I’ve been seeing a lot of these tips for stress-free this and stress-free that and they always make me laugh. Stress-free is sitting in my PJ’s with a cup of tea and a good book. Stress-free is not making a large dinner for my entire family. However, I’ve come up with some tips that will help to reduce the stress level in your house so that you can enjoy your holiday. Then…….spend the day after in your PJ’s with the tea and book. For all of you outside of the US who think they are in the clear……….remember Christmas is coming!
1. Delegate – You don’t have to do it all yourself! You may want to consider delegating parts of the meal. Not only does this lessen the stress, but it allows others to show off their favorite recipes. We look forward to everyone’s special dish each year.
2. Make sure you thaw out tom turkey ahead of time. You will want to thaw it out in the refrigerator and this will take a couple of days. Do NOT thaw it on the counter. We don’t want your guests ending up with food poisoning. That would be stressful! You could also consider purchasing a turkey from your local butcher or farmer. I know around here the Amish sell turkeys that are fresh and better quality than many at the grocery store. Something to consider. If you decide to go this route, make sure you order ahead.
3. Keep it Traditional. Thanksgiving is not the time to try a whole menu of new recipes you found on Pinterest and have never made before. That will surely stress you out. Stick to only a couple of new recipes if you have to. Remember, the holidays are about tradition. I know my children like the same dishes each year. They love their simple mashed potatoes and gravy. For some reason, it just tastes better on Thanksgiving day. They really look forward to their traditional meal each year.
4. Beware of deep-frying. OK…….I work for the insurance company……..I just had to say something about this. Sure, deep-fried turkey tastes great, but burning down your house or having to run to the emergency room for 2nd degree burns will certainly make for a stressful holiday. Make sure you use an oil that can handle the heat like canola or corn. Olive oil can not be used at high temperatures. OK……..this is the last time I will discuss deep frying on this blog. If you still have to deep-fry. Make sure you slowly lower the bird into the deep-fryer and always follow manufacturers directions.
5. Consider cooking only part of the turkey. If you are not cooking for a crowd, there is no need to cook an entire turkey. Buy a turkey breast and some legs and it will take a lot less time to cook.
6. Make sure to plan everything ahead of time. Know what dishes you are using for the table, make sure you have enough chairs. Check. Check. Double Check your shopping list. Realizing you don’t have butter on Thanksgiving morning is stressful. You can avoid this by checking your lists. Think about what you can do ahead of time. Can you set the table a week early? Can you chop veggies for the salad a couple of days ahead? Cranberry sauce tastes great when the flavors are able to blend together a day in advance.
7. Kids can be stressful. Surprise, right?! Plan a couple of activities to keep the kids busy and happy while you are cooking. Hand print turkeys, making bracelets, and coloring sheets will all keep kids busy.
8. Remember Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for all of your blessings. Take a moment and write down what you are thankful for. You may find that some of your biggest stressors are some of your biggest blessings as well.
Tell me about your Thanksgiving. What do you do to keep the stress down? How many do you cook for. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
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I have never ever had to entertain for Thanksgiving. We always go to my in laws and I am only in charge of one dish. However this year I think I am cooking for our family because they will be away. I'll let you know how stressful it is. 🙂
Oh Michelle…….you are in for a treat this year. Enjoy your cooking and time spent with your family. Organize and then relax. Let me know how it goes.
Your plan sounds great! My best secrets? Use an oven bag to cook the turkey. It keeps it moist and juicy and cooks it much more quickly. Everyone loves it. I have my kids set the table the night before and the next day they fill a bowl with treasures for the centerpiece. Pinecones, pretty leaves, weeds:) a feather or rocks. They're proud of themselves and have fun with it. It's very relaxing for me!
Great tips Laurie! A dried out turkey sure would make things stressful. You've solved that problem. I like how you not only have your kids help, but allow them to really feel like they are part of the Thanksgiving celebration. Nicely done!
Your plans will definitely help. I use my crock-pots for all my sides. I prepare them ahead of time. Thanksgiving morning I just have take it out of the refrigerator and plug it in.
Blessings and stop by today for my link up.
Diane http://www.recipesforourdailybread.com
Crock pots for your sides. Great idea. I love my crocks! Perfect way to keep cooking even when the oven is full of turkey. The programmable crocks will keep your sides nice and warm without overcooking them.
Great tips! I will need them this year, as we are hosting my husband's entire family for Thanksgiving! Everyone brings several dishes, so I don't have to cook everything – thank goodness! The hardest part for me is getting the house cleaned up. My job has changed and I'm working more hours, so I have even less time than usual to clean. So I'm splurging on having a cleaning service come in a few days beforehand. Just the thought of it makes me less stressed!
Hiring help is a great idea. I used to have a woman come clean my house once a week. It really was a help especially around the holidays. With everyone bringing dishes you should be fine. You are sure to have something everyone will like and not have to drive yourself crazy preparing it all yourself. Have fun and enjoy your family. Will your boys be home?
You are definitely the super mom to consult when it comes to juggling real life and real food. Your blog name is so fitting. 🙂 These are some great points. I did find a couple of recipes on the internet, including Gweneth Paltrow's sweet potato five spice muffins that I can't wait to try because they are gluten free and use pure maple syrup instad of sugar! Finding something for baby this year will be key. Last year I had to juggle cooking with him in the moby carrier some of the time. LOL. So glad you shared this one also with us on Countdown in Style. xoxo
Super Mom you say? That one cracked me up Brittnei. We all do our best, don't we? Those sweet potato muffins sound to die for, You'll have to let me know how they turn out. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family. I remember one Thanksgiving sitting my little guy at the table and I was so excited to have him celebrate with us. As soon as we sat down to eat, his head hit the high chair. He was asleep! Things didn't work out as planned, but it still turned out to be one of my most memorable and favorite Thanksgivings.
I don't think there's part of a Thanksgiving meal that I DON'T like, although I delegate so well that I don't cook any of it. That's going to change soon enough, I need to get more comfortable with the kitchen and I will!
Thanks for sharing and linking up with Countdown in Style! Don't forget to come back on Friday to see if you were featured!
~~April~~
100lbCountdown.com