Merry Monday #2: 10 things to do in the 10 days before Thanksgiving to get you ready for the holiday in no time!
Merry Monday! Here we are in the second of a series of seven holiday prep tips to get you ready for the holidays without all of the stress! Merry Monday sounds like it’s all about Christmas, however, I like to think that Thanksgiving really kicks off the holiday season. Thanksgiving meal (and the day for that matter) is not difficult at ALL! It just takes minimum planning for maximum results for the indulgent day! The key is in the planning…… So, with that in mind, AND it being exactly 10 days BEFORE Thanksgiving, here are tips for those 10 days you can do to be ready for Turkey (or not) day like a Boss!
DAY 10: HOW MANY? After gathering the final head count, make sure you have enough seating, serving dishes, plates etc. for all of your guests.
- I usually always count in a couple of more bodies for last minute invites. Check for all serving dishes and pieces. Check linens as well. Make sure they are laundered, pressed and ready to go. I recommend getting all serving dishes out and comparing them with a list of what you will be making and serving.
- On a sticky note, pair the serving item with what will be served in it, for example: mashed potatoes with Granny’s heirloom bowl. Keep the sticky note in the dish until serving time so as not to have any confusion. This way you are organized and not caught off guard at the last minute. Count plates, glasses and/or stem ware. Have plenty of napkins on the list. If you are using paper goods, make sure to buy the sturdy paper plates (like the Chinette ones) and use them as chargers for the decorative fun, but less substantial paper plates. Make sure there are plenty for dinner and dessert. Purchase them this week to stay ahead of the rush. If you wait, they will be hard to find.
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DAY 9: FULLY STOCKED PANTRY: Create your list and get ready to shop!
- With the list created from suggestion #1, you will have a good idea what is on the menu. Create you shopping list and get it done BEFORE the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. Buy all of your perishable items this week so you can avoid the crowd and only have to get the turkey and perhaps the vegetables a couple of days prior. This also allows for time to still price compare and get the best buys on your groceries. And, alternatively, if you want to Amazon shop you still have time to get you goods before the big day. The same goes for grocery delivery. For the last two suggestions just a caveat; there is USUALLY a service fee along with a delivery fee. If your budget is a little more generous, I HIGHLY suggest you take advantage of these choices!
DAY 8: SCHEDULE YOUR FOOD PREP: Part of the holiday (and what gets you into the holiday groove) are all of the scents of baking and the food that we only prepare at this time of the year.
- Making your pie crusts, pies, rolls, casseroles (prep up until the baking point: cover and freeze marking the foil to identify what is underneath!!!) take them out of the freezer the day before and let them defrost in an appropriate manor.
- Check FROZEN turkey and schedule on your calendar how long it will take for it to thaw. Plan appropriately.
- Clean out refrigerator and make room for all of the new food.
- Order centerpieces for tables and gather other décor.
- Freshen guest room ( if it will be used) and complete and final touches for guests in this and the guest bath.
DAY 7: LEAN AND CLEAN: Finish any last minute deep cleaning you have needed to do.
- Baseboards, wall washing, carpet cleaning, windows, etc. This will probably be the last time you will do any deep cleaning until after the New Year. I like to take the time to get this done now, because it is basic maintenance from here on out (bathrooms, laundry, and dishes) just to get you to New Year’s Day! IF, you don’t have a housekeeper, this may be a good time to purchase a one-time clean for your home. If not, make sure to keep the dust bunnies at bay and get this particular chore done!
DAYS 6 and 5: LAST MINUTE ROUND UP: What have you forgotten?
- These two days are a great time to take 5 and reflect on what is done, needs to get done before and what will be done the day of.
- This is also a great time to get some fun things for the littles who may be joining you on Thanksgiving. Games, crafts etc., are usually on special right now just in time for Christmas and you can score some good buys to keep little hands and minds busy and happy this day!
DAY 4: FINAL STRETCH: This is Thanksgiving week! Lots of last minute things to do. With all of the rest finished earlier, you are really on target for a great time!
- Begin by defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator.
- Put up wreaths and nonperishable decorations like candles.
- Organize containers, bags and wraps so guests can easily take home leftovers.
DAY 3: LAST MINUTE SHOP: This is the day you do your perishable and last minute shopping.
- Chill all of the beverages
- Have centerpiece delivered or buy flowers for the table.
- Shop perishables. Pick up fresh turkey.
- Last minute very light housekeeping and tidying up. Replacement of toilet paper and hand towels in restrooms that will be used.
DAY 2: MORE THAN A “PEELING”…
- Get those veggies peeled and dished up for the veggie trays.
- Fill condiment trays with pickles, olives cranberry sauce etc.
- Fill the butter and jam dishes, replenish salt and pepper shakers.
DAY 1: DRESS REHEARSAL: Get ready and walk through the following:
- Set out serving pieces on counter or buffet in the order of service.
- Set table
- Make a staging area for coffee, desserts and drinks. Stock with flatware, sugar, creamer, etc.
THANKSGIVING DAY: This is it! ADVICE: PLEASE do NOT wait until mid-afternoon to start cooking. Start in the morning as different things take different prep and cooking periods.
- Remove turkey from refrigerator for one to two hours before baking. Make sure you set the dinner hour and then count backwards according to your turkey weight and time for cooking.
- Make all last minute dishes: dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, any sides, etc.
- Assign family members to pour drinks, offer apps, and watch kiddos to avoid burn out on your part!
- Bake turkey according to directions.
- Bake all previously frozen dishes.
- Prep coffee and brew while dinner is being served and enjoyed!
- Clear table following the dinner and make room for dessert!
- ENJOY!
This is just a guideline to the big day. I have found it to be very helpful as every year I try to streamline a little more and dial in my “systems” and pass on the tips and tricks to get my holiday “kicked off” in a great way!
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