It’s the Monday before Thanksgiving and are you starting to feel overwhelmed? Maybe you are hosting this year or your job is to bring 3-4 dishes to your grandma’s house. Here are my tips on how to have a stress-free Thanksgiving.
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Have a Plan
Make a plan weeks in advance if you are doing all the cooking. Do the same if you’re going to someone else’s house.
I like to grab a notebook or pad of paper and write everything down. It’s all about being simple over here at my home. I can’t get it all done by myself and I truly don’t enjoy the chaos. Here’s how my list starts:
If I’m Hosting
- Send out invites
- Write out the menu
- Delegate what others will be bringing
- Decide on decor (2-3 weeks before)
- Order the Turkey and the Ham (a week or so before)
- Shop for all the food items ( 5-7 days before)
- Weekend before: Make a batch of dried orange slices (great for decorating for Thanksgiving & Christmas)
- Tuesday before: pick up ham and turkey
- Wednesday before: decorate the table and kitchen area in Thanksgiving decor, set up extra tables, make any pies, deviled eggs or any other dishes that will keep well for overnight), start Sourdough bread. Don’t forget to brine the turkey.
- Morning of Thanksgiving: Get the turkey on the smoker, peel the potatoes, Bake Sourdough bread, start yeast rolls and any other dishes I’m making. I also watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
If I’m Not Hosting
- Buy a nice hostess gift – candle, dish towel, etc.
- Decide on what I’m making and plan for the ingredients
- Make my dishes the day before Thanksgiving (if possible)
- Ask the hostess if she would like me to come early and help out
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Tips on Having a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
- Keep it simple friend. I decided a long time ago not to get stressed about entertaining. I used to run around frantic. I picked up last minute items the day before. I refuse to do it anymore. Do we really need 20 dishes to stuff ourselves with? I’m a foodie but I’m going to say no haha. I like to have simple dishes that everyone will enjoy. We usually have 5-6 side dishes and then 3-4 desserts. That’s plenty for the day and any leftovers. Don’t over do it.
- Practice deep breathing exercises. I’ve been doing this for over a year now and it really helps. I actually practice breathing daily. Deep breathe through your belly, hold it for a second and out through your nose. It will clear your mind and you will be able to focus. I’ll share more on this in another post at a later date.
- Planning – start your planning like in September. You don’t have to do any of the real work until November but at least you will have a plan.
- Use disposable pans/place settings as much as you can. At the end of the night, you will thank yourself.
Thanksgiving Day Table Setting
Whether you are having a formal sit down dinner or a casual get together, make sure it’s pretty. Again, keep your table simple. The weekend before Thanksgiving, I put away all of my Fall decor. I bring out my pilgrims and turkey items and will use them just for the day. I put up all my greenery in the house for Christmas/Winter. This way on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, it will be easy for me to add all my Christmas decor.
I use a mixture of fresh cedar and faux garlands around my home. The farm table gets the fresh cedar. I like to arrange a few pumpkins. I include bowls of dried oranges & cloves (smells amazing). Candles in vintage holders and my pilgrims complete the setting. I love the look and it’s so simple and very pretty.
Table Setting Guide
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We definitely have so much to be thankful and grateful for in this life on earth. Forget about having all the chaos. Something may happen, but take a deep breath and just enjoy the moment. Truly enjoy all the memories you will be making with your family and friends. Invite someone who doesn’t have a place to go. Fellowship and gathering around the table, after all, is what is most important.
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