Try to do everything by yourself.
Even small family dinners require a good deal of planning, often well in advance of the event. Expecting one person to carry out each step in the preparation can create unnecessary strain. It is best to have one person organize the event and ask others to contribute to its success. The old adage "Many hands make light work" still rings true.
Wait until the day before to visit the grocery store.
During the holiday season, waiting until the day before a party to visit the grocery can lead to frustration and desperation. By shopping for non-perishable items and decorations three days to two weeks before the gathering, any missing items or last minute needs can be picked up in the much shorter and quicker "10 Item or Less" line. Leave the lines with overstuffed carts and grumpy cashiers to those who did wait until the last minute!
Underestimate the time required to thaw a frozen turkey.
Unless you are in the habit of regularly thawing turkeys, this can be a tricky process. One major supplier of frozen poultry recommends thawing a whole bird in the refrigerator for at least one hour per every four pounds. This method is only effective if your refrigerator is at the same temperature as those used in the guidelines. Another method suggests covering the packaged frozen turkey in cold water and thawing 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. Although more accurately achieved, this method can be less convenient, particularly if the turkey is large and needs to be placed in a tub or large cooler. As long as the turkey is never left at room temperature, allow extra time using either of these methods for the thawing process.
Take the turkey out of the oven when the skin is a lovely golden brown.
Just as a book shouldn't be judged by its cover, a turkey's doneness can't be determined by looking at the skin. The only reliable way to determine if the turkey is thoroughly cooked is to insert a meat thermometer and ensure that the meaty part of the thigh has reached at least 180 degrees. If the turkey is stuffed, the middle of the stuffing must be 165 degrees. Serving underdone poultry can have serious health implications, no matter how beautifully browned the outside.
Focus on making every detail perfect.
It's doubtful that anyone ever went to the grave thinking, "I wish I had created homemade napkin rings to use at the party." Instead of focusing on making every detail picture perfect, create a setting that is inviting to guests and comfortable for everyone in attendance so that they, and you, can enjoy each other's conversation and company. Stay in tune with the reason you celebrate the season and accept that something will inevitably go wrong. By laughing at imperfections with humility, you'll find that the flubs and foibles often make a gathering of friends and family a time to remember.
 | Cooking Thanksgiving dinner is no easy feat. There's the turkey, of course (or some other largely important main course, if yours is a family that dislikes turkey), which takes up a great deal of time. |
Thanksgiving cupcakes deserve to be dressed up for the occasion. Treat your family to cupcakes eloquent enough to grace the dinner table at the White House and yet silly enough to satisfy a preschooler. |
 | You have successfully roasted your turkey. It is the definition of perfection. But, at this stage, you need to know something about turkey carving because the last thing that you want to do is start hacking up the turkey. |
 | Start strategizing over your Thanksgiving side dish recipes first when planning the big meal. That way, you'll feel less stressed when you sit down to the holiday table. |
A great Thanksgiving dinner can be healthy and satisfying for your guests. Here are suggestions for a low-fat Thanksgiving dinner menu. |
