Five Thanksgiving Shortcuts

Thanksgiving! Halloween isn’t even here yet. While that’s true, I think early planning is key to keeping the holidays organized. That said, we won’t be dwelling on Thanksgiving much (yet), but we can get started…

The best tip is to go to someone else’s house for Thanksgiving; possibly a house where you’re only required to brink the whipping cream. Since we all don’t get easy invites like this, here are some tips that can help you to shave time off your Thanksgiving day events:

Make more sides and ditch the super-sized turkey: The bigger the bird, the longer the cooking time. Also factor in thawing time. You could opt for a smaller turkey this year and have more, or bigger sides. Nothing you make will take longer than the turkey anyhow.

Use less homemade food: Personally, I like that jelly cranberry sauce, so I won’t complain if you open a can. Still for the die-hards only real cranberries will do. There are some items you can get away with faking though like rolls and pies from a nice bakery, pre-cut veggies, and bottled salad dressing. You don’t have to make everything yourself.

Hold a potluck: Potlucks don’t have to be tacky. Seriously, when everyone brings food, it makes it easier for you – what’s tacky about that? Read the ultimate list of tips for organizing summer picnics & potlucks for ideas. I know it says “summer” but that’s not all you’ll find here.

Settle: When I say settle, I mean don’t be miss (or mr.) bossy in the kitchen. Your aunt Sally might add cream and garlic to the mashed potatoes, while you think only milk and pepper is needed. Settle down. At least Aunt Sally is in the kitchen helping. If you’re too bossy and set in your recipe ways, everyone will avoid the kitchen, and thus avoid helping you.

Get ready now: Nothing is worse than trying to hunt for that “Perfect stuffing recipe” you saw online the night before Thanksgiving. Right now, if you see a recipe you’d like to try this year, save it in a folder. Mark your cookbooks about a week before. Then when it’s Thanksgiving eve, you won’t have to worry.

What time-saving tips do you have for Thanksgiving?