It’s that time of year again, Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and there is a lot to be done. If only the kiddos would quietly play together, that might just help out a bit. I’m hostessing the holidays again this year, and I have to say that it is a task that I really enjoy. It does bring a little stress my way, but way less stress than traveling with my three kiddos in the van (that is a whole other level of stress). I thought I would share my time-line of holiday hostessing in a hurry.

Two Days Before:

• If you have guests that are planning on staying, this is a great time to prep your house for their arrival. Tidy up the guest room, and deep clean the bathroom too. Change the sheets, and make sure the room is nice and comfortable.
• Time to grab your list and hit the store. I put off shopping till the last minute. I also like to clear off a shelf in the pantry and make room for all of the ingredients that I will be cooking with.
• This is also a great day to deep clean the house. Time to tackle those icky cleaning projects (litter-box yuck!), and treat the carpets too. Clean out the fridge too, you need to have room for all of those Thanksgiving leftovers.

One Day Before:

• Time to cook! I like to prepare the snacks, desserts, and as many of the sides that I can get done. I spend almost all day in the kitchen, but it is worth it. The more cooking you get done today, the more time you can spend relaxing tomorrow.
• Enlist the kiddos in helping out. If your kiddos are already home from school, and a little grumpy like mine are, it’s time for them to work on a project. I have my kiddos pick-up the toys, dust the house, and it usually keeps them busy for a bit.
• Make one more run to the store for last minute items, or if you run your pantry out of Vanilla.
• I keep our menu simple, and the opposite of Thanksgiving. Today we are having quesadillas for dinner, I don’t want to burnout our taste buds on holiday cheer just yet.
• Before you go to bed. Tidy up the kitchen, and empty the trash cans too.

The Big Day:

• Since it’s Thanksgiving, and I’m hosting at noon, I’ve got to get up early and get to cooking. I’ll have the Turkey in the oven early, and finish up the side dishes as it’s cooking.
• Utilize those paper plates and Pop Tarts. Keep breakfast really simple, you already have enough cooking to do.
• Scrub the toilets and clean the bathroom surfaces one more time. Your restroom will be nice and fresh for your guests.
• Also stay in your comfy/cleaning clothes as long as you can. I’m super messy in the kitchen, so I put on an old T-shirt as I’m cooking, and then change and refresh my make-up just before the guests arrive.
• Set up your buffet stations. I have a buffet for snacks, a buffet for beverages, but the big dinner is usually served family style.
• If your guests are looking for something to do, get them involved in the kitchen, or keeping the kiddos entertained. I usually have my Mom keep the kiddos busy and out of the kitchen, and have a game on for the boys.
• About an hour before serving. Set the table if you haven’t already, and put all of those finishing touches on your dishes. Serve up that tasty meal and celebrate!
• Time to relax. Have an extra piece of pumpkin pie, those dirty dishes can wait till tomorrow.

I hope that you have a wonderful and very Happy Thanksgiving!