The most enjoyable thing for me when it comes to Thanksgiving is getting to see my family that I grew up with together under one roof again. There are 8 of us kids, and between distance and having our own families and responsibilities, there just aren't many other times during the year that we are able to do so.
The obvious next thing is having good food which includes a nice spread of main dish choices, sides and deserts. Growing up, this was the responsibility of us girls and my mom. We may not have appreciated the work we put in so much then, but those are days we reflect on now as adults; the time we spent together in the kitchen, the late nights, chit-chatting while waiting for everything to get done, the sweet and savory scents that filled the house and finally the payoff of enjoying the benefits of our labor when everyone would come together.
The only thing that really presents an issue with me is the planning and preparation, which I usually fail to do early enough in advance. I mean all of the food from year to year is pretty much the same, but there's always wanting to make sure everything is just right. I usually end up waiting until the kids are in bed before getting a good start, which means I end up being up really late and not wanting to get up the next morning which means we're sure to eat later than everyone would prefer.
Thankfully Butterball understands that sometimes we can use a hand when it comes to preparing for the big day that Thanksgiving is to so many. I was recently on the Butterball site and was pleased to find out the proper way to stuff a turkey. I also enjoyed seeing a video in which I learned a much neater way of carving a turkey. If you're wondering what to serve up alongside your turkey, they have recipes and they even have a help line (1-800-BUTTERBALL) where you can talk to an expert who will offer advice on making your holiday celebration even better!
Butterball is also providing two of my readers with a turkey (coupon good for a turkey up to $15)
Have everyone bring a side dish so you won't be needing to cook the whole day.
ReplyDeleteHave activities or games for your guests, play holiday music, have fun appetizers and stay organized if you are the host.
ReplyDeletetweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com (Janice Cooper)
My tip is to have your family help you cook to make it less stressful
ReplyDeleteElena
elena150980@yahoo.com
just to keep organized and follow your menu lists
ReplyDeleteHave others help you make side dishes and plan ahead what people will be bringing
ReplyDeletemy tip:
ReplyDeleteinvite only friends over....
Michelle S
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to invite guests, ask for them to bring a dish to pass, and/or don't invite 20+ people unless they are going to pitch in .
mnsanchez15@yahoo.com
Make ahead when you can and remember what the day means to you, don't get so wrapped up in all the small stuff that it just passes by in a haze. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI suggest asking beforehand if any guests have allergies or on special diets.
ReplyDeleterunningmatey at hotmail dot com
I make a lot of lists to be sure I have everything organized before Thanksgiving. It is stressful to get to preparing the meal and find I don't have what I need!
ReplyDeleteGo to someone else's house! LOL My mom still makes Thanksgiving dinner for all of us, so I get to sit back and enjoy!
ReplyDeletecoriwestphal at msn dot com
Make sure you buy everything in time and not last minute. use your coupons for extra savings
ReplyDeleteIf I am hosting Thanksgiving, I ask a few family members to bring a dish. This way I don't feel overwhelmed by having to make everything. I also have them bring games and favorite movies over to keep the kids happy :). Thanks!
ReplyDeleteromapup at gmail dot com
We use a lot of easy box things and only make from scratch special family recipes.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to have everyone bring one pie or an appetizer.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Sakovitz
pokergrl8 at gmail.com