One week before Thanksgiving! Though I love this time of year, staying organized and balancing work and fun requirements can sometimes drive me nuts. Because of that, I wanted to create a week before Thanksgiving checklist that will help offer tips and direction for those last minutes needs.
The week before Thanksgiving Checklist:
- Finish your grocery list and purchase whatever you can now that doesn’t need to be fresh, save those items for the last minute run.
- 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, all you have to do is insert the name! Whatever you plan, keep it simple with minimal mess.
- Do you have an after-dinner activity planned? I know there’s 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 to do is watch old home movies, play Tripoley or start a difficult puzzle and leave it on a table for all to walk by and try!
- 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.
- If you are still unsure how you want to decorate the serving table and need some inspiration, click here to get some ideas from Pinterest.
- If you are unsure how to set 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.
- If you are dealing with a frozen turkey, click here to understand how long it will take to safely thaw (in your refrigerator.)
- Do you want to serve appetizers? Since you are eating a big meal, you don’t want anything heavy, hard-to-make, or time-consuming. 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 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 and don’t spend all your time working. Relax, grab a glass of your favorite beverage and connect, after all that is what this holiday is about, giving thanks for times together!
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Feature photo from Unsplash.