Time-Tested Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, visions of plump brown turkeys and mouth-watering pumpkin pies begin to dance in everyone’s heads. However, if you’re the one cooking the dinner, this vision may be one of pans bubbling over and smoke pouring out of the oven. Fortunately, there are ways reduce the stress of holiday cooking and still achieve a perfectly-cooked Thanksgiving dinner.

Preparation is key. Create a plan for your dinner several weeks in advance. Decide which recipes you want to use, and take stock of the supplies and ingredients you already have. From there you can make a shopping list of everything you need. Shop well ahead of time and purchase as much as you can in advance so you aren’t frantically searching nearly-bare shelves for one particular ingredient the night before Thanksgiving.

Keep it simple. One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the traditional foods that everybody looks forward to, along with family and regional favorites. It’s not necessary to add new and elaborate side dishes to the menu. These will just add more time and stress to your day, and will often fall to the wayside as guests reach for their customary favorites. If you do decide to get creative, experiment by putting a new twist on one or two traditional dishes, and be sure to try them out in advance.

Plan ahead. A large turkey can take up to five days to thaw. Make sure to give yourself plenty of wiggle room by thawing your turkey in the refrigerator several days in advance. Another option is to buy a fresh turkey from the butcher, or to deconstruct your turkey, which will drastically cut down on your prep and cooking time. Also, determine which recipes can be made ahead of time, such as pies and veggie dishes.

Don’t be afraid to delegate. Your friends and family are not going to think less of you if you don’t do it all yourself. Many guests will ask what they can bring or how they can help – don’t hesitate to take them up on it. After all, Thanksgiving is about gratitude for friends and family, and less time in the kitchen means more time to spend with those you love.

Call Callen for Stress-Free Home Improvements

Next holiday season, have the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of! Call Callen at 414-765-2585 for a no-obligation consultation. From Lake Country kitchen remodeling to exterior remodeling in Muskego, WI, our team knows how to put the “WOW” in home remodeling!