Don’t get stressed. I got you. A quick guide to keep you on schedule if you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home.

11 Days Before Turkey Day. (DBTD) – Confirm your guest list. You can be nice and ask if their are in food restrictions, so you can accommodate those in need. If there are other people responsible for bringing a meal, confirm what they are bringing and confirm the amount. Create a menu so that you know what will be served, and if this will be enough food. After you have created the menu, look at the recipes and ingredients and take stock of what is needed and what you have, the inflation prices are real, the price of turkey is up 17% from last year. This part is hard for me as my ADHD likes to freelance “be extra creative”. However if you are like me you have a note book dedicated to hosting and planning events, find it, use it.

 Tidbit: Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.

10 DBTD – Take inventory of dinnerware, utensils, serving spoons, cups, napkins and so on. If you need the hand mixer to make a dish, make sure it is working and you have all the attachments. This goes for all other small appliances.  Have extension cords available, scissors, tape, and some other miscellaneous things in a container close by.

Tidbit: Match the serving plates and utensils needed to a particular recipe. Saves time thinking which dish is better to present in when the meal is finished cooking.

9 DBTD – Put away valuables and things you hold dear in safe or a place that can be locked. We all have that one family member who likes to go shopping in your closet. Also check to see what is covered on your home insurance or renters’ insurance and see if you need to open a policy or up a policy. Make sure the fire extinguisher is working and up to date and in a place easy to find. Let everyone know where the fire extinguishers are located.

8 DBTD – Plan your seating if formal, don’t sit arch enemies next to each other. No need for the extra drama, thank God the elections are over. If buffet style, plan the flow of traffic, from the food to the seating area.

Tidbit: Have napkins and flatware near both the seating area and where the food is being served. Place trash cans close by also. *Stain remover or cleaning supplies nearby and easily accessible.

7 DBTD – Decorate the table scape if formal, just the way you like. Decorate your home for the festive holiday.

6 DBTD – Clean your refrigerator, make space, you will need it. Wash out the big cooler and get it ready to hold and keep some drinks cold. Organize your pantry. By new Tupperware or find the lids to all the extra containers, you will need it.

Tidbit: Buy ‘to go containers’ for guests to take leftovers, so you aren’t stuck eating potato salad for a week. Don’t forget 'to go bags' for them to put it in.  

5 DBTD – Buy your turkey today, keep frozen if small. If your turkey is large and it has been frozen, take it down and leave it in the refrigerator to thaw.

Tidbit: Every 4 - 5 lbs. of a turkey needs 24 hours to thaw in the refrigerator 40 degrees F or below. So, if you have a 15 lbs. turkey you need 3 days of thawing time.

4 DBTD – Do nothing, just take a break before the craziness starts, reflect on what you are thankful for in the past year, and think about how you would like to do better and be better in the upcoming year. Go get your nails done, get a massage.

3 DBTD – Smaller Turkey 4 – 5 lbs.  Put in the refrigerator to start thawing. Clean the house. Wash and set aside all utensils and dinnerware. Make a last trip to the grocery.(this will not be the last)

2 DBTD – Reconfirm with guests, this is when you may find out there would be an extra mouth or two to feed. Hopefully your response is “The more the Merrier”. Restate when dinner and activates are starting and ending. Pick out your outfit, the family’s outfits and extra ones in case of accidents. Clear out the coat closet closest to the front door, so that everyone can put their coats and shoes in there. I’m very weird about people things, you don’t want coats on your bed. Who wants a pest problem for Christmas, contain any problems to the closet.

Tidbit: Bring the first aid kit closer to the kitchen and dining area, and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is.

1 DBTD – Start making dishes that can be made a day before, without getting anyone sick, no one wants food poisoning. You can make Mash potatoes, pie dough, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans and a few others, just google make a head meals and how to store. Get to bed early, check in with your immediate family, make sure everyone is happy and feeling good about having people in the home. If you have family members who may be on the spectrum, having routines changed, things moved and unfamiliar people in their space may be very uncomfortable. Don’t forget this is their home as well. Have a place for your pets, remember not everyone you are inviting to you home me be pet accommodating. 🥺

Tidbit: Make sure you have a backup cooking options if the stove and oven decide they don’t want to cooperate. Also have a dedicated ‘emergency runner’ to get last minute items at the supermarket. Check the hours of the local supermarkets(they want to enjoy the day also), just to be on the safe side. * Get Ice for the cooler.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!