I'm curious...what does your Thanksgiving look like?
My family's tradition growing up was Grandma's house in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We would help cook, and feed the local deer. That was always a highlight. I love anything fluffy!
As I got older and worked in retail, my mom and I would cook Thanksgiving on Black Friday weekend so we could cook and have our home smell and feel like the holidays. We would record the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and prep the food and invite friends and family to join us.
Now, after moving to Florida, my husband and I spend Thanksgiving with close friends, rotating whose home hosts and we have fun with the themes. One year was 7 fishes, and another Italian. This year's theme is France. I'm mostly excited about my outfit.
One thing I know for sure around the holidays is it can become quite chaotic. Have no fear! In case you're new here - I'm Diane, an Organized Mess. Here to make your life a little less stressed.
Here are some helpful tips!
Organizing for a Thanksgiving Dinner
Preparing a large Thanksgiving dinner can feel daunting, but with a few organization tips, you can host the event without the stress.
Create a Game Plan
Start by creating a detailed game plan a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. (like now) This should include a guest list, meal plan, and a grocery list. Break down the tasks—like cleaning, cooking, and decorating—into manageable pieces and assign them to specific days leading up to the event. Use a planner or digital calendar to map it all out.
Use Zones in the Kitchen
The kitchen can get crowded on Thanksgiving Day. To minimize chaos, designate different zones for each part of the meal prep. Have a chopping station, a baking station, and a serving area. Labeling dishes and cookware ahead of time also helps—know exactly which pot will be used for the mashed potatoes and where the pie will go.
Set the Table in Advance
Get ahead of the game by setting your Thanksgiving table the night before. If you’re worried about spills or dust, cover everything with a clean tablecloth. Assign seating to ensure smooth flow and prevent any awkward moments when the guests arrive. Labeled place cards make this fun and easy!
Thanksgiving is my favorite because of all of the delicious food and time with people I love.
Let me know below your favorite part of this time of year!
Orderly Yours, Diane
Comments