The Week before Thanksgiving Checklist

Though I love this time of year, as it is the week before Thanksgiving, staying organized and balancing work and fun requirements can be challenging. To help you, I wanted to create a week-before-Thanksgiving checklist to offer tips and direction for those last-minute needs.

The week before Thanksgiving Checklist:

1. Finish your grocery list and purchase whatever you can now that does not need to be fresh; save those items for the last-minute run.
2.  Do you have a craft to keep the kids busy or games to play? While you are working, keep the kids occupied, making place tags that can be as easy as using stickers, stock paper, and markers. If the kids are older, they could look up gratitude quotes and create inspirational notes for each guest. If you want something printed, click here for printable place cards where you insert the name! Whatever you plan, keeping it simple with minimal mess is the best option.
3.  Do you have an after-dinner activity planned? I know there is usually a football game, but if you are not a football-watching family, you may want to include a family-friendly movie. One of my favorite things is watching old home movies, playing Tripoley, or starting a difficult puzzle and leaving it on a table for all to walk by and try!
4.  If this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving at your home, click here for fabulous recipes and tips for a traditional Thanksgiving that will keep you organized and on track.
5.  If you are still determining how you want to decorate the serving table and need inspiration, click here to get some ideas from Pinterest.
6.  If you need help setting the table, please click here to review the guides for the various table layouts. If you want the kids to help, click here for a printable of the table setting from Emily Post that they can use.
7.  If you are dealing with a frozen turkey, click here to understand how long it will take to thaw (in your refrigerator) safely.
8.  Do you want to serve appetizers? Since eating a big meal, you want something manageable, easy to make, and convenient. Personally, I like a platter of veggies and dip, nuts, and cheeses, anything that can be prepared ahead of time and quickly set out as the guests arrive. Be sure to have fun cocktail napkins available! Another option is to ask a friend or family member to bring an appetizer.

Have a wonderful holiday with your friends and family! Enjoy yourself, relax, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, and connect with your friends or family; that is what this holiday is about, giving thanks for times together!

By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook.com, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Feature photo from Unsplash.