Starbucks red cups are quite popular. Offices are starting to deck the halls with holiday lights and decorations. Halloween treats have been replaced by Christmas chocolate and candy canes. The holiday season has officially begun!
There is no better time to tidy your home than right before a big event. Purchase a magnificent turkey tablecloth, fresh window curtains, and appealing dishware. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but you should be creative in order for your visitors to feel welcomed when they arrive.
Don’t be concerned if it sneaked up on you a little. In preparation for Thanksgiving, I’ve put together a basic hosting guide to help you get ready (and avoid running about like a turkey with its head cut off!)
Read on for fantastic tips and resources on selecting the perfect turkey, crafting exquisite meals, and prepping ahead of time so you can impress your guests with your culinary prowess and epic party organizing talents on the big day.
1. Make a Menu
This is the thrilling part! Start planning what you’ll make now, whether your family has Christmas favorites that they eat every year or you want to try new foods. For most events, I’d offer 2-3 appetizers, 3-4 sides, 1-2 main meals (including the turkey), and 2-3 desserts to ensure there’s something for everyone.
You may also create a thanksgiving menu and place it on your table so your visitors know what they will be eating. If you don’t know how to make a menu, you may use the menu creator mobile app to generate appealing menus on your phone just.
As you plan, keep your kitchen in mind. If your oven is small, for example, the turkey will take up the majority of the space, so think about sides that can be done on the stove, in the microwave, or ahead of time and kept at room temperature.
Also Read: Best Menu Design Ideas For Restaurant
2. Plan Ahead of Time
I know I’m always preaching about completing as much prep work as possible ahead of time, but it’s true. You’ll be much more at ease on Thanksgiving if you only have to contend with your turkey and perhaps a side or two.
My pre-T-Day to-do list is as follows
- Plan two separate grocery trips: one a week before Thanksgiving to stock up on non-perishables or items with extended expiration dates, and another 2-3 days before Thanksgiving to purchase all your fresh goods and any last-minute additions.
- Make a list of everything you’ll need for Thanksgiving dinner, from cutting tools to a meat thermometer.
- Check your plate and flatware situation—and, if required, ask a friend for more.
3. Enjoy The Food
First and foremost, get the turkey ready. After all, it is the main attraction! Preheat the oven, assemble your ingredients, double-check the cooking time, and remove the turkey from the refrigerator at least an hour before roasting to enable it to come to room temperature.
Allow the turkey to rest when it has done cooking while you finish the rest of the sides. One thing I don’t mind is that the turkey isn’t boiling hot—I love having hot side dishes and gravy. Your turkey will be wonderful served at room temperature, I assure it.
Heat your side dishes when the turkey has finished cooking. If you run out of oven space, mashed potatoes or carrot mash may always be reheated in the microwave for a few minutes. Don’t forget about the stove—I’ve been known to reheat mashed potatoes in a large dish over simmering water. Take advantage of all available space if at all possible. Remember to return your turkey to the fridge after about two hours—the leftovers might be the best part of Thanksgiving!