Are you ready for a Tidy Thanksgiving?

Are you like me and LOVE to host but always feel a bit stressed the day before, day of and even the day after your event? Sometimes our experience alone is not enough for us to just “wing it.” We need a solid plan to help us stay on track while also enjoying the day with the ones we love.

Can we just be honest for a moment? Hosting or Planning any and all events comes with challenges! I wanted to share steps that have saved me from a major anxiety attacks over the years.

This Guide will cover the steps to help keep your families schedule on track while allowing you some down time to enjoy with the ones you love. We are thankful for the Hosts in each family and we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

1. Plan Ahead (Yes, Planning is KEY to a successful event)

• Make a Timeline: Break down the day by hours to ensure each task gets done on time. Consider cooking times for each dish, and don't forget to schedule in breaks.

• Create a Menu: Plan your dishes and snacks in advance. Make a shopping list based on the menu to avoid forgetting anything at the store.

• Delegate Tasks: If others are coming to your home, ask them to bring a dish, dessert, or help with tasks like setting the table or cleaning up afterward.

2. Prepare the Day Before

• Pre-cook What You Can: Prepare dishes like pies, cranberry sauce, or casseroles the day before. This will reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day. If you need to pre measure any dry ingredients this would be a great time to knock that out as well. The Less time spent doing “easy tasks” will be more time spent with family.

• Set the Table: Lay out the table with plates, utensils, glasses, and napkins the night before to avoid rushing in the morning. We recommend polishing any silver, crystal, ceramic and glassware a few days before. Our favorite method is to set aside 20 minutes each evening and pick a section you’d like to focus on. Glasses, silverware, plates and washing linens. You will be Thankful you did this beforehand!

• Set Up Drink Stations: Prepare drinks (e.g., wine, cider, or cocktails) so guests can serve themselves.

• Set up Children Activities: By creating a children’s station with activities ready for day of event will eliminate any children running around helping to ensure their safety and keep them occupied so you can focus on setting up for your event. Stay tuned for our newsletter on how to create the perfect Children’s Station. We love our babies but for their safety and our sanity let’s make it great for everyone!

3. Stay on Top of Cooking

• PreHeat your ovens while you chop, cut, slice and dice your Fruits, Vegetables and Fresh Herbs before getting started. 

• Use Multiple Timers: If you're cooking multiple dishes, set timers for each one to avoid overcooking.

• Prioritize Cooking: Start with dishes that take the longest to cook, like the turkey. Then work on sides that can be reheated or prepared in advance.

• Have a Hot and Cold Plan: Have an oven space strategy for keeping items hot. Use the stovetop or microwave to reheat things as needed.

4. Organize Your Space

• Declutter: Clear countertops and any spaces that will be used for cooking or serving.

• Keep Essentials Within Reach: Make sure you have all the ingredients and cooking tools you need in the right place for easy access while cooking.

• Tidy up as You Go: Clean up messes or wash dishes as you finish with them to keep the kitchen organized.

5. Get Help from Family and or Guests

• Assign Roles: If you have family or friends helping, let them know specific tasks like setting the table, bringing in drinks, or entertaining kids.

• Sharing Digital notes: Having an assigned shared note for everyone to plan out which dish they are bringing or what task they are assigned to will help ensure a smooth set up and enjoyable Thanksgiving. (This is especially helpful for Friendsgivings)

• Create a Relaxed Environment: If people are arriving early, have a place for them to relax and perhaps even help out with smaller tasks like folding napkins or mixing salad.

6. Take Care of Yourself

• Eat and Hydrate: Don't forget to eat something light before the big meal to keep your energy up, and stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Take Breaks: Thanksgiving can be a long day. Schedule in time for you to enjoy with your loved ones.

7. Prepare for Cleanup

• Have Trash Bags Ready: Place trash bags or recycling bins around the kitchen and dining areas to make cleaning up easier.

• Ask for Help: After the meal, delegate tasks like washing dishes or packing up leftovers to guests who are willing to help.

• Have TO GO containers available: If you are having anyone come to your home, providing to go containers ensures less clean up. Who doesn’t love thanksgiving leftovers?

8. Enjoy the Moment

• Let Go of Perfection: Thanksgiving is about enjoying time with loved ones. If something isn’t perfect, don’t stress. Focus on the fun and gratitude of the day. Take in all the Big and Small moments of the day. Especially take time for you, maybe even go back for thirds or that extra slice of pie. You deserve it!

MEET YOUR NEAT WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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