Thanksgiving prep

Can you believe we are into November?!?  I think we all agree this has been the weirdest year ever and it seemed so slow at a snail’s pace at one point and now it’s flying by.  It’s comforting to see that 2020 still follows the Holiday time clock though, where once a certain time of year hits, it just starts to do the Holiday sprint.  On that note, I just wanted to put together, in one place, some thoughts to help prepare for Thanksgiving and the Holiday season ahead during these uncertain and unpredictable times.

Although many of our Thanksgivings are probably going to be more intimate than in year’s past with less larger gatherings, I think we all also agree we want to make the Holidays as special as ever.  The more that gets done in early November, the less scrambling and stress occurs during Thanksgiving week.  I have a curve ball this year since we will be picking up my son at college the weekend before Thanksgiving so I am really getting prepared and organized earlier this year.

During the first and second week of November there are plenty of things you can do to prepare yourself and your home for the upcoming Holiday{s}.  Some of these you might already do regularly but since this year is so weird and Covid has brought so many restrictions upon us,  making some services unavailable or delayed. Unfortunately many things are not functioning in the same manner as we are accustomed to.

Thanksgiving is all about the Meal so you want to make sure you have all the right tools ready.  For the kitchen this includes: sharpening knives, making sure basters and meat thermometers function, cleaning out the refrigerator and pantry, and dusting off any “Turkey Day” specific tools.

I finalize my menu and shop for all the nonperishable items during the beginning of the month.  Things like canned or boxed goods, including pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, chicken broth, stuffing, crackers, etc.  Frozen items can also be purchased early. Refer to all your recipes and do not forget to include appetizers, left-overs, etc.  I have an entertaining journal I refer to year after year where I record guests, menus, and details.

Make lists for everything so you can take them with you and not forget anything.  Also include paper products and disposable items like cocktail napkins and place cards.  As well as candles, toothpicks, butcher twine, etc.  {All these items are specific to how you cook, celebrate and live but you get the idea.}

This is also a good time to declutter and make sure the rooms you will be using are cleaned and well equipped.  Many family’s have to accommodate, walkers & wheel chairs or babies & toddlers, etc.  We also have the issue of social distancing to contend with this year so many family’s are planning to host Thanksgiving outside in the warmer areas of the country and | or setting up multiple tables to spread everyone out.

On that note you might need multiple linens and tablescapes.  You can check that linens are clean and pressed, plan your tablescape{s}, and dig out all server ware and platters, decorating the room you’ll use.  For any additional items you don’t have on hand it’s a good idea to make a list of things you need to purchase and add to your repertoire.

I always love to decorate the outside of the house.  Your front porch welcomes your guests and although we probably won’t have as many guests as usual this year, it still sets the tone for the occasion.  It doesn’t have to be complicated or over the top decor but just touches and details that gives a nod to the season.

I am looking forward to have Master Masterpiece home from college and he will be home throughout the Holidays until the first week in January.  It fills my heart knowing the four of us will be together although we won’t see extended family as usual.  This year will clearly be different but I am still super excited to make it magical and special.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy.  They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom”.

~Marcel Proust~

Related Posts: