1. LEAVE COOKING AND CLEANING BEHIND.
These days, many people opt to go
out for Thanksgiving, instead of cooking and cleaning at home. If
you're an extremely busy person, this may also work for you. If you
don't want to miss the feeling of being at home, perhaps you might have
the main course at a restaurant, and later have pie and coffee at home.
In addition, lots of supermarkets and restaurants offer fully cooked
Thanksgiving dinners. You simply pick everything up and place it on
your table ready to be served, and if you must add a personal touch,
make one special dish of your own.
2. PREPARE FOR TRAVELING.
If you're traveling this Thanksgiving,
be sure to make your packing list well ahead of time. Check items off
as you're putting them into your luggage. Bring this list with you and
use it to repack when you're ready to return home. By the way, I
usually suggest that you travel a few days before Thanksgiving and come
back a few days after the Thanksgiving rush. Otherwise, you're going to
spend a lot of time in airports, on the road, in line, etc.
3. LET'S TALK TURKEY.
First, determine how much room you have
in your freezer and refrigerator, and how many people you will be
serving. Then order your turkey. If you need more storage space,
perhaps a neighbor or relative can help you out. Rather than defrosting
a frozen turkey in water on Thanksgiving Day, defrost it a few days
ahead in your refrigerator instead. This saves tons of time!
4. INVITE GUESTS IN A SNAP.
If you haven't already sent out
invitations, you may consider simply calling possible guests instead.
You won't have to spend a lot of time writing and mailing, and you
usually get an RSVP immediately.
5. CHECK YOUR INVENTORY.
Check your supply of chairs, tables,
dishes, glasses, pots, pans, serving plates and utensils. Arrange to
buy, rent or borrow anything you don't have.
6. PLAN YOUR MEAL.
Plan your meal from appetizers to
dessert on a piece of paper. Make a list of all ingredients needed.
Take your list when you go shopping and check items off as you put them
in your cart.
7. COOK AHEAD.
Make any meals that you can well ahead
of time and freeze them. On Thanksgiving Day, just defrost, heat and
serve. You will save tons of time, plus you'll be able to join in the
festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.
8. GET READY THE NIGHT BEFORE.
You'll be happy you took care of a few
things the night before. Set the table. Get the good silverware out of
storage. Lay out your wardrobe, and your kids' wardrobes.
9. DON'T FORGET THE IMPORTANT STUFF.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be
thankful for health, family, friends and all that life has to offer.
Some people choose to say grace. Others prefer to simply have a moment
of silence before dinner and football. Still others like to make time
to read a Thanksgiving Story or a poem. Make a list of the things you
want to do to make the day a special one and reference your list so you
don't forget them.
About the Author
Maria Gracia is the founder of GET ORGANIZED NOW!,
specializes in helping people get better organized to live the kind of
stress-free life they've always dreamed of. She can help you organize
your home, your office and your life! To receive her FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak and/or E-zine, visit Maria's website: http://www.getorganizednow.com
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