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Thanksgiving meal countdown list
[November 15, 2012]

Thanksgiving meal countdown list


Nov 15, 2012 (Lexington Herald-Leader - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Believe it or not, it's almost time for Thanksgiving.

We're here to help you with your long list of things to get done before the most important meal of the year appears on your dinner table.

One week ahead, otherwise known as today -- Make shopping list of perishables and non- perishables.

-- If you are ordering a fresh turkey, do it now.

-- Take an inventory of your tablecloths and napkins, china, glassware and serving pieces. If tablecloths and napkins need to be cleaned or ironed, do it now.

-- Once table settings have been decided, order a floral centerpiece or make plans to create your own.

-- Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests.

Sunday -- Shop for any paper goods you need for the event.

-- Clean your refrigerator to make room for your Thanksgiving items.

-- Shop for non-perishable groceries on your list.

-- Match recipes with serving dishes and silverware. Drop 3- by 5-inch cards into each bowl and platter indicating which dish it will hold.

-- Plan and make decorations, place cards and wreaths.

-- Review your recipes and prepare a cooking schedule by day for the days ahead, and by the hour for Thanksgiving Day.

-- Save money on ice. Start making your own cubes now. When they're frozen, dump them in a freezer bag.

-- Do major house cleaning and organizing.

Monday -- Begin defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator.

-- Put up wreaths and non-perishable decorations such as candles.

-- Phone guests about menu plans and find out what oven space they might need. Also inquire if they are bringing serving pieces or if you should furnish these.

-- Plan for leftovers. Organize containers, bags and wraps so guests can take home the meal's bounty.

Tuesday -- Chill beverages.

-- Have centerpiece delivered or buy flowers for the table.

-- Shop for perishable items.

-- Clean vegetables and refrigerate.

-- Set out bread for homemade stuffing.

-- Make cranberry sauce.

-- Complete light housecleaning.

-- Put up decorations.

Wednesday -- Peel potatoes, place in a pot of cold water. Keep in refrigerator.

-- Clean vegetables and refrigerate.

-- Make all dishes that can be prepared ahead. Don't forget the pies and any chopping, peeling or toasting that can be done ahead.

-- Check your bathrooms. Be sure to have extra paper goods and hand towels available.

-- Prepare stuffing.

-- Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used.

-- Let your family set the table in the evening.

-- Make the side dishes that can be baked ahead of time.

-- Make a staging area for coffee, desserts and drinks. Stock with flatware, sugar and creamer, and cups and saucers. This could be set up on a tray stashed in the pantry until needed.

Thanksgiving Day -- Get out all serving pieces. Set out in order on a counter or buffet table.



-- Fill condiment dishes with your choice of pickles, olives and cranberry sauce. Cover each dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Lay serving spoons on top.

-- Assign specific family members or relatives to be in charge of tending the fire, pouring drinks, answering the door, hanging up coats and watching the children.


-- Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours. Add stuffing to the bird or place into casseroles to bake separately.

-- Preheat oven.

-- Put turkey in oven and baste every half hour or according to your recipe.

-- Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving.

-- Remove stuffing from turkey and let it rest, covered, for about 20 minutes before slicing.

-- Microwave food to quickly reheat if all the stove burners are occupied.

-- Make gravy and last-minute vegetables.

-- Set out refrigerated dishes including condiments, cranberries and salads.

-- Heat bread or rolls as needed.

-- Pour drinks.

-- Carve turkey.

-- Keep the oven on the lowest setting to keep foods warm until the meal is over.

Cleanup -- Before leaving the table, blow out candles. Collect used cloth napkins and place them in the laundry.

-- Quickly fill the dishwasher with one load of dinner dishes and glassware. Add soap and run a cycle.

-- Fill the sink with hot soapy water and drop in silverware and any items to be hand-washed.

-- Put away leftover food in containers, foil packs or plastic bags. Distribute into labeled bags for guests to take home. Refrigerate everything.

-- Wash items in the sink, then refill with hot water to soak pots and pans.

-- Clear and wash kitchen counters.

-- Wash serving pieces belonging to guests. Set labeled bags in a mudroom or hall, ready to take home.

-- Organize games or other entertainment.

-- Finish dishes as time allows or after guests depart.

-- Launder tablecloth and napkins.

-- Put away dishes, serving pieces and glassware.

-- Return any borrowed tables, chairs, games.

-- Make notes on what worked and what didn't, and keep in your recipe box by the "Thanksgiving" tab.

-- Write and mail thank-you notes.

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens ___ (c)2012 the Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.) Visit the Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.) at www.kentucky.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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