The Top 7 Thanksgiving Do’s and Don’ts

If you’re in charge of cooking the turkey and all the trimmings this Thanksgiving, you might be a tad overwhelmed. We’ve basted our fair share of birds over the years, and we’re ready to share our top seven do’s and don’ts for being the hostess with the mostess.

• Do: Start Cleaning Early

 You don’t want to be cleaning your stove the day you’re roasting the turkey, so don’t put off all your household chores until the last minute. Start tackling the big jobs — washing the windows, organizing the coat closet, cleaning your linens — at least two weeks out. Complete the majority of your cleaning by Tuesday, so all you’ll have to do before guests arrive is a quick tidying.

• Don’t: Experiment With Recipes

 Make sure you’re familiar with any side dishes you’re making. Try them out at least once for a family dinner before making them for a large group.

• Do: Snack Smart

 Be smart about what you serve before the main course. If everyone is coming right around dinner time, you can get away with crackers, cheese and other small items to nibble on without much fuss. If guests are going to be hanging out all day watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and the big game, make sure you planned ahead to have a hearty breakfast or lunchmeat for sandwiches early in the day.

• Don’t: Go It Alone

 Don’t stress yourself out trying to cook a 10-course meal for your entire extended family. Make the meal a potluck. You can focus on the bird and ask Mom to bring her favorite stuffing. Grandma can bring the pies. And your cousin who needs everything to be gluten-free can bring a few dishes to share. At the very least, when people ask what they can bring, tell them — even if it’s just wine!

• Do: Throw Open the Windows

 When you’re cooking a feast, it’ll be a bit toasty in your home. Don’t make guests sweat it out. Crack a window to let a bit of steam out and keep it comfortable for you and your guests.

• Don’t: Simultaneously Schedule Home Repairs

 Sure, you’ve been eyeing replacement windows from your favorite Central PA replacement windows company for some time now, but the week of Thanksgiving is not the most ideal time to schedule that job. Call now to get your replacement windows installed before your guests come or schedule an appointment after the holidays to avoid any added stress.

• Do: Eat in Shifts

 If your dining room table isn’t big enough to host all of your guests, you can eat in shifts. If you’re not committed to the formal, sit-down dining experience, you can even have some people in your kitchen, some in the dining room and some eating at the coffee table in the living room. No one will mind where they’re eating — the holiday is all about being together.

Best wishes for a very happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Renewal by Andersen of Central PA!

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