What’s not to like about a day dedicated to eating lots of great food and spending time with those closest to you? That being said, the prep work can feel overwhelming and so can accommodating a lot of people in your home. As such, there is no better time to let go of any perfectionist tendencies and make things easy on yourself so you can truly enjoy this special day. Here are some tips on how to streamline your Thanksgiving To-Do list:
CHECK THE ACCURACY OF YOUR OVEN
Make sure your oven is “turkey ready.” It’s easy to check yourself. Set the oven thermostat to 350 degrees and place an oven thermometer in the oven. It’s considered accurate if it reaches temperatures between 325 and 375 degrees. It’s possible to adjust the thermostat knob or to recalibrate the electronic range control if the oven is not reaching the right temperature. Or, call your local appliance repair shop. (If you have a home warranty, this is likely covered.)
SENSIBLE HOUSE CLEANING
Lighten your load by cleaning only the parts of your house that guests will be using. This is not the time for deep cleaning – afterall, things will just get dirty again after having all those people and you have enough on your plate to think about.
When cleaning, focus on these areas:
- Make a space in the entryway area for guests’ coats and belongings.
- Clean the bathrooms, including mirrors, and stock the bathroom with extra toilet paper. Provide clean hand towels.
- Spruce up the yard. Rake the leaves the day before your guests arrive, and if time allows, showcase fall flowers, like chrysanthemums.
CHECK THE DISHWASHER FILTER
Filters protect the pump and motor seals. Many dishwashers have a filter located under the spray arm, near the bottom of the appliance. The filter can get clogged with sediment from hard water, food residue, or detergent build-up. It’s important to check the condition of the filter to make sure it is intact, has no holes in the screen, and is free of debris.
PREPARE YOUR KITCHEN
A week before Thanksgiving is a great time to make sure your dishes, serving platters, glasses, coffee cups, etc., are cleaned and ready for your table. Wash tablecloths and napkins if necessary. Use sticky notes to plan what dish will be going onto what platter.
GET FESTIVE
Get into the mood of Thanksgiving with a little autumnal flair. Hang a harvest wreath on your front door, display pumpkins indoors and out, and indulge in a few potted fall flowers near the front door.
Streamlined prepping can help you find time to enjoy the good food and people who have gathered in your home to spend a special day with you.