Thanksgiving Tips

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If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, here are a few tips to make your day more organized, stress free and a lot more enjoyable.

I love this decor idea by Martha Stwart

                              

1. Write out your menu and make a shopping list now. 

2.  Put together a time line that starts one week before and ends with taking the Turkey out of the oven. 

3.  Decide on what china, tablecloths, napkins, table décor, home décor and anything else you will use and take it out now.  There is nothing worse than finding a big stain on your tablecloth hours before your guests arrive or searching frantically that morning for those perfect decorations you bought last year just this occasion.  This will also give you the chance to iron, wash, clean and shop for any additional pieces needed.  

4.  Do as much as possible before Thursday.  For example, set the table the day before, make cranberry sauce and desserts ahead of time, put together any activities you’ll do, clear your walkways… Use your time line to decide what you can do early.

5.  Don’t feel you need to do it all yourself.  Buy or have others bring their favorite dish.  Dessert is a good course for this since it stands alone and doesn’t have to “go” with other food being served.  

Mini pies are a fun and unique way to make your Thanksgiving stand out.

 6.  My biggest Thanksgiving pet peeve is spending all day in the kitchen and then have dinner be over in 20 minutes.  To encourage a more leisurely atmosphere at the table, provide fun conversations starters or games.  This is especially great to engage kids.  And engaged kids equals well behaved kids and who doesn’t appreciate that? 

These trivia turkeys featured on Martha Stewart are great for kids and adults. You can tailor the questions based on child's age and also include questions like: "what are you most thankful for?" For question ideas visit Martha Stewart.

You can also provide each child with an activity bag filled with coloring sheets, crayons stickers, little books or other activities to keep the little ones happy at the table or to fill in the gaps in time throughout the day.   

Cute activity download for kids.  Download here.

I hope these are helpful and help you enjoy your Thanksgiving a little bit more.  If you have specific questions, need more tips or would like some decor suggestions with the items you already own, please visit my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/abfabaffairs) and write your question on my page.  I'll get back to you ASAP.