Last Minute Tips for a Stress Free Thanksgiving Dinner
The secret to a successful and stress-free dinner is in the planning. Once you know that you will be hosting the dinner and you know the number of dining guests, plan your menu. Are there any guests who have allergies to certain foods or absolute dislikes? Will you have traditional turkey or go for a more modern course like ham or roast beef? After this has been determined, you’re ready to prepare your shopping list. Will you host it in your home or at a rented hall?
Are you preparing the entire dinner or will others assist with the cooking? This is by far the least stressful way to celebrate Thanksgiving. After all, in most families both the husband and the wife are working full-time and juggling family responsibilities. To share the work and the expense makes more sense. Most guests will be pleased to contribute toward the meal. Organize a guest list and once you know the menu, ask your guests to bring a specific item, which is usually their specialty.
However you decide to host the dinner, you’ll need to purchase your listed items. It’s best to do so well in advance of the last Wednesday in November, preferably when they are on sale, and check them off on your list. Be certain to check on adequate number of serving dishes, utensils, pots and pans, as well as dishes, glasses and eating utensils, so that there is time to make any necessary purchases or so you may borrow from family or friend.
Mark on a calendar dates on which you must remember to carry out certain tasks. For example, when to purchase meat, fresh produce, breads and dessert; when to thaw turkey, if frozen; when to prepare dressing; when to bake; when to buy or rent tables, chairs, dishes, etc.; who needs ride and any other specifics that you don’t wish to forget.
If dining in your home, divide up housecleaning among those residing in your home. While you may wish to have your home immaculate, once everybody arrives, they won’t notice. Make it presentably clean. Clean and set aside the dishes, glassware and silverware you will be using for your feast.
If dining in a hall, you may choose to have decorations to make the occasion look more festive. Be sure to ask in advance about the earliest time you can get into the hall to decorate.
You may wish to use a seating chart and name cards to identify seating arrangement, which should be done in advance. If guests arrive early and offer to set the table, why not accept the assistance. Likewise, when the dinner has ended, should guests offer to assist with clean-up, by all means accept their offer. Have tasks in mind, such as to clear the table, sweep floor, clear-off plates, wash dishes or fill dishwasher, dry dishes or empty dishwasher and wash down tables and counters.
Above all, through the couple weeks before Thanksgiving Day, it is most beneficial for you and your guests to maintain a spirit of excitement and feeling of celebration of thankfulness for all the blessings in your life. You may wish to have a special prayer typed out to read prior to everybody digging into their food. Enjoy the least stressful Thanksgiving you've ever hosted.
