Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 4 ways to make Thanksgiving easier as the host
For the host, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest days of the year. Luckily, most Thanksgiving tasks can be done ahead of time. Here are some tips to prepare, plus save time and energy:
Delegate. If your guests are mostly family, I recommend you enlist their help! Everybody usually has a signature dish they make and would love to bring. Ask a few other guests to bring dessert. Appetizers, drinks and snacks are other things one can bring with no cooking involved.
Organize. Go through all the pots, utensils and serving pieces you will need, making sure they’re in good condition and easy to access. I set up a card table in the dining room for this. Believe me, it helps on the big day to not have to go searching for that potato bowl or serving spoons! I put them together for each dish I’m cooking.
You can also set the dining table a few days early by covering it with a clean white sheet or tablecloth to keep off the dust.
Reheat. There are so many vegetables and side dishes that can be made ahead and reheated! Here are a few:
- Mashed potatoes reheat well in a slow cooker with a little added warmed butter and cream.
- Another great option is a quick, glazed carrot dish. Sauté diagonal sliced carrots in a mixture of olive oil and honey. Add 1 teaspoon cumin. Add I cup water and cover and simmer till tender. Remove cover and cook till the water evaporates. Delicious, glazed carrots that reheat in minutes. Just add fresh chopped parsley.
- Stuffing can be made days ahead. Heat in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes, then uncover the last 10 minutes or so to crisp the top.
- The famous green bean casserole can be made early. Just top with the onions and bake till bubbly.
- Most homemade dips taste better when made a few days ahead. Warm dips like artichoke can stay in the fridge till it’s time to heat. Don’t forget that microwave! Oven space is often at a premium, so your microwave can really come in handy.
Accept help! Your day will start early of course. Try to clean and do dishes as you go (it really makes it easier) but don’t be afraid to ask for help—or accept help when offered! Anybody can fill a serving dish to set on the table. Dishwashers are always needed and appreciated too.
Do you have any other make ahead of time tips for Thanksgiving?
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
