HOLIDAYS MADE EASY!

HOLIDAYS MADE EASY! 

Household Prep To avoid a major meltdown the day of Thanksgiving, it’s best to have a plan up to a month in advance for what to buy, how far in advance, and when to start readying your home for guests. In my family I host Christmas and my Brother handles Thanksgiving. He has this down to a science (partly because he is a restaurant owner and Chef). But for everyone who does not have a five-star chef in the family ready to whip up the feast, here are some tried and true tips to get you through with less stress. The holidays are all about love, friendship, family, togetherness, giving and joy…. NOT STRESS. Do not allow a busy culture to distract you from the true meaning of the season! Slow down, plan, and enjoy, remembering to always be present and mindful.

Liz,

3 weeks before

• Finalize your menu and create a shopping list for everything you will need to buy in the weeks to come.
• Purchase any nonperishable items, like canned goods, soda, wine, and liquor.
• Gather any supplies you will need for a centerpiece or decorating purposes.

2 weeks before

• Throw away any items in your fridge or freezer that you don’t need to make space for leftovers.
• Prepare and freeze any food items that will keep over the next few weeks, like dinner rolls and stock.
• If you are making a frozen pie, or even one from scratch, consider preparing it now and freezing in an air-tight plastic bag.

1 week before

• Purchase the turkey and be sure to keep it in the freezer until ready to thaw.
• Begin making any homemade decor or centerpieces that you plan to display on your table, or elsewhere throughout the house.
• Develop a schedule for cooking to make sure everything cooks to perfection.

A few days before

• Buy any perishable ingredients you will need, like fruits and vegetables.
• Begin thawing the turkey on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Keep a pan underneath to catch any drippings.
• Start cleaning up areas, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and others that you can keep clean until Thanksgiving Day. You can also hang any special table or wall decor.

The morning of

• Be sure to wake up early enough that you are not rushing through the day and start off with a light breakfast to avoid too much snacking! Also, be mindful of how long the turkey needs to cook and start preparing any appetizers or snack items that need baking.
• Set the table and arrange your decorations and centerpiece(s).