5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Thanksgiving

It's already November! Thanksgiving is around the corner. I can't believe it! I started to prepare this past weekend for the enormous meal we prepare each year for family.

This year, we will be having some of our staple side dishes like Chestnut Stuffing (but modified for our vegetarian guests) and brine Turkey, pumpkin and apple pie. But, this year, we will be trying a new cranberry sauce, vegetarian soup and string bean recipe among other dishes. Yummy!

Here are five tips on getting your home ready for Thanksgiving:

• Plan, Plan, Plan - Make a list of what you will have for your meal way in advance. I like to do this at the end of October to make sure I plan for the money and time I will need to get all the stuff completed in time for Thanksgiving. I make a list of the dishes by courses. Appetizer - Antipasto, Main Course - Turkey (brine style), etc...

  • Create a sheet that has 3 columns on it.  1. Add the title of the recipe in the first column. 2. In the second column, for what course it will be used for. This could be for the main course, the appetizer, the sides, or desserts.  Making a note of the recipe and what the course is will help you determine what you still need to add to this massive Thanksgiving dinner. 3. Then, the last column would be for ingredients that you need to buy because you may have some ingredients already in your pantry. Check there first before adding the ingredients to the list.

• To save money, go online and find coupons for the staple items that you need for your dishes. Pie crusts, pie filling, and many other items always have coupons this time of year. Shop early for these items - some of these coupons will expire by Thanksgiving.

  • To save even more money, buy bulk on items and use coupons!  These items include butter, flour, sugar, etc... Thinking ahead on what items you plan on using in December, will make it easier  when you start the busy holiday hosting season.

• Look through and inspect linens and make sure all your supplies are in good shape. Over the years, items can look worn and there may be ones that have cracks or scratches on them. Review these items and make a "To Buy" list and remember to buy early.

  • Visit your nearby discount store for replacement items. Since retailers start selling holiday stuff, the Thanksgiving entertaining items are usually on discount.  Check there first before going to a more expensive store.

• Gather together your platters and other serving dishes / utensils and put them in one place. Go through and match up a serving utensil with each platter. Make sure you have enough plates, glasses, silverware, etc... for all your guests. If you run short, add it to the "To Buy" list.

  • Create a buffet for Thanksgiving if you have a crowd coming over.  Pick an area that has a lot of room on both sides. This will allow your guests to walk around the buffet and help themselves quicker.

• Company coming? If you are having company stay with you, make sure you have clean towels and set up a bed for them. I like to decorate the house and the room our guests stay in with various fall decorations. If your items are worn, add to the "To Buy" list.

  • Buy a two to four complete sets of towels (hand towel, washcloth, bath towel) when they go on sale to only use for company.  Place them in the linen closet away from all the other towels. I like using the top shelf for these towels.

If you want even more tips, check out these additional posts to help you get your home ready.

Thanksgiving Prep List by Real Simple

Easy Organizing: Your Thanksgiving Table Settings by Good Housekeeping

Well, I hope this helps you make your Thanksgiving less stressful. With a little planning, you will have a successful day.

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