7 tips for a low-stress Thanksgiving

With just a week until Thanksgiving I know that those of us who are in charge of hosting and meal prep are starting to really think about the details. Whether you’ve made a Thanksgiving feast before or not, or hosted the whole clan at your home before or not, here are some functional and fun tips to help make the whole experience a little less stressful.

1) Prep Ahead : while some things like the turkey & stuffing might taste best if made on Thanksgiving day, there are other items that you can make ahead and your guests will NEVER know. Personally I love to roast squash a week ahead and then freeze the finished product in an oven safe dish. Take it out of the freezer a day before to thaw and simply pop it in the oven with a foil cover and some extra butter to make it piping hot and delicious on Thanksgiving Day. SIMPLE Mom Ginny has shared her delicious Whipped Mashed Potatoes recipe that you make a day ahead and reheat in a crock pot.

2) The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line : remember, if you run into turkey trouble the experienced and knowledgeable experts at the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line are just a phone call away.

3) Delegate : you can make it all, but if your family and friends are to be trusted in the kitchen go ahead and delegate! Even the most kitchen inept can bring a vegetable try to share.

4) Don’t Cook : whether it is because cooking is just not your thing, there will only be a small number to feed, or you just want to enjoy your day – there are restaurants out there that will provide complete Thanksgiving dinners for purchase. Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel are a couple good places to start.

5) Buy from the Baker : some of my favorite pieces of Thanksgiving are the pies and rolls. Mmmmm…. carbs and sugar. Anyway, while I could try to make these delicious items I prefer to trust the experts and just purchase the most delicious pies and rolls I can find.

6) Wine : does this really even need an explanation? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

7) Pizza Thanksgiving : just because it is Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you need a turkey and all the trimmings. If you are spending time with those you love pizza, Chinese takeout, or any other food of choice can be just as perfect.

Any tips to share on how you make your Thanksgiving celebrations low-stress?