This post is sponsored by SC Johnson. All comments and opinions are my own.
Have you looked at the calendar? In less than two weeks we’ll be carving up turkey and celebrating Thanksgiving. No need to panic, I have some ideas to help you avoid that last minute chaos.
Planning ahead is my key to maintaining my sanity. Now is a great time to start getting ready to help ensure that the day is as stress-free as possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started on a successful and relaxing holiday.
Make a big list of everything that you have to do and break it down. Make it a point to do a few things every day from here on out rather than waiting until the last minute.
It’s not too early to make sure the linens are washed. If you are using special dinnerware or silver, make sure it’s clean and ready to go. Start cleaning now so that you only have to do a touch up here or there before your guests arrive.
Shopping now will reduce your stress lever as well! Start gathering your nonperishable items that you’ll need for your dinner. Canned goods, broths and baking essentials can be purchased ahead of time. Any paper products that you might need can also be purchased now. You know you’ll need lots of Ziploc® brand Bags and Containers for all those leftovers. Check your cleaning supplies and purchase the items you’ll need to have your house ready for guests.
Starting your shopping early will allow you to spread out the purchases over multiple weeks which might be easier on your budget!
Of course getting great deals at Publix is another way to help out the budget too. Look for some super deals on everything you need to get your home ready for the holidays. Plus you can earn a gift card to boot!
Don’t forget, you can enjoy great savings and get a nice perk when you stock up at Publix! Simply pick up your favorite SC Johnson products in preparation for your holiday fun and get a gift card to boot. You’ll earn a $5 gift card when you purchase any four participating SC Johnson products from 10/1 – 11/30.
Getting your gift card is very simple. All it takes it three easy steps!
- Purchase FOUR participating products in a single transaction at Publix.
- Snap a photo of your receipt.
- Submit your photo to happythanksgathering.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 mandatory task below (answering my question). You can gain additional entries by completing any of the other options as well! View the Giveaway & Sweepstakes Rules.
- What are some of the things you do to prep for the big day?
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Cook and freeze! I cook for the entire time family will be here. Even browning meats and freezing helps such as the meat and veg that go in a big pot of chili. I have cinnamon rolls made and ready t thaw and rise and pop into the oven for Thanksgiving breakfast, pumpkin walnut bread made and in the freezer, bread made and cubed and frozen for stuffing, etc.
Buy ingredients ahead of time, make a list of things to do and check off a few each day.
I like to make my pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin, so I buy one or more pie pumpkins in October (and use as decoration until after Halloween). I baked my pumpkins yesterday and scooped the flesh out into a bowl. I will puree today and portion into containers and store in the freezer until needed.
Turkey prep for me starts a week in advanced with thawing and brine! Yummy, I can’t wait!
I make a lot of lists and buy everything that I need in advance.
Start cooking a day before the big day.
After I make my shopping lists, I plan out a timeline for the days before and day-of.
Shop the ads and try to pick up as many ingredients as possible with sales.
After all the cleaning is done, I shop for my dinner items then I start preparing the turkey the night before as well as making up my yeast rolls.
Make as much ahead as possible.
I’ll make a shopping list and go shopping during huge sales period. Following the I heart Publix to shop
I shop ahead and freeze.
I always followed the Iheartpublix to see any great sales deal and stock up for holiday season.
I precook as much as possible. One other thing I have found invaluable is my roaster oven. I can cook or keep warm just about anything in it, that is the first thing I make sure is clean and in working order.
I make lists-groceries needed, cleaning to be done, food to freeze ahead, etc.
I buy early
I prep and freeze. Makes the day of very easy.
make some the day before
Since I have no family anywhere near, I do stock-up shopping for things I will need in the next months, like baking supplies, broths, etc. , and check the Black friday sales ads and look for practical items I’ll need for myself and a few gifts for a couple of friends. Not much stress!
Some of the things I do to prep for Thanksgiving include shopping early, getting the house cleaning done early, and I make lots and lots of lists to help me juggle everything.
Shopping now for my Turkey. Prepping and making pies ahead of time. Cleaning a little everyday so when the time comes for Turkey Day it will be less stressful.
I check your web sight here for deals, sales, and coupons to get, as I make my Holiday food and more list to buy at Publix. I like to shop way ahead of time. I decorate the house. Make the turkey the day ahead. I sure am organized !
Cook and freeze anything that can be frozen w/o affecting quality. Chop veggies ahead of time and keep in fridge.
Aside from prepping my veggies the day before, since I make homemade stuffing from stale bread, I always chop it up in an old blender then I dressing my turkey the next day is easy-peasy!
We try to do as much as we can in the days leading up to it and buy groceries early.
Nothing, as I am going to my mom’s house and we are going out to eat.
I shop early so that I don’t have to go to the store when there is a big rush.
Precook and pre make as much as possible
Cook and clean and shop ahead
We do a lot of cleaning, a lot of shopping, and a lot of anticipating the eating of great food!
