Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday of October, is a cherished tradition marking the end of the autumn harvest and the last moments of crisp fall weather before winter sets in.
According to budget meal-box company, Chefs Plate, Google searches for “thanksgiving desserts”, “thanksgiving side dishes” and “thanksgiving turkey recipe” increased by 5,000% in the past 30 days in Canada.
This year, make the most of the long weekend by enjoying a stress-free celebration with friends and family, thanks to a few simple tips.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or new to the Thanksgiving table, these top tips by Chefs Plate will help you prepare, celebrate, and savour your Thanksgiving feast without feeling overwhelmed.
-
Plan ahead for a seamless day
Planning is key to avoiding last-minute chaos. Create your Thanksgiving menu in advance, ensuring you include all your family’s favourites – from roasted turkey to classic sides like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
-
Prep the day before
Mash potatoes and stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator then reheated on the day - this will save you a combined total of over an hour. Washing and chopping veg then placing them in the refrigerator a day before is also another great way to save time and precious bench space.
-
Buy the right size turkey
It sounds so simple but so many people think bigger means better, but we all need to be conscious of our food waste habits - a large turkey should feed 12-15 people so if you’ve only got 6 guests then a medium turkey is usually more than enough and doesn’t mean cutting out leftovers.
-
Plan a cooking timeline
Thanksgiving isn’t just one simple recipe, there are so many dishes to juggle and by knowing exactly when certain dishes need to be cooked is such a lifesaver and it reduces stress as there is less guesswork and hoping for the best.
-
Delegate tasks and make it a group effort
Thanksgiving is about coming together, so don’t hesitate to ask for help! Assign tasks like setting the table, preparing side dishes, or pouring drinks to family members or guests. This way, you can focus on the main course and enjoy quality time with loved ones, rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
-
Get creative with leftovers
After the big meal, leftovers can become a source of excitement rather than stress. Transform your extra turkey and sides into new, delicious meals like Turkey Poutine – a Canadian favourite! Layer crispy fries with shredded turkey, cheese curds for a satisfying post-Thanksgiving treat.
-
Enjoy the moments
Amidst the busyness of preparing a feast, don’t forget to enjoy the day! Take time to relax, share what you're thankful for, and savour the special moments with your family. After all, the heart of Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and that includes appreciating the joy of a well-prepared meal.
