Now is the time to make those
preparations for your Thanksgiving dinner! Here you
will find a countdown that will help you to have
everything ready by the big day!
~Two Weeks Prior To Thanksgiving
Or Now!~
1) Plan your menu. Think about
which items that can be made ahead of time and
frozen, and plan these items in on your "to-do" list
(see #4 below). Have a few items listed which you
don't mind if a guest brings -- delegate these items
when inviting your guests.
2) Invite your guests and get a
firm commitment from them ASAP.
3) Make your shopping list, but
only after you know exactly what your guests might
be bringing. Don't forget to include important items
such as film, batteries, and beverages.
4) Make a "Thanksgiving To-Do"
list. List every little thing that you feel must be
done prior to Thanksgiving. For example, detail
cleaning, washing of serving pieces, shopping,
raking of leaves in yard, cooking, decorating, etc.
5) Take your "Thanksgiving To-Do"
list, and schedule time for each item. You may wish
to complete one or two items a day until Turkey Day.
Be sure to get the help of your spouse and children
- delegate! Work on your personal "Thanksgiving
To-Do" list in addition to the items in this
countdown.
6) Order your turkey, if you order
yours.
~Ten Days Prior To Thanksgiving~
1) Take an inventory of your
chairs, tables, dishes, flatware, glassware, and
linens. If items need to be cleaned, do so now. If
you need more chairs, arrange that at this time.
2) Make sure you will have enough
room in your freezer or refrigerator for the turkey.
If you don't have enough room, plan now to make room
by eating meals made from some of the items taking
up the space.
3) Clean your refrigerator inside
and out.
4) Shop for nonperishable
groceries on your shopping list, or items you know
will keep until Thanksgiving.
~One Week Prior To Thanksgiving~
1) Will children be at your home
for Thanksgiving? Search the web and craft books for
easy activities and games that will keep the
children busy.
2) Also, if you are having young
children in your home, do a safety check of your
home. Are medicines and cleaners out of reach? Do
your outlets have covers? Do you have breakable
items that might be better off on a higher shelf? Do
a thorough check of each room the children will
occupy.
3) Have the children help you with
some simple decorations. Create turkey's from
pinecones, placecards, draw pilgrims for the
refrigerator door, and more.
4) Re-evalute your "Thanksgiving
To-Do" list. Is there many items you listed, that
may be impossible to get done now? Be realistic and
cross off items that can be skipped.
~Five Days Prior To Thanksgiving~
1) Plan seating arrangements.
2) To save money on bagged ice,
start making your own ice cubes now, by freezing in
trays, and when frozen, dump them in a freezer bag.
3) Shop for perishable
Thanksgiving items between now and two days prior to
Thanksgiving.
~Two Days Prior To Thanksgiving~
1) Is there any other dishes or
desserts that can still be prepared ahead of time?
If so, do them today.
2) Fill your salt and pepper
shakers and butter dishes.
3) Defrost in the refrigerator any
frozen side dishes.
4) Be sure your home is clean. If
any other details need to be taken care of, do them
now. Is your bathroom clean? Do you need to clean
your front walk?
~Day Before Thanksgiving~
1) Prepare any dishes you couldn't
freeze.
2) Chill beverages in
refrigerator.
3) Buy bouquet of flowers for
table or countertop, if you wish.
4) Do spot clean of rooms that
will be used during the festivities.
5) If you have a formal dining
area, set the Thanksgiving table now.
~Thanksgiving Day~
1) Finish last minute details:
turkey, mashed potatoes, but most of all, enjoy
yourself!
Brandie Valenzuela
If you like this article, then be sure to
check out Brandie's FREE ezines dedicated to the
family: The Family First Newsletter and the Daily
Holiday Recipe at:
http://members.aol.com/BMValen/index.html
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