Thanksgiving weekend is quickly approaching which means it’s time to start planning. Soon our kitchens will be filled with delicious food and our friends and family. We will make memories and celebrate all of the wonderful blessings that 2024 has brought. In light of the holiday weekend, our team wanted to share 4 ways to prepare for a stress free Thanksgiving!

1. Make Casseroles, Bread & Desserts The Day Before

One of the best ways to maximize time spent with family and friends on Thanksgiving is to prepare what can be made ahead of time, the night before. Rolls and desserts are easily cooked ahead of time. Also, aim to make casseroles that can be prepared 80-90% of the way (minus the baking) and refrigerate overnight. By doing this, you can add last minute toppings and pop in the oven the day of which makes for a cleaner kitchen and less stress!

2. Map Out Where Everything Will Sit On The Counter

This tip might seem a bit extra, but it can make setting up for Thanksgiving a total breeze! Planning where everything will go in advance can save you so much time and stress. To stay organized, we recommend using a large sheet of butcher paper or colorful Post-it Notes to map out your serving area. Start by laying out all your casserole dishes, platters, and bread baskets, and either mark the spots with Post-it Notes or trace the shapes of the dishes on the butcher paper and label them underneath. This simple setup strategy will help you efficiently place everything in its designated spot as you pull dishes out of the oven—ensuring a smooth, stress-free Thanksgiving dinner prep!

3. Set The Table The Night Before

Festive dishes, family heirlooms and tablescapes are a big part of the fun in hosting Thanksgiving at your house. Spend the week leading up to Thanksgiving pulling out the items you want to decorate the table with, give them a quick wash, and then stage your table. You can even take photos of a few plate and napkin combinations to share on social media to get friend and follower votes on which one they like the best! After you’ve decided on how to decorate your table, place everything the night before and when you wake up, there’s one less thing to do!

4. Stock Up On Inexpensive Take Home Boxes & Containers

Depending on the headcount and food portions, you may want to have some extra take home containers on hand. Our suggestion is to check places like The Dollar Tree, the grocery store or even Amazon for cost-friendly containers that you are okay parting with  or disposable take home boxes. Thanksgiving food makes the perfect leftover meal for the next day! Bonus tip: opt for sectioned reusable or disposable containers to make pre-portioned plates so cleanup easier and heating up is faster!

Our team is thankful for the relationships we have formed, and for the wonderful North Alabama community. As we head into the Thanksgiving season, we want you to know how thankful we are for your trust, your friendship and for allowing us to serve you through the years. 

If you have questions on how our CMG family can serve you, please always feel free to reach out! At the CMG Real Estate Group, you are always more than just a transaction, you’re our family!