Thanksgiving is a few weeks away, but doing some small tasks now can help you breeze through
it with ease. Here are some ideas, whether you're hosting, bringing a dish, traveling, or celebrating solo.
If You’re Hosting
1.
Organize Your Menu and Recipes
Make your menu and list recipes you’ll use. This way, you can note any special ingredients or utensils you may need and pick them up gradually instead of scrambling last minute.
2. Declutter and Clean
High-Traffic Areas
Tidy up your kitchen, dining area, and entryway over the next few weeks. A quick cleanup in these spaces now means less work closer to Thanksgiving and a more welcoming atmosphere for guests.
3. Set Up Extra Seating or
Serving SpaceCheck that you have enough chairs, table settings, and serving ware. There's still plenty of time to borrow these items if needed. If anything is missing or needs repair, take care of it now. Also, consider the possibility of a snack or drink station and where those stations will be. If You’re Bringing a Dish
1. Finalize Your Dish Choice
Ask your host about any preferences or dietary restrictions so you can finalize your dish. Knowing what you're bringing early allows you to pick a recipe and even do a trial run if it’s something new.
2. Shop Early for Ingredients
Gather non-perishable ingredients and anything you’ll need (do you have a pan large enough, for example?) to make your dish well in advance. This way, you can avoid last-minute grocery runs and spread out shopping over a couple of
weeks.
3. Check Your Transport GearBe sure you have travel containers, hot or cold packs, and anything you’ll need for safe transport. Gathering this now can prevent rushing around the day before and helps ensure your dish arrives looking delicious. If You’re Traveling
1. Pack Early
Double-check any travel reservations and make sure you have necessary items like IDs, chargers, and toiletries packed early. Packing slowly and
calmly is way better than tossing items in your suitcase last minute. In doing so, there's less of a chance that you'll forget something you need to bring.
2. Plan Gifts or Host ContributionsIf you’re bringing a hostess gift or contribution, plan it now. Whether it’s a small gift or a bottle of wine, you can shop ahead and tuck it away, so it’s ready when you need it. 3. Organize Your Packing List
Make a list of essentials, from toiletries to comfort items for travel. Having this list checked off early allows for smooth packing and avoids forgotten items. When you're done packing, tuck the list in your suitcase. You can use it to
re-pack when you're ready to return home.
If You’re Celebrating Solo
1. Plan Your Thanksgiving Meal
Decide what you’d like to make and gather your ingredients slowly in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Whether it’s a simple feast or your favorite holiday treat, having your ingredients ready early saves stress and makes the day feel special.
2. Prep Your
Space
Clear your dining or lounging area and add small seasonal touches over the next few weeks. A clean space with a few decorations can make Thanksgiving feel special.
3. Choose a Relaxing Activity
Make a plan to do something enjoyable for yourself, like reading a favorite book, watching a movie, or working on a hobby. Lining up a treat for yourself in advance gives you something to look forward to and makes the day feel a little extra cozy.
With a few small steps
each week, Thanksgiving can be a relaxed and enjoyable day, whether you’re hosting a crowd or cozying up solo. Here’s to a holiday filled with ease and gratitude.
