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10 Ways to Get a Head Start on Thanksgiving

Posted Fri, Nov 09, 2007, 4:14 pm PST
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Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of year! The family fun...the food...the festive gatherings...the food...and the opportunity to reflect on everything good in our lives, including...food! Any holiday that gives us a guilt-free reason to indulge in more than one slice of apple pie is tops on our list.

That said, trying to cook a perfect turkey, whip up the world's best stuffing, mash potatoes, cook cranberries, set the table, and not break into a sweat make this holiday one of the year's most stressful. Here's a checklist of 10 ways to get a head start on your Thanksgiving, so you can enjoy your holiday to the max.

 

1. Reserve the bird  Reserve a turkey and schedule a pick-up, so you avoid racing around at the last minute to find the perfect one.

2. Brush up  Dust off your linens. Wash and iron them so they are table-ready.

3. Dig in  Dig up those Thankgiving-exclusive utensils that you'll need, including items such as gravy boats and turkey carvers. This way you're not scrambling on Thanksgiving day.

4. Lighten up  Stock up on candles: tapers, along with some pillars and votives in autumnal hues to adorn your home.

5. Order in  Place an order for a centerpiece or floral arrangement. If you plan on making your own, order flowers for your local shop to set aside for you. Consider gourds and pumpkins for your table or around your home.

6. Easy freeze  Prep and freeze homemade cranberry sauce ahead of time.

7. Make arrangements  Create place cards for your guests. Purchase plain cards and address ‘em up with a rubber stamp or ribbon.

8. Mix it up  Be your own DJ by crafting a music playlist. Burn CDs or create a long holiday mix on your iPod.

9. Refresh your refreshments  Load up on wine and beverages. Make sure you have ample glassware.

10. Give thanks  Thanksgiving should include a ritual where everyone expresses what they are thankful for. Make "Thanks" cards for all your guests to write down why they are grateful.

 

Average (474 Ratings): 2.5 out of 5 stars

  • 1. Posted by alisha_aguilera on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:15 pm PST

    great ideas

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  • 2. Posted by kknillabean on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:16 pm PST

    this is the dumbest article I have read in a WHILE.

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  • 3. Posted by kcsings31 on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:18 pm PST

    Good ideas! I'm heading to the store now 'pre-rush'!

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  • 4. Posted by pineychuck on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:19 pm PST

    Get rael. Nobody uses place cards at out trailer park.

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  • 5. Posted by old school on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:20 pm PST

    Three out of 10 is pretty bad. This needs a lot of work.

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  • 6. Posted by MAMMAPIE on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:20 pm PST

    duh. who doesn't know all this??? come on! you shouldn't be having dinner at your house if you don't have common sense.

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  • 7. Posted by rose l on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:20 pm PST

    Well, so far, picked up my turkey, 9 3/4 lbs. Perfect for , Two adults, two dogs. Bored with same side items... Thinking of doing shrimp rice, black beans, spicey...

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  • 8. Posted by Olga on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:20 pm PST

    sweet deal

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  • 9. Posted by mtd594@verizon.net on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:20 pm PST

    Also do bake your Turkey, no deep frying for Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims did not know about propane yet and starting your garage and house on fire!

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  • 10. Posted by stocks on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:21 pm PST

    skimpy article - my note on the THANKS card would be that I don't spend my Xgiving at their house.

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  • 11. Posted by purple11 on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:22 pm PST

    these are all good ideas thanks for sharing

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  • 12. Posted by mamamia on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:22 pm PST

    I love #10. That is the reason we get together, isn't it. Having children do the same could turn into a fun tradition. Store them with your fall decorations and look back each year at the many reasons for giving thanks!

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  • 13. Posted by starpenguin on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:22 pm PST

    paper plates all the way baby! everyone loves a buffet instead of a stuffy sitdown meal. the gals loves to talk while the men watch football. for now, the most ou can do is plan your meal and make a shopping list. oh, and don't forget the turkey confetti!

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  • 14. Posted by Creative nickname here on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:23 pm PST

    11. If traveling by car: get it ready to go!!! Clean it, change oil, check wiper blades. In cold climates make sure to snow brush and ice scraperare ready to go. Fill windshiled washer fluid. Check the air in your spare tire. Install ejector seat for mother-in-law. (Ha Ha)...

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  • 15. Posted by runningdeer1319 on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:23 pm PST

    Great ideas, especially getting linens and dishes all ready beforehand. Nothing like a relaxed hostess to make everyone feel relaxed. Even if you do a tiny bit after work on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday it's going to help. Been there, done that!

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  • 16. Posted by Lomax on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:23 pm PST

    obviously the person who thought some of this up does not understand or live in the real world. Crazy stuff that the average family does not or will not do.

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  • 17. Posted by sarah e on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:23 pm PST

    WOW gud ideas there smart im going to make place card right now thanx 4 da advice

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  • 18. Posted by tbg7@verizon.net on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:24 pm PST

    Very good information. I so you can enjoy the day stress free.

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  • 19. Posted by Ralph G on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:24 pm PST

    I'm not impressed.

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  • 20. Posted by Karen R on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:24 pm PST

    I get all my canned and non perishables one week before (the same time I reseve the bird) that way, you have very little shopping to do the day before and avoid the hectic lines! I also make sure I have enough to supply an extra two guests with food because I always have someone showing up and not telling me before!

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  • 21. Posted by Lomax on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:24 pm PST

    obviously the person who thought some of this up does not understand or live in the real world. Crazy stuff that the average family does not or will not do.

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  • 22. Posted by linda w on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:24 pm PST

    Thats great but in my home its all a down home meal. We dont use fancy deorations. Its all about the Turkey and the Thanks. We all bring our favorite dishes. I get to do turkey and ham. We spread it all out on a large table and we go at it. At the end after dishes are done. We retire to the back yard and as we watch the sunset we all take our turns telling what we are thankful for this year. Its great and we dont even need to break out any flowers or special decor. You should try it some time.

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  • 23. Posted by patricia i on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:25 pm PST

    good advice for thanksgiving

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  • 24. Posted by on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:25 pm PST

    These are some ideas I would never use. The only thing make sense is getting the bird early.

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  • 25. Posted by mikeallthumbs on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:25 pm PST

    Load up on wine and beverages . . . Check!! Does that mean get loaded?

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  • 26. Posted by homeisthebeachnow on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:25 pm PST

    Just because you live in a trailer park doesn't mean you have to do it the trailer park way with no place cards.

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  • 27. Posted by cwilson5k on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:26 pm PST

    I love the "Thank you" card idea. My family has always tried to give thanks for the family members that are not able to attend the gathering. We also feel remembering family members who have past is an important part of the meaning of the holiday.

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  • 28. Posted by bcall2110 on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:26 pm PST

    Hello captian obvious

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  • 29. Posted by Raven S on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:26 pm PST

    Craziness-do most people do all this?? im from a very simple family and i thought the purpose of thanksgiving was just that. Order a centerpeice? Placecards? reserve a turkey? Take the Time and Money you would spend on this and donate to a foodbank.

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  • 30. Posted by laurenadraw on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 12:26 pm PST

    Thanks...?

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