I always LOVE to cook. However, the hot weather of summer sometimes makes it tough for me to work up any enthusiasm for cooking. Now that the temperatures are dropping to the cool level, my creative juices are charging up again. Midwest Living is ready to help me & YOU get back into the kitchen, whipping up fabulous dishes the fall! These recipes also give you a head start on Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
There are many things to be done but if you have planned well, you should have time to relax & enjoy the day. Plan things out so you are able to enjoy your company rather than spending all your time in the kitchen. Ask someone to come early to help you with any last minute tasks, like popping the rolls in the oven while you mash the potatoes.
When it’s time to put the food on the table, recruit help. Things are hot, get them out fast!
Most important, you should enjoy your celebration. If you aren’t having fun, no one is going to enjoy themselves. Relax & have fun. Enjoy your company. Remember, it’s about the people, not the food or the location. You want to be the #1 guest at your celebration!
The big day is almost here. In many homes across the country, the stress level is through the roof. In your home, calm reigns! You are ready for this because you planned, you worked smarter not harder. You can spend today doing anything that can be done ahead.
I clean my turkey & put it in the roasting pan then put it, covered, back in the fridge. I set the table, complete with serving dishes. Put a note in each serving dish so you remember what goes in each & you also remember to serve that item! Once the table is set, get help & cover the table with a clean flat sheet to protect it overnight. Set up the bar if you are having one.
Anything that can be made ahead & refrigerated the night before should be taken care of today. That leaves you time for all the tasks that can only be done on Thursday.
Get a good night’s sleep. Relax. You’ve got it under control!
It always seems like a rush to get the food on the table Thanksgiving Day. How great it would be if you could prepare dishes ahead of time. WAIT YOU CAN! Woman’s Day offers a selection of recipes you can prepare ahead of time. Reduce your stress when you work smarter not harder with these incredible ideas!
You & your family should have been cleaning over the last few weeks. Now it’s time to do a few last minute things. Vacuum, dust, clean the bathrooms, pick up those everyday items. If you have been doing the cleaning over the weeks, this should be a simple task.
Thanksgiving decorations don’t need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, Thanksgiving decorations can be incredibly easy. All You proves my point with a selection of easy & elegant decorations you can make for your home & event. The candleholders in the photo are FABULOUS! And such a simple idea!
I love decorating my home for various holidays & seasons throughout the year. Sometimes, this can be difficult when time is short. How wonderful is it then when BHG comes up with decorations that take you through Thanksgiving & on into Christmas. Not only does this save time but it also saves money. Afraid you might get bored with the decorations? Just add a few seasonal touches to perk things right up!
Take time to call your guests to confirm the exact (or close to it) number of people to expect for Thanksgiving. Verify they will be there for dinner, not just dessert. I always prepare for a few more just in case but try to get a better idea so you are certain you have everything you need.
At the same time, check your lists to see who is supposed to be doing what. Then call them to make certain they remember what they are bringing or doing. If there is a problem, no stress. See if you can assign it to someone else. Otherwise, either take care of it yourself or skip it. Remember, this is your event. Do it your way!
Get everything ready for any out of town guests staying at your place this week. Make sure you have a few special items to make them feel welcome & at home. Confirm their arrival. You want to enjoy your company when they arrive so prepare now so your are able to relax & visit.
Hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year? Wondering how you are going to prepare all that food without losing your mind? Who says you have to provide all the food? Simple Joy Rule #2 says “Ask for Help.” If you are having a crowd, there is no need to wear out yourself or your wallet. Make dinner a potluck! Provide the turkey & let your guests each bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish. You can always fill in the gaps but this makes sure everyone has their favorite dish on Thanksgiving.
Midwest Living has provided you & your guests 40 recipes that are perfect for Thanksgiving potluck. Use one of these recipes or use one to help you decide what to prepare. A Thanksgiving potluck allows everyone to take part in dinner preparation. What is someone complains about you hosting a potluck? Well, give them a hug & thank them, LOUDLY, for offering to host Thanksgiving dinner NEXT YEAR !
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