Thanksgiving is my favorite food holiday. Many families rely on tradition for their meal, recreating favorites year after year. But sometimes, you like to get creative with at least a dish or two and add something new. Even a new twist to an old favorite can be fun. Here are some great tips and recipe ideas from my collection to get you started:
5 Tips for a Happy & Relaxed Thanksgiving Party
Thanksgiving is a joyful, generous holiday and should be warm and relaxing- even for the cook. Here are our most reliable tips for making the day a holiday for everyone, especially you.
- Set the table the night before – Thanksgiving is a time when families gather, so the holiday meal almost always calls for a larger table than ordinary meals. It’s less stressful to set it the night before, making sure you have all the plates, glasses, and napkins needed.
- Lay out platters and serving utensils in the morning – As with plates and wine glasses, Thanksgiving requires a larger quantity of platters, bowls, and serving spoons. Check that you have everything you need and lay it all out before the day gets busy.
- Write out a timeline – If you have many things to do on Thanksgiving morning, write out a timeline and post it on your fridge, or set reminders on your smartphone to put the turkey in the oven, roast the potatoes, and warm the pies. Don’t forget to schedule time to shower and get ready!
- Make food ahead – You don’t have to finish everything at the last minute. Keep mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker for up to 4 hours, Gravy can be made weeks ahead, frozen and warmed gently on the stove. The pie can be baked a day ahead too.
- Schedule 15 minutes to set the mood – Schedule in 15 minutes at the end of your prep time, just as guests arrive, to light candles, turn on music, and sip a glass of wine.
