember small details that could get lost in the preparations. Be realistic, keep the plan simple, and you'll have a feast to truly be grateful for.

Christine Vick - Christine Vick is the co-founder of Store and Style.