Making Thanksgiving dinner is a significant undertaking, but with some planning, collaboration, and the right supplies, laying out a beautiful table of delicious food can be stress-free and even fun.
Below are the four essential tips for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.
The Plan
The plan for making Thanksgiving dinner is your most essential tool. Your plan should include a guest list, a menu, a shopping list, and a timeline. It’s helpful to start with your guest list so you can plan how much food to make, arrange for seating, and plan ahead for having enough dishware and glasses.
The menu is key to your plan. Traditionally, the turkey is the centrepiece, with sides that include potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and dessert, of course. It can be fun and creative to put your own twists on the dinner. But, make sure to keep your guest list in mind. Will they be disappointed if their favorite dish isn’t on the table? Also, plan to accommodate picky children, vegetarians, vegans, and guests with allergies or specific food preferences.
Dividing your shopping list into two or three can be helpful for planning ahead. Make a list of everything that can be bought a few weeks in advance, including canned and boxed items and any new tools or gadgets you plan to buy. You can buy most other items up to a week ahead of time, including the turkey. In some places, turkeys can run out, so it is vital to purchase them in advance. Plus, it may be frozen and need time to defrost.
The timeline is your master plan of what you need to done and when. This Thanksgiving 10-day Timeline from Kitchn provides a helpful breakdown.
Some tips for your plan:
- Keep everything together in one notebook or spreadsheet.
- Shop for items online in advance to save time.
- Look for recipes that you can make in advance, so you don’t have to do everything on Thanksgiving Day.
Ask for Help
No one expects you to put together the entire meal on your own! In fact, most guests look forward to bringing their favorite or signature dish. Reach out ahead of time and invite each guest to bring a side, dessert, or beverage. Ask them to be specific about what they will bring, so you don’t end up with four stuffing dishes and no vegetables. If you find it easier, go ahead and assign dishes to each person based on what you think they will enjoy making.
Talk with family members or the others who will attend about necessary roles. Will they do the shopping, set the table, cook a specific dish, or stay by your side helping all day? Be realistic about what help you have and what you will need, then ask a friend or family member to come early to assist if needed. The last hour is usually the most hectic, and even one extra helping hand can make a big difference.
The Kitchen Tools
For the turkey, you will need:
- A roasting pan
- Turkey baster
- Food thermometer
- Good carving knife
- A large cutting board
- Gravy boat
Other helpful kitchen tools for the meal include a peeler, enough pots and pans for each dish, knives, cutting boards, and mixing bowls. Pull out all your serving dishes and make sure you have one that will hold each dish you plan to make.
Tools for Setting the Table
You’ll also want to count to ensure you have enough dishes, silverware, and glassware for each guest. Keep in mind additional dishes and forks for dessert. Drinkware most likely means a water glass, wine glass, and coffee cups. If you are having children, consider unbreakable dishware and cups.
It’s okay to borrow what you don’t have. You can even rent dishes if you don’t have the right supplies or room to store everything you need. Bonus: You won’t need to clean them!
Special touches, such as a centrepiece, cloth napkins, and name cards, can bring elegance and a festive feeling to your table.
With a solid plan, help onboard, the right kitchen supplies, and everything you need to set a beautiful table, you are all set to have a stress-free, delicious, and memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
