Thanksgiving to do's

Being prepared is the only way to be for any holiday party! Last year I made notes on what worked and what didn't for me and kept these in my "Holiday Notebook".

Here is what my to-do's look like for this year:

Wednesday 11/10:
*Make guest list and start making calls to invite everyone.


Saturday 11/13:
 *Make menu. Decide what guests should bring and what I will provide.

Wednesday 11/17:
*Start making calls to confirm who is coming. Discuss what dish people are bringing. Keep a list of who is bringing what.

Thursday 11/18:
*Continue making calls to confirm who is coming and what dish they are bringing. Keep a list of confirmations/dishes.

Saturday 11/20:

*Make mashed potatoes. Freeze.

*Make pecan bars. Store in airtight container until Thanksgiving.

Sunday 11/21:

*Put turkey in fridge to start thawing.

Monday 11/22:

*Start cleaning house. Plan to do one or two rooms thoroughly.

Tuesday 11/23:

*Pull mashed potatoes from freezer and place them in the fridge to start thawing out.

*Make napkin rings and place cards.

*Work on cleaning one or two more rooms thoroughly.

Wednesday 11/24:

*Make sweet potato casserole. Place in fridge after cooking.

*Make stuffing. Store in airtight container overnight.

*Finish cleaning house thoroughly.

Thursday 11/25:

7:30 am - Bake muffins and cut up some fresh fruit.

8:00 am - Clean out thawed turkey. Stuff turkey and preheat oven.

8:30 am - Turkey in the oven!

9:00 am - Feed family breakfast (overnight bubble bread and fresh fruit)

9:30 am - Put mashed potatoes in Crock-pot on low (need to warm for 3-4 hours)

11:00 am - Put together veggie and relish tray.

11:20 am - Prepare smoked salmon spread. Serve with crackers.

11:30 am - Start setting table and set out munchies.

1:00 pm - Warm sweet potato casserole in microwave.

1:15 pm - Make green bean casserole

1:30 pm - Pull turkey from oven and let "rest" for 10-15 minutes before carving.

1:30ish pm - Make gravy using turkey juices

2:15ish pm - Gather everyone around table and EAT UP!!!!

Before serving pumpkin pie give yourself 20 minutes to make fresh, homemade whipped topping.