Nov 18

One Week Until Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. It’s right up there with Halloween. I love to cook a giant meal for the family, and make way too many desserts.

I start my Thanksgiving planning early, some would say a little too early.

For starters I cook a practice “thanksgiving” meal at least once a month from August through October. It helps me get the timing down on all of the dishes. It also helps me to remember how to cook a turkey. I keep the sides simple, and I love that there are always yummy leftovers from the practice.

When October rolls around I start making lists. I plan out the meal, desserts, and then a small snack dinner for the evening. I gather up recipes, and make a big shopping list. I also make a separate list starting with three weeks before, and ending up to the big day. I make notes on what needs to get done week by week. It looks a little like this:

  • Three weeks before Thanksgiving:
  • Finalize meal plan
  • wash linens for the table
  • grocery shop for pantry items

 

  • Two weeks before Thanksgiving:
  • wash serving dishes, plates, etc
  • grocery shop for pantry items

 

  • One Week before Thanksgiving:
  • organize kitchen shelves
  • grocery shop for frozen items

 

  • Sunday November 20th:
  • make shopping list for Monday
  • make and freeze pie crust
  • clean out fridge and freezer

 

Then I’ll go day by day with what task needs accomplished, and what dish to prepare ahead. The lists really help keep me on track. I can also delegate chores or meal prep to the kids if they want to get involved.

This year I’m doing something a bit different with the Thanksgiving supplies. I’m taking the big shopping list and breaking it down into about four weekly trips. I’ve cleaned off two shelves in the kitchen to organize the supplies and the serving dishes.

The little shopping trips here and there have been easier than one giant shopping trip. I’ve got the pantry stocked so far, and I’m heading out for frozen goods tomorrow. On Monday I’ll finish up with the fresh goods, and get to work.

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There is still a lot to be done before Thanksgiving rolls around, but it will be fun getting there.