Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks for what you have in your life. You may have had Thanksgiving at your home before, or this may be your first time. Whatever it may be, remember it is time to give thanks. Try to be organized, and plan ahead. This will allow you time to be thankful on that special day.
You should first write a plan of action. This will include your guest list, menu, and decorations. This will not be your final plan. It is just a reference to what you will be needing to do. As Thanksgiving gets closer, your plan will become more accurate. You should update it regularly, to make adjustments.
Most Thanksgiving Dinners are going to be close friends and family, so there is usually no need for invitations. If you will be sending invitations, ask them to RSVP at least two weeks in advance. This will allow you to accurately determine the number of guests attending.
Make a "final" guest list at least two weeks in advance. Do not forget to include children, and people that may stop by unexpectedly. Unexpected guests are a constant around my home, so I usually plan for at least three to five additional. They usually do not sit down for dinner, but I like to send them something special home. The guest list is a focal point of your entire Thanksgiving Dinner. It allows you to plan accordingly.
Once you have your guest list, plan your menu. This should be completed as soon as your guest list is ready. Your menu should include everything you will be serving. All foods, drinks, and desserts. Estimate the amount of ingredients you will be needing for all of your items.
Now that you know what you need, start watching the sales papers. Most of your shopping can be started a few weeks in advance. If you watch your local sales papers, and clip coupons, you will save more money. Pick one day out of the week to do your grocery shopping. Keep a running grocery list, that you can update each trip. Now when the week of Thanksgiving arrives, you will only need a few items.
Make a list off all items you will be needing: utensils, serving dishes, and dinnerware. You should also include take-away serving dishes, if you will be sending plates home. Check all of your current stock to be sure it all is available. If it is not, go shopping. Do this on one of the days that you will be grocery shopping. It allows it all to be completed in one trip, and saves money on gas. I would suggest checking your local discount retailer, or dollar store. These places have very reasonable prices on all of the items you need. Thanksgiving dinner costs can climb quickly, be sure to save money when you can.
You should do a thorough cleaning the week before Thanksgiving. Clean everywhere your guests will have access to. Be sure to include your refrigerator and freezer in this cleaning. You will need the space for Thanksgiving week. If you do this a week before, you will only need to do a quick touch up the day before your Thanksgiving dinner.
Three or four days before Thanksgiving, make a list of your menu items. Break them down into the length of time it will take to prepare, and if it is possible to prepare in advance. A lot of items can be prepared in advance. Take advantage of this. Prepare those foods, and have them ready. It will save you time on Thanksgiving day. If the items are not able to be prepared in advance, make a time line for them. This will ensure that everything is ready at the same time.
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends. Be thankful for the things you have. Do not stress about your dinner, just be thankful that you have the ability to do this, and the people to do it for. If you have organized your time accurately, and cut costs when possible, you will be pleased with the outcome.
