10 Things To Do For a Stress Free Thanksgiving

If the hosting baton has been passed to you this year, do not panic. While there are a lot of details that have to be synchronized to make a great Thanksgiving, you aren’t in this alone. We’ve mapped out a foolproof timeline and checklist that will leave your friends and family showering you with praise.

1. Make a plan. Start planning out simple things like the flow of the day. Think about where guests will sit, where you will set the food. Hint: If you are serving more than eight guests, buffet is the easiest way to go.

2. Create a menu. Now is not the time to get fancy. You should use recipes that are simple and trusted. If you want to incorporate something new or different, try a signature cocktail. Once your menu is set, write out grocery lists. Yes, you read that right...lists. Divide the items you need into perishables and non perishables to make shopping and storing easier.

3. Confirm your list. You need to be aware of how many people are coming to your house, and the breakdown of adults and children. Once you have the list finalized, ask for help. It’s not unreasonable to ask guests to bring something, and they will often offer anyway, so you may as well coordinate to ensure you get everything you need.

4. Make a drink list. Be mindful of the array of your guests. You’ll want to make sure you have stuff that everyone will drink, from kids to grandparents. Milk, juice, mixers, a few types of alcohol, beer and wine, and don’t forget the coffee.

5. Grocery shop. Make your lists, and check them twice. Then get out there and get to the store early. Nothing sounds worse than a last minute trip to the store before a holiday. You can buy perishable items about five to six days in advance.

6. Start cooking days ahead. The secret to a stress-free holiday: make-ahead dishes and prep work. Some dishes can be cooked days ahead of time and refrigerated so they only have to be heated day of. If it can’t be cooked in advance, it can probably at least be prepped for; chop those veggies, and pre-measure seasonings.

7. Get your stain removers ready. When your pair guests and food, stains are bound to happen. Be prepared with cloths to soak up any spills, white vinegar, club soda, and a good ol’ pre-treat stick should be able to eliminate even your toughest stains.

8. Decorate and set the table. This can be done one to two nights in advance. If you are planning on incorporating lots of decor, you should start earlier rather than later with your set up. The table can be set the night before so it’s one less thing to worry about on the big day.

9. Game day. Don’t freak out. Make a schedule and stick to it. You want to shoot to be ready up to an hour before guests are scheduled to arrive. Table(s) or buffet should be set, drinks should be chilled, and you should be ready and waiting.

10. Have fun. This holiday is all about being grateful. Don’t worry about all the things that didn’t turn out how you pictured, but focus on the time you have with family and friends.