I get on pinterest to plan my meals in advance. It makes grocery shopping a lot easier.
My list I go by every year, really help me.
Start my shopping at Publix, get few items each week, usually bogo, just like I got my Ziploc for prepping. 🙂
I rely on lists and a timeline to stay organized
I begin way in advance, creating my holiday menu, searching recipes, searching sales and preparing a list to stay organized.
Use lists and buy ahead of time
Roast my pumpkin, store in ziploc container or freezer bag (alway do this around Halloween, Thanks to Publix for a great price) Also to anyone that buy canned pumpkin like I did years ago, please do your own pumpkin one time, I promise no regrets
List, list, list!!!!!!
Clean zones daily and meal prep like crazy. I chop and store ingredients in ziploc bags and label for each dish. Cuts the time in half
Will be picking up food items and such this coming week and we’ve gotten the Jennie O turkey in the bag in the past and think we’ll do that this year and its super easy just freezer to oven plus a couple of vegetable sides which don’t require to much prep.
Clean house well in advance…then a few days before start cooking things that taste better after sitting for awhile.
Shop days before and start prepping the food the day before!!
I do a lot of cleaning the week before, go shopping and so as much prep as possible that way I am not overwhelmed.
Shop with a list and clean early.
I need to make lists – I cook, I bake, I shop and I clean.
Plan the menu, figure out who will bring what, buy ingredients for the rest
I head to Publix and stock up on fresh staples and buy as many of the items that I know I will need in advance. A few days before each holiday I go back and purchase any last minute items and get the turker and ham in just enough time to prep them for the holidays!
I preorder from caterer of choice to bring to church where family has large gathering place and full kitchen reserved for all to bring or cook. Lots of us.
I always try to make lists ahead of time of everything that I have to do and get done as well as do as much prep cooking ahead of time so I do not have to rush as much on the actual day.
I buy everything in advance with coupons and matching the sales so I know I get a lot of savings !
I usually roast turkey the day before. And since turkey is so inexpensive, I buy extra! Also stock up for Christmas baking…butter, etc.
Cleaning gets done early. We do a potluck so no one is stuck with all the cooking
Stock up on staples when Publix has them on sale. That way, we’re prepared when it’s holiday time.
Doing grocery shopping days in advance.
Getting cleaning done the day before guest are expected.
Make my list of food to prepare, items needed to purchase, cleaning to do, supplies to get and get busy,
Cook ahead as much as possible
I scope out the stores to find the best quality and prices for the big day.
Some of the things I do to prep for the big day is make lists and schedules and stick to them! I get cleaning and cooking done ahead of time so guests will be comfortable and I can enjoy the holidays instead of stressing trying to get everything done.
Make lists for everything!
I shop and cook what I can ahead.
I make sure the house is sparkling clean, and all the fancy dishes are washed and ready for when the guest arrive. I love to have fresh flowers in the house too, it adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
Prepare as much in advance as possible!
I cook ahead of time, especially baking desserts. I set the table the day before with the china, silverware and napkins. I check my supply on all recipe items in case I have to buy something last minute. I make room in the fridge by moving everything around.
I’m a list maker, and anything I can do ahead of time is a big help.
I shop for groceries at Publix. I chop veggies and I cook a few side dishes the day before the holiday.
Prep and/or cook as much as possible the day before.
Clean and decorate the weekend before; prep and cook as much as possible the day before.
Get most of the shopping &cleaning out of the way.
I try and get the majority of the shopping and the house cleaned ahead of time.
I make all my salads a day before.
I make lots of lists. I shop early and freeze or store as much as I can well before the big festivities.
Plan ahead and shop early to get the best deals.
your list could very well be mine.
ive already purchased my essentials for baking and cooking
even prepped some foods and froze
house is clean
meats purchased
I just will wait a bit for my fresh veggies and bird..flowers..etc
Tidy up the house, stock up on food, make a to do list and prepare some of the dishes few days before.
I set the table ahead of time, get the bowls and serving dishes out and cleaned, start buying the food
a few weeks ahead to spread the cost out. Beds are freshened for family spending the night.
decorate and stock up on supplies
I make lists, shop and prep as much as I can ahead of time.
I don’t do much since I’m never the one responsible for the meal. I usually make a side dish or dessert.
I prep as much food as I can the week before (especially making pie crust dough) and delegate tasks to different family members.
Cooking for several days before.
I stock up early on items that will keep in the pantry or freezer, and make a checklist of things that need to get done at certain times.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Since I am just cooking for my family this year, I am asking each of them what they must have in a thanksgiving meal.
My daughter has played Varsity basketball for 3 years and we always have a Thanksgiving tournament up to Wednesday before Thanksgiving. To prep I always chop any vegetables need up, have all pots/pans out and labeled, cook my cornbread and crumble it up for my dressing and shop the week before the tournament starts. Wednesday night is hetic but I DO LOVE IT!! Family together cooking and having family time!!!
