Thanksgiving Dinner

By: Kori Wedeking

As Thanksgiving approaches, there is lots that needs to be done in order to achieve the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving can put a lot of pressure on those who have to host and cook the meal. The Food Network has several tips for planning a stress-free Thanksgiving.

About three weeks prior to the dinner, you should prepare and finalize a guest list. After doing so, you will be able to find out if any guests have allergies or dietary needs. These allergies and needs could alter the meal you want to prepare. Finally, you should make sure you have enough tables, chairs, plates, and silverware for the event. If you do not, you should begin to make plans to borrow or rent what you will need.

When Thanksgiving is two weeks away, you should decide on your final menu and collect all the recipes you will need. You should also assign any cooking projects to family members willing to help. Assigning the non-cooking family members to bring the drinks is a smart option. Along with this, you should buy your turkey and non-perishable items for the meal.

Once Thanksgiving is three days away, you should take your turkey out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to defrost. Find all your pans, serving dishes, and roasters that you might need for the meal. It would also be a good idea to clean your house at this time. You can begin to shop for perishable items if you have time.

Two days before Thanksgiving, you can make your pumpkin pies. You may also make soups, cranberry sauce, and any other dishes that are able to sit in the fridge for a couple of days. Assembling your casseroles is also something you can do. The more you are able to get done before the day of the meal, the better.

The day before the meal, set up your tables so you do not have to worry about it on Thanksgiving. You should buy any food items you have not bought yet. You should also calculate your cooking time before the big meal.

Thanksgiving day has arrived. If you followed the tips listed above, you have put yourself in a position to host a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving day will still be hectic, as you have to cook the turkey, make the stuffing, make potatoes, and prepare any other dishes, but it will be less stressful if you prepared. Hopefully, the Food Network’s tips can make your Thanksgiving dinner special.