Premeditated Leftovers

Planning Tips for Thanksgiving Dinner

The most important ingredient in a successful dinner party is a relaxed hostess. Planning ahead allows me to be more relaxed ensuring happier guests. I break up all of the Thanksgiving preparation up over several weeks so that I am not overwhelmed at the last minute with trying to balance all the cooking, cleaning, and decorating.

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3 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

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Several weeks before Thanksgiving, I walk through the house with the eyes of a visitor looking for all the clutter that I have become blind to and begin decluttering. I keep my table decor simple. I will find my fall tablecloth and napkins, check to make sure I have candles, and clean the candle holders.

2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Two weeks before Thanksgiving, I clean out and organize the pantry. I make a thorough shopping list for the holiday weekend. I also like to clean out and organize my freezer, so I am sure to have room for and any extra Thanksgiving leftovers.

I will deep clean my house. I clean out the refrigerator and organize it. Order flowers or make a plan for creating my own Thanksgiving Centerpiece.

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A Week Before Thanksgiving

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If my turkey is frozen, I check the chart below for the weight and then pull it out of the freezer on the appropriate date and place it in the refrigerator to thaw.

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2-6 Days Prior to Thanksgiving

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I place the turkey in the oven. I bake the wild rice stuffing in a casserole dish rather than in the turkey. I make sure the dishwasher is emptied very early in the morning, so I can add dirty dishes immediately. This keeps the kitchen looking tidy.

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On the Morning of Thanksgiving

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Planning Tips for Thanksgiving Dinner