Cleaning and shopping 1 week before the holiday.
nothing, we don’t cook
I prep by making lists…lists of what we will eat, what we will wear, where we will go, etc.
I too make lists, food prep lists, grocery lists, cleaning lists. I also add to-do’s to my phone’s calendar to remind me to do certain tasks on certain days.
make a schedule and shop
I shop ahead of time and then make the pies, salads and stuff the day before.
First and foremost is to get the essential grocery items bought early to avoid last minute shopping frenzy .
Our family gives each member something to do or meal item to cook, that way we lighten the burden on one person doing everything.
in my slow cooker the week before thanksgiving, i simmer over nite: veggie scraps, chicken carcus, herbs, worchestshire & white wine vinegar for broth. i use it for gravy, side dishes & turkey leftover soup. so good & so easy to do. happy thanksgiving everyone!!!
I make my cornbread ahead of time for the dressing and make pies a day or two before.
Get most of my shopping and cleaning done the day before.
cleaning is done early. desserts are made a few days before as are most of the sides. I want to enjoy the day as well so I do as much as possible beforehand!
plan the menu in advance so I can take advantage of sales and coupons.
I make sure to run through the house each night and keep things clean and tidy, so I don’t have to do it all at once the week of thanksgiving, which is always crazy.
Plan the menu in advance so I can take advantage of the sales and coupons!
Make a list and refer to it often!!
We <3 I Heart Publix!!! Thank you!
Try to get my shopping done early by following the Publix ads.
I make an early list of what needs to be done and I try to get at least one item checked off each day.
Make sure we have agreed on the side items and desserts well in advance to take advantage of stock up sales!
Agree on side items and dessert ahead of time to take advantage of stock up prices and BOGOs
I like to prep some food the day before
Nothing other than prepare a side dish to bring to a host home
I try to start deep cleaning a week before hand and just make a schedule of what needs to be done when. I try to do something everyday leading up so I don’t get overwhelmed. I also try to prepare some of the food the day or night before.
I’ve already cleaned my oven and fridge. I’ve made a list for the grocery store, too. In the next week, I will clean the house and then start prepping some foods. My favorite thing is to get all of my recipes together and place them in page protectors. If anyone offers to help, the recipe is ready to go!
Coordinate in advance what everyone is bringing and prep what i can in advance
Do as much prep as I can before hand
I set my dining room table at least the day before.
I make a list and make sure to do two items a day!! 😉
Start cooking and preparing a few days before.
Making sure the kids get there chores done and mom has stocked up on essentials!
I get desserts to bring to friends & family.
I make sure my house smells inviting
Cook casseroles and freeze them so that I have minimal things to do on Thanksgiving Day. I also like to make sure all my linens are cleaned and ready for use.
I deep clean my entire home, shop ahead of time for things that I can and plan out lists of things I need to make and buy.
We’re going on vacation.
I pack my bags and make plans to spend the Thanksgiving meal with my family. If they are in driving distance, I bring baked goods and sides. If not, I buy goodies once I arrive at my destination.
We chop nearly every fruit & veg a day ahead.
I try to do as much as possible beforehand
i marinate all meats 24hrs in advance
I make some of the side dishes weeks before and freeze them. That way, they only have to be heated up on Thanksgiving.
decorate, make to-do lists
I try to get everything thing done before my guests arrive so that I can relax when they are here.
I do my shopping the week before. I do my deep cleaning the weekend before. I set out fresh towels and soaps and candles throughout the house.
We shop ahead of time so we catch all the best sales!
The past few years we have gone to someone else’s home for dinner. I try to do desert and try to find a different pumpkin option for pie or cheesecake or something like that. I’m not a huge pie fan so another option for pumpkin makes me happy. I also try to make it at least once prior to the holiday to make sure it’s not a crazy hard recipe.
Makes lists, shop early, eat chocolate.
Try to remember to look at my lists so I won’t forget anything and I try to get as much as I can done the night before
I try to do as much prep work ahead of time.
I stay organized with lists and don’t wait til the last minute.
When we have guests for the holidays we’ll plan our schedule in advance and prep accordingly.
We’ve gotten everything decluttered, so it’s mostly just a quick cleaning and we’re ready.
I ask everyone to pitch in. We start with a list. We use the weekend before Thanksgiving to get as much done and finish up any last minute items on the Monday before so we can enjoy the holiday.
Any projects that are big(ex. new carpet) are done before Halloween. Then we can make our plans for Thanksgiving. It’s a lot easier when you have help.
do all slicing and dicing and seal in bags the day before cooking
Make the stuffing, and turkey in advance and so much more.
Buy everything I need ahead of time except for the produce. Then run in quickly and grab those items when the store is super busy.
Lists, lists and more lists!
Make cakes and pies day before.
I prep food by chopping and freezing. I also shop as much as possible(Thanks Michelle!)
Make lists and gather people to help.