Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you have guests coming to spend the holiday at your home, now is the time to start preparing to give you plenty of time to have your home ready, without rushing during the days and hours leading up to their arrival. We’ve come up with a checklist that you can do now to save you from stressing next week.
Set Up the Guest Room
Has your guest bedroom been sitting empty for the last few months, and become a catch-all for summer clothing or other household items that don’t really have a “home” yet? You’re not alone. Now is a great time to clean up the space, put away any items that have been left in the room, and refresh your bedding! Change the sheets and comforter, leave clean towels and even travel-size toiletries to make your guests feel right at home!
Purchase Non-Perishable Items
Next week, the grocery store will be filled with last-minute shoppers picking up ingredients needed for their Thanksgiving feasts. If you have the space, start early! Purchase your turkey and freeze it until it’s time to come out of the freezer to defrost, purchase any canned or dry good items, paper goods, and soft drinks. The more you’re able to purchase and store ahead of time, the less you’ll have to fight the crowd at the grocery store right ahead of the holiday.
Plan Your Menu
If you have guests staying with you, you will need meal ideas for the duration of their stay! Start early and prepare a menu for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, to make mealtime a no-brainer! Planning ahead will give you the ability to spend more time with your guests, and less time in the kitchen!
Prepare Meals Ahead of Time
Many meals freeze exceptionally well! Whether you’re creating a breakfast casserole for everyone to enjoy, or you’re making a pasta dish to enjoy with your family in the days leading up to Thanksgiving or the weekend following, you’d be surprised how many meals can be prepared ahead of time, frozen, defrosted, and popped into the oven to bake, leaving you with minimal effort that day!