WINNER: Laura (lrobertsonpt@)
I am betting that I am not the only one with Thanksgiving on my mind. A successful dinner takes a lot of work and a lot of planning. So this is the time to start getting all the details nailed down.
We recently talked about making a list of things you have to do when getting ready for the big day. I think it’s just as important to make a plan for how the day will come together. I find that breaking the day down makes things seem a little more manageable. Here’s what my day will look like-
Day of:
- Early prep
- Pre-dinner appetizers/drinks
- Heavy cooking
- Dinner
- Coffee bar
- Dessert
- Clean up
I also identify ways to delegate tasks to help make the day go smoothly. For example, I can’t handle coffee service while I am finishing up the desserts. Instead, my mom will get the coffee set up while I get the desserts ready. Having a specific goal and timeline for the day means that I can see when I am running behind and also helps keep me on course to host a successful event.
Of course I’ll know the day was a success when I reach that final task—the clean up! Often that’s when the real work begins. After all, when families gather, things get messy!™ Luckily, SC Johnson has tons of great products to help create a Happy Thanksgathering. From storage needs, cleaning products and even fragrance options, you can get everything you need and enjoy great savings at Publix.
Remember, you can stock up on all your favorite SC Johnson products in preparation for your holiday fun and get a Publix gift card with your purchase. You’ll earn a $5 Publix gift card when you purchase $20 in participating SC Johnson products now through 11/23.
Getting your gift card is very simple. All it takes it three easy steps!
- Purchase $20 in participating products at Publix.
- Snap a photo of your receipt.
- Submit your photo to happythanksgatheringpublix.com
I have more great news! One iHeartPublix reader will get to stock up on great SC Johnson products to help them make their holiday great thanks to a $100 Publix gift card!
Entry is simple! You just need to complete the task below. The random winner will be selected on Friday 11/18 at 11 pm EST. View the Giveaway & Sweepstakes Rules.
REQUIRED ENTRY:
- What will you do to prep and save time this holiday?
Valid on qualifying purchased from 10/30/16 to 11/23/16; terms and conditions apply. All valid receipts must be uploaded by 11/29/16. Void where prohibited. Offer available while supplies of gift cards last. Limit one (1) gift card reward per household address. Full Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy can be found at happythanksgatheringpublix.com
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I prepare as much as I can the day before, like chopping nuts and cutting up the veggies. I store them in Ziploc bags in the fridge and just need to pull them out on the day and they are ready to use.
I will pick up one of the giant chocolate cakes at Costco and I have made a couple of pies that are in the freezer that just need to be thawed and warmed up. My family gathers at my dad’s house and everyone brings dishes to share. I’ve got several easy slow cooker dishes to do so easy breezy there!
I will prep and save time this holiday by doing by laundry drying while I am at the gym…
We have a large family gathering, so a bunch of get together the day before to prep and we make party of it!
I made gravy this past weekend and it’s in the freezer along with some extra stock for the stuffing – just being able to do that I feel ahead of the game!
Make as much as possible ahead of time so that I can just stick it on the oven and do most of the prep cleaning before company arrives.
Everything from the side dishes to desserts are made the day before. Turkey and beef tenderloin are the only things taking up real estate in the oven the day of. I set the appetizer table up minus the food and the big tables get set also the night before.
Cleaning ahead of time and doing as much prep as possible in the day or two before the holiday!
At my house we pitch in and do the dishes before we eat. As we are serving up the meal from the pots and pans we have help at the sink loading the dishwasher or washing by hand.. By the time we are done with dinner and dessert the load that was in the dishwasher is done and ready to be put up. Those washed by hand are ready to be put away (if they have not already been). The only dishes that are to do are the ones that were on the table!
My method for saving time this year is to simplify by limiting the choices. We always eat too much anyway, so we are going to focus on fewer foods that are our favorites.
We prep mostly just by doing all the dishes before hand. We don’t really make it that fancy of an affair, so there are no “special” preparations to be done. I do, however, like to bake up a cornbread the day before so that the next day I can make my corn bread dressing/stuffing.
I wash and season all meats a few days prior. I bake all my desserts the day before. I prepare all my cold sides the day before. I cook my beans overnight in the crock pot. I keep the kitchen clean and organized so cooking the day of isn’t stressful.
I bake what I can ahead and freeze. We also divide the sides up among families, and all pitch in to get the staples in the table.
We will bring food in this year to keep things simple and I will have plenty of resealable containers ready for leftovers.
I am going to be using more than one slow cooker to prep ahead. Potatoes will be peeled, cut and stored in cold water a day or two ahead. I’ll bake the pies and cakes the day before. I ordered a smoked turkey so all I have to do is warm it before serving.
I will make casseroles and desserts the day before. Casseroles go in the fridge so I can just pop them in the oven when I’m ready to heat them up.
I try to prepare side dishes the day before, so that they only have to be warmed up.
Prepare all the salads and desserts the day ahead. Makes it easy the day of. And a list of food to cook in chronological order.
Try to order online , the pick up before Thanksgiving . Great saving time .
I will prepare all side dishes ahead ,then buy some pre-cooked food . Easy and saving time
I make lists, check twice, and revise as necessary!
