November first is here. Time to start preparing for Thanksgiving. It will be here before you know it. Normally this time of year we are wondering what to make for dinner, who will host or if you are visiting family. Then of course you have to figure out if you are bringing a dish.  Of course, this year will be a lot different than other years, due to social distancing. However, there is still a meal to prepare at home! More than ever, we need to be thankful for everything we have. Things may get worse but we have to be positive and be grateful.

When Should You Start Preparing?

The first week of November I make a list of what I am making for Thanksgiving dinner.  Think about what sides and what new flavors you want to try for your turkey.  Will it be cajun or rosemary thyme?  Are you making dessert or purchasing a pie?  Check your pantry and see if you have all of your baking goods, seasonings and then make a list of what you don’t have and need.  This is another reason to start early so you can start jotting stuff down as you remember or notice something is missing.

I always enjoy making dinner even if we do go visit family as I like to have thanksgiving food for leftovers.  One year I did not make anything at home and we came home wanting leftovers.  I made sure to always make a thanksgiving feast for my home from then on! Regardless of the situation this year, with social distancing, you can always make a plate and drop it off to your loved one. Share a meal via ZOOM or a phone call.

Getting the Essentials

The second week, leading up to thanksgiving, I make sure to get the essentials, such as pumpkin puree, cranberries and a roasting pan.  I notice if you wait until the week of, you will be searching for baking ingredients and essential ingredients because everyone is making the same thing as you pretty much!  Cranberries you can freeze.  Canned goods can be purchased also in advance.  Vegetables and the turkey are the only things that should be purchased the week of, to keep fresh.  The turkey of course you can purchase in advance and freeze it.  I run out of space a lot of times so I do not purchase the turkey in advance.  Knowing you have the essentials prepares you so you don’t have to be running around to different stores to find what you need.  Never mind the crazy crowd! (I really wonder how busy the stores will be during Covid-19).

One Week Left

Lastly, the week of thanksgiving is already busy.  To make things easier, I prep all my veggies or even better purchase my veggies pre-cut even though it costs a pinch more but saves me time.  Baked goods can be made weeks before and frozen.  If I am visiting family on Thanksgiving I make sure to cook my thanksgiving turkey and sides the day before so I don’t have to rush back home to cook the day of.  What I also love about making my own thanksgiving meal at home is, I can enjoy my time with family and not care so much about the food as much since I have my own at home!  I can enjoy the holiday and come home to relaxation.  I heat up my feast and have dinner with my family at home.  When we visit family it is during the day so we do come home hungry.

This Year

This year, I will be making my Thanksgiving feast, the day of, since we are staying home. It will be a long day but relaxing. No rushing, no dressing up. My family and I can play games, watch Christmas movies and relax!

If you have not thought of what to make this year for your thanksgiving meal here is what I am making for my feast! I technically make the same dishes yearly, but add or replace a dish for something new.

• Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe (Herb and Citrus)
• Garlic, Chive Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Brown Sugar Squash
• Rachel Ray Apple Stuffing
• Cranberry Sauce
• Brussels Sprouts and Carrots with Bacon (One Pan Dish)
• Easy Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake
• Gravy

I absolutely love this time of year!  It can get stressful but I hope these tips help you out!