10 Steps to a Low-Stress Thanksgiving

There’s a lot of emotion associated with a bird that’s considered the misfit of the poultry family. Sure, the turkey is enormous and pulling out the giblets is a bit too literal for the occasional cook, but treating the holiday meal with the attitude of a special family dinner alleviates unnecessary holiday pageantry. Memories are built around the gathering, playing, watching and indulging in leftovers.

A simple table setting equates to low-stress planning.

10 Steps to a Low-Stress Thanksgiving

1. Smart Planning

Holiday planners may be a nifty marketing device but stay in your comfort zone with a dependable system that has a proven success rate. My MacBook Pro Calendar is all that’s needed to be organized. Sketch out an idea of your hosting duties and implement into the dates. Here’s the general rundown:

2. Who’s Coming?

Firm up your guest list so the head count will direct your preparations.

Take the attitude of serving a regular family dinner with added holiday treatment.

3. Email/text guests for their requests

There’s nothing worse than being flummoxed on Thanksgiving Day by that aunt who decided to go on a cleansing diet during the holidays. Alerting guests of any specific requests will eliminate scrambling during the meal.

4. Compose the menu

Evaluate your pantry and create a shopping list. At the market, find shortcuts like pre-made desserts, rolls, nuts and fine cheeses.

Pre-made items from the market and bakery help save time and are just as tasty.

5. Designate a shopping time

Reserve a time to buy the provisions, such as early the Monday before Thanksgiving, to offset impending stress of an epic shopping trip.

6. Delegate

Martyrs are for fantasy novels. When it comes to hosting for the holidays, taking on challenging tasks is a setup for a cranky host. From asking guests to bring their favorite side, setting the table to cleanup duty, outline needs that can be farmed out so you can focus on your favorite parts of the celebration.

7. Let’s Address the Good China and Silver

In my family, part of the preparation was to have my sister and I polish the silver the weekend before Thanksgiving. I’d slide the velvety cloth against the putty that couldn’t possibly be categorized as a clean product. (Thanks mom). She’d pull out her wedding registries from a special cabinet designated for the good tableware. Here’s a thought, forego the delicate set, silver included, and simply doll up your everyday tableware with added accents. Not only will the table be eye-catching, it updates the look.

8. Add Trending Details:

Following a formulaic scheme is just that, predictable and lacks the wow factor. We are no longer in Thanksgiving’s past where the ceramic turkey centerpiece is pulled out annually for its one-day-of-the-year viewing. Instead, decorate with current inspirations. Even the kitschy packaging of holiday candy can make an appearance on the table when exhibited with elegant pieces. Or, gasp, you can actually use paper napkins on a holiday table if they offer that festive note–minimizing cleanup that you’ll appreciate post-meal. By loosening the rules your guests will revel in the personal touch.

Serve something unexpected for a flavorful addition to the buffet table.

9. Forego Expected Traditions:

There are certain must-haves to the Thanksgiving meal. Can you imagine reactions if you decided to serve a roasted chicken with French fries? However, by serving your favorite dish that may not fall into the traditional menu could be the hit of the menu. Or add a homemade chocolate cake that is certain to be devoured. Loosening up on tradition will fall into all aspects of the host’s day, allowing them to treat their entertaining responsibility with genuine anticipation.

Use everyday tableware to save from hours and agitation revolved around the good china, and elevate with special pieces like the candle holders and simple centerpiece.

10. Cleanup

Before you serve the meal arrange a large, lined trash receptacle in a visible yet out-of-the-way area so guests can discard their own scraps. Fill the sink with warm soapy water so they can easily handle their own dishes. These simple procedures allow the guests to help out with minimal effort.