Setting the Stage!

Tonight's 15: If possible, set the table tonight.

Casseroles

Tonight's 15: Go ahead and make your casseroles this weekend. They'll freeze great and spare you some time later on in the week. 

Tonight's 15: While you're in the crafting mood, let's do place cards tonight! It's fun to mix up company and have people sit next to someone they might not have chosen. What a great opportunity to get the family closer! Whether you purchase place cards or make them yourself (much more fun!), get them ready ahead of time and keep them with your linens. Here's a couple of great ideas from Real Simple.


http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-place-cards-00100000068245/index.html

Centerpiece!

Tonight's 15: Let's work on the centerpiece tonight (unless, of course, you are using fresh fruits!). If you decided to make your own, start tonight. This way you have time to actually enjoy the craft! If you are undecided, look in a magazine or the internet for ideas. Keeping it simple? Pull out the candlesticks or what have you and clean them up. If you need candles, put them on the shopping list. This is definitely something the kids can help with, too! And have fun!!!

Recipes!

Tonight's 15: Recipes ready to roll! I've had quite a few clients that keep their recipes in bags, boxes, drawers, etc. Only problem is, it takes a bit of time to find the ones they need. So let's spend tonight pulling those recipes out for the big day. If they are organized in a book or on your computer (yay!), take a look at them tonight, too. Once you have them in hand, double check that you have all of the ingredients in your kitchen or on your shopping list. If you don't, you know the drill...

Be Our Guest!

Tonight's 15: Having overnight guests? Where are they sleeping? Do you have enough sheets, blankets, pillows and towels? Tonight, do an inventory of what you have and what you need. Again, consider borrowing instead of buying. Then stock up the guest bedroom and bathroom - get it done and forget about it! Make room in the closet and a drawer. If they're staying for the weekend, what activities are in your area? Have some ideas ready to entertain everyone so you can enjoy their visit, too!

Linens!

Tonight's 15: Linens! Check for rips, stains, etc. Do they need to be pressed? Is it worth your time and money to send them out? If you're using paper (they have fancy ones now!), decide how many you need for cocktails, dinner and dessert. Do you need to make a special trip to a novelty store? If so, make a list of all the items you will need from there.

Silver lining...

Tonight's 15: Get out the silver and start polishing! I know a lot of my clients leave this for the last minute and they're always sorry. It may take longer than 15 so you can break it up into two nights or even better recruit some help. Older kids can help (let them pick the music tonight!). If no polishing is necessary, make sure you have enough serving utensils, turkey baster in good shape, carving knife sharpened,...?

Checking the Cupboards!

Tonight's 15: Let's check the dishes, platters and silverware. Do you have enough? (While you're in there, do you have too many??) Everything in great shape? If not, don't put it back - consider letting go. (REMINDER: You want to USE, need and love everything in your home.) If you don't have enough, consider borrowing from a friend or relative who isn't hosting the big day instead of purchasing (and storing!) more. Using your fancy stuff? Pull out that silverware for tomorrow's 15!

Countdown to Thanksgiving

Tonight's 15: Next up is the utensil drawer. There may be half a dozen cooks in your kitchen that day...let's make everything easy to find. Go through your utensil drawer and be BRUTAL. Do you really need 2 potato peelers (just in case)? How about that ice pick and all those things you saw on TV that didn't quite work out? Be honest and save only what you use. Try Organizing Expert Peter Walsh's trick: Empty the entire contents of the drawer into a box or container. Keep on your counter for the next month. When you use one, put it back in the drawer. After the month, well, you know...


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