Making a list of do ahead items–set up tables, prep food in advance, take help from those attending.
With some help, and preparing some of food ahead of time.
I will have 1 day for prep and 2 days for cooking.
Cleaning and making sides ahead of time.
Double check my list, have it divided into section, which brings peace of mind
My job is the pies, so I roast the pie pumpkin ahead, store in ziploc containers
Make sure all the cleaning is done before beginning to cook!
I try and do as much as I can the night before . Make sure everything is clean . And get my little ones clothes picked out so its ready for them to dress themselves before everyone gets here
I prepare my side dishes the day before so that the day of is not as stressful.
I make the pies a few days ahead and the corn casserole the day before. I start cubing bread during the week before and dice the celery and onions and store ahead of time. The linens and silver are ironed and polished the week before.
I pitch in wherever help is needed!
First of all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL !
I cook the turkey and stuffing a day ahead. I have to make extra stuffing, because my family wants to try it the after I cook it. 🙂
Clean and shine with Pledge and Windex on Monday. Chop all vegetables, nuts, etc and Ziploc in fridge on Tuesday. Ziploc the turkey in a brine the morning before. Prepare stuffing, casseroles and deserts and store in fridge on Wednesday.
prepare as much as possible the days before
make as much as possible before thanksgiving
I clean the week before Thanksgiving and make a couple of side dishes that can be frozen until the day of.
Making side dishes ahead of time
I will prepare my side dishes the day before Thanksgiving.
Premake and freeze some of the holiday food.
I make the cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes the day before Thanksgiving.
I will make a to do list for several days before and check off as I go. Also, any prep work that can be done ahead to make the cooking go quicker!
I have a bag in my freezer that I add cubed leftover bread to for a few weeks before so that I am all ready to make my stuffing from what I might have pitched otherwise.
Cut, peel and prep as much as possible ahead of time
We are cheating this year and buying our meal from Publix! Rather excited not to have to do much of anything except order, then pick it up and heat it up!
Our families alway take a couple of potluck dishes so the hostess does not have to cook everything. Make a list and cook and clean house some the day before(you can order pizza that night to help).
I will cook stuffing and pies the day before.
We set up tables and get linens, serving dishes and serving utensils ready days before. I cook and freeze as much as I can, too!
I will clean and set the table on Sunday, prep my 7 layer salad and things that can be done a day or two ahead. Rolls are in the freezer. Cuts down on the stress!
Start early and have a plan! Getting organized a few weeks before is a must to keep the stress levels down.
I purchase my ingredients as they go on sale long before the holiday. I also do all the prep work and any dishes that can be made ahead the day before.
Set and decorate the table the night before and cover it with another table cloth till the morning.
I plan my menu and shop the sales way ahead of time so I don’t need to do any of that around Thanksgiving!
Clean up as we go along so we aren’t washing dishes all afternoon after we eat our big meal!
Cook and bake ahead of time as much as possible. Also set the table the night before.
Buy frozen pies so I don’t have to bake from scratch!
Shop early and ALL baking is done ahead of time (pies, cookies) !
We wash dishes before dinner.
I use jellied cranberry sauce (which I prefer) and frozen pie crusts.
Make a list of my lists! I shop the weekend before to avoid the crowds.
I shop early as items are on sale and stash for later use. Anything that can be prepared and frozen is done in the weeks leading up to the holiday. I delegate items for other family members to provide/bring.
I will precook some of the food the night before turkey day.
I will preset the table for thanksgiving and set out the snacks inadvanc e and also will portion the food but secure it safely for health reasons.
Bake desserts ahead of time and freeze them!
Is it wrong to not worry about it and go to someone else house?! Just kidding…..maybe?!
Cook ahead and buy frozen desserts
Make a list of my grocery needs, make ahead what I can, delegate pick up items/food to family and friends, and just relax and let the fun and holiday happen.
Make lots of lists, checking things off as I get them done and shopping for sale items to make all the delicious foods!
As I will be visiting friends, I will be preparing appetizers and desserts to help out!!!!
We make our pies the day before so we don’t have to worry about the desserts the day of.
We don’t do much prep other than get the baking done a day or two ahead.
Prep as much as possible the day before and use paper plates to save on dish washing.
I start shopping early and baking whatever i can freeze ahead of time.
I have been buying items as they go on sale to save money and not have to go buy everything at regular price the week of thanksgiving. and then i will start making sides the day before so thanksgiving i won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day.
I prep cookies and deserts.
I’ve already started prepping and buying things.
I do everything so it’s vital
Have a plan, list and times to do.
I’ve got my fresh turkey.
I make desserts ahead, cut up all veggies..make cornbread for stuffing ahead..dry out bread.
I make a list of what to do , buy and prep what I can in advance. It doesn’t hurt to buy some things like your pies or even your turkey if you need the time. Most of all enjoy yourself . Happy Thanksgiving, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
I make many to-do lists and anything that can be cooked in advance will be.
The dessert is getting made in advance and I already got the turkey a week ago, will also probably cut of the carrots and other veggies the day before.
I’ll organize food shopping according to sales in the weeks leading up to Christmas and try to prep/cook meals on weekends.