When it comes to celebrating the holidays, there’s nothing more memorable than the Thanksgiving meal. This part of preparing for Thanksgiving can be a real stress-inducer, but you don’t have to be miserable to make your meal a success. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to have a memorable Thanksgiving meal that is also simple.
Here are a few tips to help simplify your Thanksgiving meal without making it any less special:
Plan Ahead
A lot of stress surrounding the holidays comes from waiting until the last minute to get prepared. But with an occasion as big as your Thanksgiving meal, it will really help you to plan ahead of time. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your day a lot more.
Keep it Simple
If you’re an experience cook and host or hostess of family parties and gatherings, Thanksgiving may not be that daunting. But if you’re new at hosting a big meal or even cooking basic dishes like the turkey, you’ll want to keep the menu, decorations, and place settings simple. You may want to purchase a new cookbook of simple recipes that will make great additions to your table.
Delegate Tasks
There’s no reason that one person should have to do all the work. Make sure to enlist as many guests as possible when it comes to responsibilities. Perhaps one person can be put in charge of decorations and centerpieces while other people are assigned specific side dishes to prepare. If you’re hosting the event, it’s easiest to pick one or two dishes that you will prepare – such as the turkey.
Keep the Kids Busy
Plan ahead for activities for children attending the Thanksgiving meal. These kinds of celebrations can be fun for adults but boring for kids. There are many Thanksgiving crafts, coloring books, and children’s’ story books that will help children have fun and stay busy.
Make Food Ahead of Time
If you have recipes that can be made ahead of time, do it. For example, many desserts can be made a day or even two in advance. Desserts like cookies can be frozen for weeks at a time. The fewer items you have to cook on Thanksgiving day, the better off you’ll be.
Take Advantage of Pre-made Items
Who says you have to make every dish of your Thanksgiving meal from scratch? Many restaurants and mail order companies offer precooked ham, turkey, and other side items. Instead of making everything from scratch, you can just reheat those items. Some can be delivered straight to your door.
No matter how much work you put into your Thanksgiving meal, the most important thing you can do is remember the spirit of gratitude that will make it more enjoyable. Appreciate time with family and friends and learn to laugh when problems arise.
