- Start your morning by eating something ready-made. Toast, a bowl of fruit, or even a granola bar are quick and easy options. With food in your belly, you’ll be less likely to nibble while preparing your Thanksgiving feast.
- Make an oven schedule before the big day. Are you scratching your head trying to figure out how in the world your turkey, bread rolls, stuffing and green bean casserole are all going to have enough time in the oven? Make yourself an oven timetable and you’ll be sure remain on schedule! First, write down a list of the cooking temperatures and cooking durations needed for each dish. Use the temperatures to figure out which dishes can be in the oven simultaneously. Then, use the durations to figure out what time each dish needs to go in the oven and what time they need to be taken out. Don’t know where to start? Check out my Thanksgiving day schedule from last year, below, or start building yours now!
Hot Tip: Don’t forget that it’s recommended you let your turkey rest for about 30-40 minutes (depending on its size) before carving – that’s the perfect time to throw your quick dishes (like bread rolls & biscuits) in the oven!
- Cook pies and desserts the day before Turkey Day. I never quite understood the saying “easy as pie”… if you’ve ever made a pie before, you most likely wouldn’t describe the process as “easy”! To save time and avoid chaos on Thanksgiving day, take the time to make your pies and desserts one day ahead of time. Just throw them back in the warm oven while everyone is chowing down on the big feast and they’ll be ready to eat by the time your main course is over!
- Wash dishes as you go. No one looks forward to taking on a heaping pile of dirty dishes after preparing a big meal. Instead, wash dishes as you use them to gain a little bit more time to relax once all your delicious dishes are in the oven!
- Have kids make name cards. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen so keep the kids occupied with their own Thanksgiving tasks. Why not make hand turkey name cards? They’ll be so excited to show off their artistic talent to guests! If your kids are older or if the little ones have some big kid supervision, why not get extra creative with Martha Stewart’s design.
Want even more crafty creations for the kids to spruce up the holiday decor? Check out Jen Betterly’s 15 Thanksgiving Decorations That Kids Can Make - Purchase disposable to-go boxes for your guests. Rather than losing all of your good tupperware containers be ready with some restaurant style styrofoam to-go boxes. You can find them at Sam’s Club or Walmart. This will also help limit how many leftovers you have to put away!
- Turn washing dishes into family fun. If you took our step #4 advice and washed dishes throughout the day then after the lavish dinner you should be left with plates, cups, silverware, serving dishes and utensils. While the task is still daunting, turn it into some family fun! Break down dish washing into smaller steps and have everyone pitch in. Duties would include:
Someone to collect all the dishes that need to be washed
Someone to soap
Someone to rinse
1 or 2 people to dry dishes
1 or 2 people to put dishes away
While you’re all in the kitchen and full of a thankful spirit – and food – take turns sharing what you’re grateful for. - Decide what to do after the big feast. After everything has been put away and the day begins to wind down – unless you’re starting your Black Friday shopping in the evening – why not enjoy a family activity? Brainstorm activities that the whole brood can enjoy in the evening – whether it’s watching A Christmas Story to get ready for the next big day, playing Monopoly or a friendly game of touch football – have everyone write it down their idea and fold it up. Place all the papers in a bowl or dish and have the youngest member pull one out. Have the oldest family member announce what fantastic family fun everyone will be enjoying to wrap up the day.
BONUS TIP! Contact Maid Clean and we’ll help you get your house back to tip top shape after the holidays! Give us a call, shoot us an email or submit a request for a free quote now.
