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HOME & GARDEN ARTICLES |
Thanksgiving Planner
Early November
- Plan your menu. Choose from these delicious menu ideas: Thanksgiving Menus
- Invite your guests. Keep track of who is bringing what on your menu.
- Make shopping list of perishables and nonperishables. Don't forget to include film, batteries and beverages.
- If you are ordering a fresh turkey, do it now.
- Make a Thanksgiving to-do list, listing all the little things you feel must get done prior to Thanksgiving. Be sure to schedule time for each chore and indicate who will take care of that chore.
- Order your floral centerpieces now.
Two Weeks Ahead
- Check all serving dishes, flatware and glassware.
- Shop for any paper goods you need for the event.
- Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests.
- Take an inventory of your tablecloths and napkins.
- If any of your items need to be cleaned, do it now.
- Clean your refrigerator to make room for your Thanksgiving items.
- Shop for nonperishable groceries on your shopping list.
- Plan and make decorations.
One Week Ahead
- Plan seating arrangements.
- Review your recipes.
- Prepare cooking schedule.
- Check thawing time for frozen turkey.
Four Days Ahead
- Start defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator.
- Save money on ice—start making your own ice cubes now. When frozen, dump them in a freezer bag.
Two Days Ahead
- Chill beverages.
- Shop for perishable items.
- Set out bread for homemade stuffing.
- Make cranberry sauce.
- Fill salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.
- Be sure your home is clean.
One Day Ahead
- Peel potatoes and place in a pot of cold water. Keep in refrigerator.
- Clean vegetables and refrigerate.
- Make all dishes that can be prepared ahead. Don't forget the pies.
- Check your bathrooms. Be sure to have extra toilet paper and hand towels available.
- Put up decorations.
- Prepare stuffing.
- Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used.
- Buy flowers for the table.
- Let your family set the table in the evening.
- Make the side dishes that can be baked ahead of time.
Thanksgiving Day
- Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours. Add stuffing.
- Preheat oven.
- Put turkey in oven and baste every half hour.
- Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving.
- Keep the turkey covered and let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing.
- Microwave food to quickly reheat if all the burners of the stove are occupied.
- Make gravy and last-minute vegetables.
- Set out refrigerated dishes.
- Heat bread or rolls as needed.
- Remove stuffing from turkey.
- Carve turkey.
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