Hello! It’s one of your favorite professional organizers here! In this article, I’ll give you some expert advice on how to have the perfect Thanksgiving holiday without losing your mind – a Thanksgiving that is organized and stress-free. Really!
I know how chaotic this time of year can be – the kids are wound up in anticipation of the big day, relatives are coming to stay for a few days (or week!), and your endless to-do list seems to multiply if you even glance away.
As an expert declutterer, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true tricks to keep things sane. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, put on your stretchy pants, and let’s dive in!
10 Tips to Help You Have an Organized and Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Tip #1: Declutter and Clean a Month Ahead
Don’t wait until the week before Thanksgiving to frantically straighten up your home. Want to have a stress-free Thanksgiving this year?
Start early by tackling one room or zone per week starting 4 weeks before the big event.
Purge closets, drawers, pantries and under-bed storage of anything you don’t absolutely love or need.
Donate unneeded linens, clothes and kitchenware to charity.
Deep clean bathrooms, dust ceiling fans and wash windows.
Having an orderly, sparkling clean home already in place well ahead will save you so much time and reduce pre-holiday chaos.
Tip #2: Shop for Non-Perishables First
Make your menu and then type in a master grocery list on your phone of everything you’ll need, from butter and broth to pie fillings and potatoes.
Purchase non-perishable ingredients as far in advance as you can – at least 2 weeks ahead if possible. This avoids the time suck of massive shopping trips as well as the stress of items being out of stock.
Bonus: Often grocery stores run pre-Thanksgiving sales on stuffing, cranberries, canned pumpkin and other holiday staples so you can save a bundle by stocking up early.
Tip #3: Prep Your Turkey ASAP
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, thaw your frozen turkey starting at least 4 days before the big meal. Once it’s thawed, remove giblets, rinse the cavity well, pat dry with paper towels and rub the skin all over with salt, pepper and olive oil or melted butter. Place back in the fridge until it’s time to roast.
Getting this crucial step done ahead of time means your bird will be ready to pop in the oven first thing Thanksgiving morning.
Tip #4: Chop and Prep Ingredients Ahead of Tine
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, spend 15-20 minutes each evening prepping ingredients so there’s less to do on the big day. Chop onions, celery, carrots, herbs, peel potatoes, shred cabbage for coleslaw, cube bread for stuffing – whatever you can knock out in advance will seriously reduce effort later. Store prepped items in reusable containers or zipper bags in the fridge until needed. You’ll be amazed how much of a time-saver this is!
Tip #5: Get Houseguests to Pitch In
Don’t be shy about asking visiting family members to help out!
Delegate tasks like setting the table, vacuuming, picking up last minute groceries or watching the kiddos during the meal prep frenzy.
Share your master to-do checklist and farm out assignments to willing helpers.
Most guests will be more than happy to contribute rather than sit idle. Taking advantage of extra hands ensures everything gets done – and no one person (you!) ends up frazzled from doing it all.
Tip #6: Embrace Disposable Serveware
While I’m typically a die-hard fan of regular dinnerware, Thanksgiving is the one time I give myself permission to use disposable plates, cups and flatware. With a full house, the last thing you need is more dishes to wash!
Quality paper goods have come a long way and can look quite festive. Using them cuts one more chore off your very long list. And don’t forget disposable aluminum roasting pans – they’re great for prepping food ahead of time and keeping messes contained.
Tip #7: Create Kid-Friendly Tasks
Don’t let the little ones run wild while you’re trying to focus on meal prep. Give them fun, easy jobs that make them feel involved like folding napkins, arranging centerpieces, filling water glasses or keeping pets occupied and out from underfoot.
Have craft supplies on hand like markers, stickers and construction paper so they can make place cards or table decorations.
Assign an older child to be “turkey tender” in charge of basting the bird every 15 minutes. Keeping kids constructively busy prevents chaos!
Tip #8: Remember Leftovers are Your Friend
No need to stress about every dish coming out perfect or fret over every last detail. Leftovers are the best part of Thanksgiving! So what if you sear the carrots a bit too long or the gravy is a touch lumpy? Once food is reheated or repurposed into sandwiches or casseroles, small flaws won’t be noticeable.
Don’t drive yourself crazy aiming for Pinterest or Instagram-worthy results – just focus on the joy of cooking. Guests are there for the company, not Michelin star cuisine.
Tip #9: Set a Relaxed Morning Routine
There’s no need to rise at dawn if dinner won’t be served until late afternoon or evening. Let yourself sleep in!
Savor a slow morning of coffee, pajamas and no alarms or obligations. Linger over a big breakfast to fuel up for the cooking ahead.
Avoid chaotic rushing by giving yourself ample time to get ready without anxiety. A calm, enjoyable start to the day sets a relaxed tone and reduces feeling frazzled.
Tip #10: Remember What Matters Most
During the rush of holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in perfecting every detail. But remember that the reason for the season is togetherness, family and gratitude.
No one will care or maybe even notice if the turkey is a tad dry, the pie crust cracks, or you forgot the cranberry sauce. What makes Thanksgiving meaningful isn’t a Pinterest-worthy tablescape – it’s the warmth of tradition, time with loved ones and the joy of companionship.
Focus more on making memories and less on minor imperfections.
This Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of organization and self-care so you can truly soak up the holiday spirit. With a decluttered home, prepped ingredients and delegated tasks, you’ll finally be able to relax and indulge in cozy moments, belly laughs and lasting memories with those you cherish most. Once you get your home and schedule sorted, you’ll be ready to sit back, enjoy the festivities and be present in the grateful here and now. Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Here’s to making warm, happy memories!
Psst! Want to play a game after dinner (or before)? Check out these recommendations! (As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a small commission from purchases made – at no cost to you).
Before your guests arrive, scent the air with a nice fall and Autumn candle. But…during dinner and the prep time, let the meal take center stage! Candles can overpower the aroma of a Thanksgiving meal so use before or after.
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