Who needs to be frazzled on Thanksgiving Day? Not I or anyone else who knows that preparing a big meal requires some work, preparations, and good timing.
TIPS to think about in making Thanksgiving Day a pleasant experience.
PREPARING FOR THANKSGIVING DAY.
The center of attention should be the TURKEY. Make sure ahead of time that you have enough turkey for everyone. Take into account about a pound and a half of turkey per person.
For turkeys smaller than 16 pounds, estimate 1 pound per serving (this accounts for bone weight). For larger birds, a bit less is fine; they have a higher meat-to-bone ratio. But if your goal is to have ample leftovers, aim for 1½ pounds per person whatever the turkey's size. For 8 people, buy a 12-pound turkey.
A MONTH AHEAD OF TIME: Have an idea of what the table centerpiece theme will be for the gathering. Menu worked up. Don't forget relish tray items and desserts. Locate recipes and have on hand.
Have a general count of the mouths to feed. How many places will you need for sitting? Remember tablecloth, place mats, dishes, glasses, coffee cups, saucers, utensils, serving utensils, serving dishes, napkins, napkin rings, cookware and bakeware to use.
Select serving dishes and serving utensils. Gather serving dishes together ahead of time to make preparations easier for THANKSGIVING DAY.
Invitations made or purchased, addressed, stamped and mailed.
Music selection if so needed.
Candles bought. Have matches.
Storage containers and zip lock baggies on hand for left overs. Baking bags for turkey if using this method. Baking and cooking supplies such as aluminum foil, saran wrap, cling wrap available.
Deep clean the house. (The week of the meal, spot clean and be ready for guest.)
TWO WEEKS BEFORE MEAL grocery shop for unrefrigerated items for meal. Clean cans and or packaging. Gather baking and serving dishes that will be used for Thanksgiving meal. Place unrefrigerated ingredients still in packages or cans inside baking and serving dishes that will be used.
Week before meal, make sure you have adequate refrigerator and freezer space for food. Grocery shop for refrigerated and freezer items. If taking pictures, be sure camera is ready with good batteries.
Four days before meal, take turkey out of freezer and begin thawing turkey in the fridge.
Monday before meal, wash and dry dishes, glasses, utensils, serving utensils and dishes, bakeware, cookware. Fix napkins. Spot clean house.
Tuesday before meal, make jello salads and other salads. Prepare and bake pies and desserts.
Wednesday before meal, set the table complete with centerpiece. Salt/pepper shakers filled. Sugars and sweeteners containers filled. Prepare relish trays and refrigerate. Fix deviled eggs and refrigerate. If you so desire fix and bake each side dish, let cool and refrigerate. Next day you can warm the dishes instead of fixing them all on Thanksgiving Day.
Early Thursday morning, prepare and bake turkey. Start coffee urn. Dressing and potatoes prepared. Casseroles fixed and baked. Yams, sweet potato, corn, carrot dishes fixed. Dinner rolls warmed.
Thanksgiving morning if meal is the evening meal, prepare foods throughout the day. If the meal is at noon time prepare food in the morning. Clean as you go. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and the room has adequate ventilation to stay comfortable while preparing feast. A hour before meal, freshen up and be ready to greet guest as they arrive. Turn music on low volume. Light the candles just before guest sit at table. Make sure all food is in place to serve. Carve turkey. Let each person share one thing they are thankful for and don't rush this. Give thanks/grace. Eat slow and enjoy the food plus company. Have a blessed meal and dining experience.
TIP: Plan ahead so you are not rushed preparing meal and atmosphere.
TIP: Do your best to avoid talking about HOT ITEMS such as politics, weight and age. Don't bring up sensitive subjects that will for sure turn your peaceful table conversation into a war zone.
TIP: If you are having certain sitting arrangements around the table keep in mind if a family member has a difficult personality to sit them apart from easily offended people if possible. Good luck and offer up a prayer that there be no arguments to distract from the gathering.
I HOPE YOU HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING.
Being thankful and giving THANKS,
d
