- Time Management
- Go over timeline in day planner and/or electronic calendar and sketching out the next 8 weeks.
- List activities, events and ideas. EG: dinners, parties, cookie making, gathering around the fire pit
- List all the to-dos. What are realistic?
- Meal preparation
- Photocopy all recipes for meals, desserts and apps
- Write out Menu
- Create a timeline when each dish should be prepped and made in notes
- Go through supplies on hand; throw out old stuff
- Make grocery list
- Shop at grocery stores during off hours
- Line all roasting pans and (some) cookie sheets with parchment; discard after cooking
- Use wax paper to capture peelings as you peel veggies and fruits, then throw out
- Invest in professional knives (chef, paring, bread)
- Sharpen the knives you already have (EG: Chef’sChoice knife sharpener); hand wash knives only
- Consider using pre-chopped staples to make food prep quicker.Jarred minced garlic (eg Trader Joe’s)Pre-cut squashPrepared chicken, beef or veggie broth (eg Trader Joe’s organic brand)
- Mise en place for each recipe: the French culinary method of having all your ingredients prepped (chopped, minced measured) before starting to cook
- Make some items to make in advance and freeze? EG marinara, cookie dough?
- Plan for keeping dishes hot with hotplates
- Plan for desserts and coffee/tea in separate space; set up in advance
- Plan for bar setupPlan for leftovers—Pyrex, Tupperware or Take out containers
- Using paper products? Have enough on hand?
- Do you have enough cling wrap, wax paper, zip bags, foil, parchment?
- Clean out fridge and freezer to make space
- Need a specialty tool? Ask on the Buy Nothing Project first before buying and only using once per year
- Pre-set the table
- Accepting Help from Others
Pre-label serving platters; put out utensils with them
Decorating for Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Tableau
- Gourds
- Mini Pumpkins
- Pinecones
- Various Seed Pods
- Japanese Lanterns
- Bittersweet Vines
- Copper or gold Spray Paint
- Table Runner
- Votives
- There are many beautiful things right outside in your backyard or in a nearby woodsy area that can be used to decorate the dining table, mantel or nook. Make sure to put down some sort of runner on your table as these are organic items–prone to a little moisture-and could possibly leave a white ring on your table if not protected. Be open-minded and pick up anything that looks interesting. Sometimes a little copper or gold spray paint can add some dazzle to these. I spray-painted the pod heads copper for my arrangement. If you need more items, you can go to the grocery store and pick up some artichokes, pomegranates and other unusual produce, like purple Japanese eggplant, to add to the affect. Artfully arrange all the elements playing with the scope and design. Lastly, nestle in some votive candles and you have a beautiful.
- There are many beautiful things right outside in your backyard or in a nearby woodsy area that can be used to decorate the dining table, mantel or nook. Make sure to put down some sort of runner on your table as these are organic items–prone to a little moisture-and could possibly leave a white ring on your table if not protected. Be open-minded and pick up anything that looks interesting. Sometimes a little copper or gold spray paint can add some dazzle to these. I spray-painted the pod heads copper for my arrangement. If you need more items, you can go to the grocery store and pick up some artichokes, pomegranates and other unusual produce, like purple Japanese eggplant, to add to the affect. Artfully arrange all the elements playing with the scope and design. Lastly, nestle in some votive candles and you have a beautiful.
- Gift giving
- start early with list; download the gift list template below or use this app, Santa’s Bag to have a gift list on your smartphone
- clear out unused/unwanted items at home to make space for new gifts
- label all charging cords with new electronics
- have some nice bottles of wine and/or olive oil as last minute gifts
- have some gift bags on hand
- create a gift storage area or gift wrapping area
- organize gift wrap and gift bags in long flat labeled bins
- give gift certificates instead of things
- Guest preparation
- clear clutter throughout the house
- organize most-used rooms
- arrange furniture so it’s convenient for socializing
- get the kitchen organized and stocked for holiday cooking/baking preparing guest rooms
- clear space in entryway closet for guests’ coats
- Pick up some extra wine and nibbles for unexpected guestsSafety protocols in place?
- Decorating for Christmas
- Organize decorations in bins and specialty containers
- Label everything
- like with like EG: 1 container for lights, 1 for ornaments
- drape dry cleaner bags over large decorations
- Give away what you’re no longer using
- Use greenery, berries and pinecones from outside; baby’s breath will dry nicely
- Look for additional decor at thrift store or FB Marketplace
- Planning Parties
- Follow the above suggestions but maybe try some new recipes
- “Landscape” tables to accommodate various platters of appetizers
- Make drinks in batches
- Rituals
- Planning the day of putting up the tree
- Plan for cookie making with kids
- Singing carols
- Lighting candles
- De Stress Yourself
- Take a deep breath and re-center yourself during a stressful time
- Ask that all family members help with daily home maintenance and tasks
- Try 10 minute meditation in the morning—lots of free
- Use essential oil like lavender to calm or peppermint to energize
- fill your home with homemade potpourri to evoke the season: fill small saucepan with water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and simmer
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