Thinking About Thanksgiving

Here we are, at the end of October, and as the kids dream about filling up their goody bags with Halloween candy, we adults are already thinking ahead to the holiday season. With just a few weeks until Thanksgiving, a little early planning will mean less work and more celebrating for you.

Menu Planning

The great thing about Thanksgiving is that the dishes you serve tend to be traditional, served year after year; this makes planning so much simpler. Stock up on pantry items now—flour, pie filling, breadcrumbs, stocks, broths, dried herbs and spices—to save time down the road.

Are you serving a new dish? Give it a trial run before Thanksgiving Day to give you time to tweak the recipe and make it perfect.

Finally, check your cook wear and utensils to make sure you have everything you need. If you forgot to replace that broken meat thermometer, pick up a new one; if you have been meaning to invest in a new roasting pan, buy one before the holiday rush.

Decorating

This can mean anything from a fresh coat of paint and new hardwear on the kitchen cabinetry, to wreaths for the door and centerpieces for the table. A labor-intensive project like painting should be done in advance, both for peace of mind and so the new-paint-smell dissipates. Come Thanksgiving Day, the only thing guests will smell is juicy roast turkey and buttery side dishes!

Entertaining

Don’t forget that your guests want to spend time with you; that is ultimately what makes pre-planning so important. The more things you can get done in advance, the more time you have to host family and friends. Get the housecleaning done a few days early, and any side dishes that can be refrigerated or frozen should be made a day or two in advance.

The Cabinets & Designs team wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Stay tuned to our blog for more great holiday tips in the coming weeks