Thanksgiving Dinner Game Plan

No Comments | Written on November 8, 2011 at 5:00 pm, by Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine

courtesy of Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine

Having a Thanksgiving-dinner game plan makes the big day a whole lot easier and more fun for everyone. Vow to budget your time, and you’ll feel better all around. Here are some suggestions for choosing a balanced menu for this year’s Turkey Day and some helpful tips for managing time more wisely.

A day or two before Thanksgiving Dinner, focus on making the desserts and the cranberry sauce.

• This cranberry relish is done in 10 minutes flat, and it will add a burst of freshness to your table.

• Chop and wash your veggies and store them in the refrigerator until you need them.

• Make sure to balance and lighten your menu with plenty of healthy veggie side dishes. To reduce stress, do your best with simple, elegant recipes like these Sherried Mushrooms, which are rich and full of flavor. Focus on not overcooking the veggies and ensuring the dishes stay warm. Try some of these Eight Thanksgiving Side Dishes Every Table Needs.

• I’m a big fan of checklists and kitchen timers; using these tools will help you keep track of all the moving parts.

• The stuffing, the bird, and a few odds and ends will be your only “day of” concerns. Spend some of those early hours when the turkey first goes in the oven getting organized and attending to the finishing touches. Set the table first thing in the morning. Everyone will feel welcome when the holiday table is set, and as guests gather in the kitchen—the place everyone wants to be—all you’ll have to do is tie up a few loose ends.