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An Organized Thanksgiving
by Maria Gracia
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Thanksgiving is meant to be a time of remembrance, family and thanks, not
a holiday of stress and chaos. Here are 9 easy ways to stay organized for an
enjoyable, stress-free Thanksgiving Day:
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 ton 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. Bring 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.
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The Original
Get Organized Now!
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by Maria Gracia
The Original
Get Organized Now!
Website - Since 1997
by Maria Gracia
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