FOOD ART AND FAMILY FUN - TIPS FOR MAKING THANKSGIVING MORE FUN AND LESS WORK

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

Thanksgiving doesn't have to be a hassle you know!  

It is about being thankful, not being frantic.  

Slow down and enjoy the season this year.  

Below are 15 simple tips that will make your time easier and less stressful:

.....Invite early.  People get committed and those that you want to invite will already be busy.

.....Buy dry goods at least two weeks ahead.

.....Buy frozen goods at least two weeks ahead, especially the turkey.  Things start disappearing and prices start going up closer to the holiday.

.....Make your menu out and have a detailed grocery list.  Buy the fresh produce and perishable items a few days before Thanksgiving.  Try to go shopping after nine in the evening, or during work hours and avoid the large crowds.  Tuesday mornings are the best.

.....Make things that will keep over the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, cookies, candies, cakes that can be frozen and iced the day of.

.....Have a day before just for baking.  Play music and have fun being creative, it helps you to get in the right mood for guest.

.....Remember a turkey usually takes about four days to thaw in the refrigerator.  Go ahead and cook your turkey the day before.  Slice and arrange in nice trays and put in the refrigerator.   Take out just before time to serve.

......You don’t have to make EVERYTHING from scratch.  Mixes are great these days and no one  will ever know the difference if you chose the right ones.

.....Have your casseroles all put together the day before and store in the refrigerator. 

.....Before you start to do the casseroles and salads spend a few hours just chopping vegetables and store them in the refrigerator in large plastic zip lock bags.  When you start to assemble everything, just take what you need.  It will save you a lot of time in the end.

.....Have your table set ahead of time.  Study the silverware and the napkins and make sure everything is sparkling clean and arranged attractively.

.....There are a lot of boiled eggs used in Thanksgiving dishes.  Have about a dozen pre-boiled when  you start to arrange your dressing and casseroles.  Remove the shells and store in plastic zip  lock bags. Have some of them already chopped in zip-lock bags.
   
.....If you're on a budget and want to add color to your table, check out the dollar store for
       decorations and even colorful plates and napkins.  You might be very surprised.

......You can download free music on the Internet that has thanksgiving themes.  Makes good background music.

.....Surround candles with pine cones and pecans from your own yard.  They will make a good center piece for your table without spending a penny.

.....Just a few little ideas.  You can do these things with ease.  Let everyone chip in and bring dishes that you coordinate so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. 

Remember the reason for the holiday and just be thankful!  

No need to stress at all. 

Still too hard?  Okay....hop in the car and drive straight to Moms or Grandmothers!