will you be ready?

“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” A. A. Milne

The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving, a holiday all about food, is in two weeks. It's time to start thinking about preparations. Think it's too early? Well, I assure you the sooner you prepare and plan, the more relaxed and enjoyable your holiday will be. Here are a few tips and ideas for a wonderful holiday feast with family and friends.


1 to 2 weeks before thanksgiving

...begin planning your menu, and know how many people will be coming as well as any allergies and food preferences you'll want to remember.
keep it simple, and of course delicious. maybe ask guests to bring something making it a little more like a potluck, and take something off your hands.

...if you can, why not order your turkey ahead of time? it saves the last minute turkey rush, and if you can get it fresh from a local butcher, you're supporting local business which is always a wonderful idea.


this photo from the library of congress

...this may seem silly, but read your recipes thoroughly from start to finish. this will assure that no nasty surprises come up at the last minute and you realize you can't get the ingredients because the market is closed. {shudder}

...make your shopping and to-do lists, and maybe even starting your cooking timeline.


a few days before thanksgiving

...solidify your timeline for the actual day. here is a great example, and of course, don't sweat it if you don't have as many ovens as this example shows. You know your kitchen and really it's just important to have it all on paper so you know how much time things will need to take, and what will be in the oven when.

...start your food shopping



...if you have the time, prepare any food that can be done ahead of time, such as pie pastry, gravy, thawing the turkey.

...organize serving dishes and plan your table settings.


day before thanksgiving

...if you ordered a turkey, pick it up.

...finish any shopping for food, buying extras of certain things you may need, just in case.

...review and adjust your cooking timeline, being sure you know how long you will need to cook the turkey for (turkey times at bottom).

...prepare anything you can make before hand, pies, gravy, stuffing, sides (potatoes, vegetable casseroles, etc.), breads, prep the turkey (brine, etc.).

...set the table

...look over your timeline one last time.


thanksgiving day

... wake up early, have a good breakfast, and follow your timeline.

...tell your family and friends why you're grateful for them.



...have fun.

...take a nap.

...watch some football, totally optional

all other images by norman rockwell

Turkey Times:
allow 13-15 minutes per pound.

Turkey: Approximate time:
10-12 lbs. 2½ - 3 hours
12-14 lbs. 2¾ - 3¼ hours
14-16 lbs. 3 – 3¾ hours
16-18 lbs. 3¼ - 4 hours
18-20 lbs. 3½ - 4¼ hours
20+ lbs. 3¾ - 4½ hours

here are a few links for more info and tips:
do it like martha
entertainment ideas
how to stay sane on turkey day


have a wonderful holiday
Jj