We are about to enter into one of the busiest times of the year.
So, this month and next I thought I would address organizing for the holiday seasons. This will be a two part e-tip that will continue in December.
Now is a great time to start getting your thoughts and plans in order for the entertaining, decorating, wrapping, party going, and shopping that will be occurring in November and December.
This is where "list making" comes into play. Whether you are cooking the big turkey day meal or going to someone's house and taking a dish with you, you will still need to get your lists made.
Since Thanksgiving is at my house this year, let me pass on to you my tips on getting ready.
I start by figuring out how many I will be serving, and that helps me determine how much food I will need to purchase and prepare. Once that is decided I can now make up my menu.
Next, I make my grocery list including every ingredient I will need.
Starting with the turkey, do I want frozen or fresh? If you are going the fresh route you will need to place an order at your meat department, usually one to two weeks before is enough time. Your butcher will help you determine the poundage vs how many you will be serving.
I start shopping about one to two weeks before the big day. The reason I start early is that I like to avoid the crowds and I want to make sure I find everything I need. If I can't locate something, this allows me time to hunt it down.
My next to do, is to start pulling out any decorations I may need for the table setting.
Do I need to purchase new candles, order flowers for the centerpiece and is the tablecloth presentable?
I also check to make sure that I have all the serving pieces and platters that I will be using.
My next task is to list the "order" of food preparation so that I know everything will come out on time and be warm.
Now, have a great meal with family and friends and be thankful that you have such good food to enjoy.
Once the dishes are cleaned and I am sitting down with my legs propped up, I can now start thinking about all the lists I need to make for the month of December.
Well, tomorrow will do.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
To be continued...
