Being the host or hostess of the upcoming Thanksgiving feast can be both a blessing and a curse for some people. Most people see it as an honor and are elated to host Thanksgiving at their home for their family and close friends, but when they think of the preparation involved, they may second guess themselves. Sure, if you are like Martha Stewart and can whip up appetizers, a main entree, dessert and lavish decorations in a matter of hours for a party of forty, then you may think a dinner party of eight is a drop in a bucket. But if you are like most people and the most you have cooked for was your spouse and kids and that consisted of throwing frozen entrees in the microwave, then you may want to read on for some tips on throwing a stress-free Thanksgiving party.
The most important thing to do is to plan the menu early. If you have loved certain side dishes your friends or family members have made at their own dinners or potlucks, don’t be ashamed to ask them if they would mind giving you their recipes. Most people find it flattering when others love their dishes so much they want to attempt to make it themselves. Watch cooking shows for ideas or search for recipes online. Of course, you can make any of your own recipes that your family and friends love. The goal is to write down a menu and then stick to it at least one week before the event. Print out and attach the recipes for the different menu items to this menu for safekeeping.
Do not deny yourself any help that may be offered. If your mother is asking you if she can bring anything to help ease the burden, you can ask her to make that fabulous pecan pie she always makes. She will be happy to help. Of course, if many people are asking you if they can bring anything, you don’t want to get into a situation where everything is brought in and you make nothing, so accept help from a few people. Don’t be too proud to have others help you.
If there are certain menu items that can be easily bought, like the gravy or the cranberry sauce, don’t be ashamed to go out and purchase those items pre-made. Most families and friends really do not care about what is homemade and what is not. The idea of Thanksgiving is to pull family and friends together and to give thanks for all they have been blessed with. Always bear in mind what the true meaning of Thanksgiving is.
If you have a recipe for an item you have never tried before that looks a little difficult, now may not be the time to start learning new kitchen techniques. For example, if you have never made bread before and want to attempt to make it for Thanksgiving, you may want to reconsider. However, if you have your heart set on learning and attempting it that day, be sure to have a backup, like store-bought rolls.
Have you ever been to the grocery store the day before or the day OF Thanksgiving? It is a madhouse, to say the least. The lines are a mile long and the aisles are full of last-minute shoppers scrambling for that last can of pumpkin. Do yourself a favor and buy all of your ingredients early. Trust me, by the time the first of November rolls around, the stores will already be stocked with Thanksgiving foods.
Go through your menu items and write down a timeline of when the different items can be prepared. For example, most desserts and breads can be made a day before and many items, like pasta salads, can easily be made two days before and chilled. You may find that the only item to prepare on the day of Thanksgiving is the turkey itself.
If you are panicking about decorating your house with Autumn or Thanksgiving-inspired decor, don’t. The main focus of Thanksgiving is not the Autumn leaf garland you have on your mantle, nor is it the large decorative cornucopia on your dining room table. It is the friends and family who will be talking and laughing around the table that day, so keep that in mind. Besides, if you play your cards right, most guests will be too bloated by the end of the day to notice that you don’t’ have a Thanksgiving wreath on your front door.
