How to Prepare for Your First Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated by Americans. It is a tradition that has been in place before the country was established as a country. Today it is celebrated in many ways by many people. One thing that is always included on the holiday is FOOD, and lots of it. Hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner doesn’t have to leave you exhausted.
- Count how many people are going to attend. This is a very importaint step that must not be skipped. Doing so could result in a shortage of food.
Make a list of the items that you plan to prepare. Begin making the list approximately a week before the date. - Create a second list that includes all of the items needed to make each of the dishes listed. If grandmas famous pie is going to be made and you are the one chosen to do so, ensure that you get the recipe from mom, or aunt sue.
- Go shopping! Purchase a large enough turkey to feed everyone. Approximately 16 pounds of turkey will feed 8-10 people. Purchasing everything you need a week in advance will avoid long lines and rushing at the last minute. This will also allow you to prepare some of the dishes days ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them.
- Put the turkey in the refridgerator after purchasing it. It will take a few days to thaw inside the refridgerator, and many more days after before it goes bad. There is nothing worse than forgetting to unthaw the turkey.
Prepare several of the dishes needed a couple days ahead of time. Cakes, pies, and several other deserts can be frozen. Green bean casserole can be prepared and left in the refrigorator until the day of the dinner. Be ware of items that will spoil if prepared too soon. - Do all housework the day before. Always start the day with a clean house, this will limit the amount of work needing to be done the day of. Assign someone in the house to wash the dishes. You have enough work to do, they can do the dishes.
- Create a cooking schedule based on the amount of time each item needs. It may be beneficial to invest in a pan warmer or a couple of chafing dishes.
- Set the table. Ensure that you have enough room, chairs, and dishes to accomodate everyone.
- Prepare a food table or designate a counter for snacks and appetizers. The coffee table, and or end tables work great for these items to prevent wanderers walking into the kitchen and getting underfoot. These items can include a cooler full of drinks, chips, dip, crackers, cheese, sausage, and any other finger food item.
- Following all of the previously listed steps, and helpful hints will provide you with plenty of time to spend with your family on Thanksgiving with out having to be trapped in the kitchen the entire day.
- Remember to set a timer and keep it near you at all times. Do not forget about the food!
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