Ok peeps, here it is – Thanksgiving weekend. 🦃 Whether you are cooking it all or just bringing dessert, it can get stressful and out of control fast. Morning Beans Blog has the ultimate in tips for keeping it low key, stress-free and fun this holiday season. (Yup, bringing it all together – December – you don’t scare me!!)
Since we moved to Florida (wow, 20 years ago) Thanksgiving has become my holiday. Of course, the ritual begins way before the Macy’s parade, which has its own traditions in my house. All the kiddoodles wake up in time for fresh pancakes, popcorn and hot cocoa complete with whipped cream, marshmallows and sprinkles. It’s all in babycakes as we settle in to watch the parade courtesy of Al Roker and NBC. As I caffeinate and enjoy the time with my kids, I’m really figuring out my pre-listed game plan.
Let me share a few tips I have learned over the years. First and foremost – shop early. 🛍️ And don’t go all traditional if nobody else is into it. Last week I bought a turkey breast (boneless, trimmed and tied with twine) a roast and some fresh cranberries. Froze the meats, fridge holds the berries, and the rest will happen on Sunday. For the record, we’ve held thanksgiving brunch, BBQ and breakfast for dinner. The menu is unimportant, it’s the company. So, without giving you my shopping list, here is my stress-free menu for Thanksgiving Day preparations. Grab a coffee- you have plenty of time.
- Prep as much as possible before the big day. I know, it’s a no-brainer, right? I promise, it really makes a difference. Knowing you have all the ingredients on hand saves time. I am not working from home this year, so a lot of my menu will have to be prepared for the finish line ahead of schedule.
- Not everything has to be made from scratch. And, you don’t have to fess up either, unless someone asks for the recipe. Since we have GF issues in the house, I have found that a premade pie works better for me, but the sweet potato pie (crustless) is best made from scratch, with a few tweaks from me to make it simpler and of course yummier.🥧
- Set the table early. You can do it a day before, or longer if you don’t need the dining room. 🍽️ It gives you time to get creative with the place settings and decorations. I’m all about the fall leaves and candles. Definitely candles.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a few dishes from guests. We’re at the point of just family now, so I am seriously low-key about the menu. My mom is in charge of the pumpkin pie and I’ll ask my MIL for a salad. She gets creative with salads, so whatever she brings will be YUM. 🥗
- Wine. Yes, you deserve a glass of wine to celebrate friends and family and the fact that once again you have done it! You have made Turkey Day a family day, and it was awesome!🍷
Stay motivated and caffeinated!😊☕
