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List it! Thanksgiving Checklist

Ready for the big day? As families around the country start to pack their bags or stock their refrigerators, I am starting to feel the energy of the holiday hustle and bustle that Thansgiving kicks off. As much fun as it can be, there can also be a little stress involved with all the details. Let me help you with this Thanksgiving Checklist of things to prepare.

___ Finalize a menu - seems obvious, especially when Thanksgiving is largely traditional dishes, but committing to your menu allows you to create a shopping list and plan the order and timing of preparation.

___ Hang a holiday wreath on your front door - fresh, purchased, or homemade, a wreath is a welcome sight for visiting family and friends.

___ Clear out - clean out all old food in the fridge to make more room and clear all the clutter on your counters and dining room table.

___ Count chairs - make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests and make plans to borrow or rent extras as needed. Need a highchair? Booster?

___ Set the table early - setting out your arrangements a few days early not only looks pretty but helps you figure out if you need any missing pieces. Added bonus: one less thing to do on Thursday.

___ Arrange the buffet - even if you plan to have a seated meal with dishes served at the table, it helps to know if you have enough serving bowls, large spoons, and trivets for each of the dishes you are planning. Use a 3x5 card to label what each dish will be used for.

___ Plan make-ahead dishes - it is so easy to make and freeze a single dish or two a few days before things get crazy. You will thank yourself on Thursday!

___ Plan seating arrangements - Spend a few minutes with some place cards now to create a seating plan while you can still give it some thoughtful consideration.

___ Make a great cider - Nothing smells better than a crock pot of warm cider welcoming your guests.

___ Create a craft corner - If you will have children at your meal, put out a few crafts they can work on while adults are cooking or watching football. Craft kits are easy to find - or just provide a box of markers and some Thanksgiving templates downloaded from Pinterest.

___ Set up a puzzle table - set up a card table with a jigsaw puzzle and then stand back and watch the allure of a puzzle!

___ Set up a coffee tray with cups, creamer, sugar, etc.

___ Make ice! It’s the last thing you’ll remember on Thursday and who wants to run to the store last minute for ice when you can make it ahead of time!

Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com