5 ways to have the perfect Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving is always a busy time, and of course you want your Thanksgiving dinner to be perfect, but it seems like every year you fall behind. The guests show up and dinner is not ready. Well, these five ways to the perfect Thanksgiving dinner should help ease your stress, so you can enjoy your food, too.

1. First of all, plan ahead. Last minute prep is not what you want to find. A shopping list with only what you really need will cut your time in half. Do your shopping at least three days before the big event. Try to avoid last-minute trips to the store unless absolutely necessary. Try not to spend all day in the kitchen. Control your own pace and go at your own speed. There is no need to rush. Enjoy the holidays as much as you can. If you have to be in the kitchen longer than you’d like, put on some festive music. This will help you calm down and not feel overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. Dance and take a breath. Get into that Christmas spirit. Take that occasional sip of sherry.
2. Along with ordering the turkey, foods that can be prepared ahead of time should be an executed part of your plan. The turkey is the main focus and cannot be forgotten, so order it in plenty of time for delivery. A late turkey is a disaster waiting in the wings. Trays of vegetables, sauces and some desserts can be prepared a couple of days in advance. Purchase frozen pie crusts. You can even buy prepared trays of fruits, vegetables, and meat and cheese. This will take the hassle out of making them. These simple tasks can be completed, leaving you more time to do more complex tasks. The sandwiches will enhance the dinner and not overwhelm it. You want your family to be looking forward to dinner, not already full of snacks.
3. Make sure you have all the tools you’ll need days before the big event. Make sure your gravy boat is in the china cabinet and all eight serving spoons are in place. Imagine the hassle of running around Thanksgiving looking for a minor missing detail. This is also a good time to organize your recipes, set a time for dinner to start, and start finalizing your menu. When you put end next to a task that means there are no more worries, it’s done. Setting up a to-do list and checking it twice will help put your mind at ease. Write it down and you’ll be less likely to forget it. Mark it and that’s one less thing.
4. Involve the whole family and your guests. Have a great selection of traditional Thanksgiving “must haves” and then have everyone rave about your dishes. They can bring their favorites and add a little of themselves to the table. This will save you time and energy. Your immediate family can help with preparation and shopping. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Doing it alone is too much. This is your vacation too.
5. Remember, it’s not just about the food. The decorations around your home should be just as important as the food. Focus on statement pieces that will not only create a genuine holiday feel, but also provide an attractive presentation. Light candles just as everyone is arriving. The smell of Christmas and that illuminating glow will make your family and friends feel welcome. Any earth tone décor you already have looks great in the house this time of year. Use what you already have first and then buy if you see it necessary. Spray paint leaves and add to pinecones in a fall basket. That would make a beautiful centerpiece for dinner. Nothing says fall like pumpkins. Pick up a pair.

We’ve compiled a PDF file packed with recipes and party tips. It is free to download on our site.