Thanksgiving, Fall’s greatest feast. A time when friends and family gather to celebrate and give thanks, and when stresses can often run high. Preparing for the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season can lead to some anxiety, however here are some tips to help alleviate some of those fears.
- Plan Your Shopping
When it comes to prep it’s all about having a plan. Advanced menu planning helps with both shopping and prepping. Create a shopping list and categorize the items by perishable and nonperishable items. The non-perishable ones can be purchased in advance and stored in the pantry, cutting down on the time it takes to shop closer to the big day. Not to mention of course, having an organized list by category gets you through the grocery aisles a whole lot faster!
- Plan Your Meal Preparation
Having a plan also relieves the stress often associated with the meal prep. First, organize your meal according to what can be made in advance. Things like pies, blanched vegetables and grains can easily be made the day before. Second, look at the remainder of your menu, taking into consideration their cooking times and temperatures. Work backwards and start with the ones requiring the longest cooking times and group together the ones that cook at the same temperature.
Think outside the oven so to speak when it comes to warming. Make use of things like a Thermos to keep your gravy piping hot; a Crock Pot set on low to keep mashed potatoes and rice fluffy; and a gas BBQ set on low with the lid down can double as a warming oven.
- Make it a Family Affair
Accept help. Preparing a meal for a crowd can be a lot of work and when assistance is offered, be sure to take advantage of it. If your cousin wants to bring along her signature sweet potatoes take her up on the offer. This not only takes away from the stress and expense of entertaining but adds variety to the menu. Also, be sure to avoid a mad dash to the stovetop by asking guests to bring dishes that can be served either cold or at room temperature.
- A Time for Tradition
Tried, tested and true always works best when you’re entertaining. Thanksgiving is not the time to experiment with difficult new dishes, so nix that deconstructed pumpkin foam soufflé!
- Spread it Out
While the kitchen is the area where everyone seems to congregate, avoid the crowding by spreading out your elements. For example set up a bar or beverage station in the living room where guests can still mingle and remain close to the action (particularly with layouts where the kitchen is open to the living room). As well, clear an area(s) for guests to set down any dishes they are bringing along and have items such as serving spoons already laid out for their use.
- Relax!
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal don’t get caught up in having to clean up right away. Set those dishes to soak in some sudsy water, grab a cup of coffee and a slice of pie and enjoy the company.
OPUS Homes knows that family centric holidays like Thanksgiving are the times you build memories that will last forever. To help make those times easier to handle, OPUS is building new homes in Whitby, Aurora and Richmond Hill with beautiful, functional kitchen designs that offer ample prep room, and formal dining rooms in which to enjoy all your hard work.
