How to Prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner

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How to Prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate our joys with friends and family. Unfortunately, if you are the person designated to cooking the holiday dinner, the joys can turn into complete and total fear. I'll never forget the first time I made Thanksgiving dinner for twenty family members and friends. I waited until the last minute to start and the dinner ended in a complete disaster. In the years following that failure, I have learned that preparing a Thanksgiving dinner is easy...if you plan ahead.

Eventually the day arrives when you are selected to prepare the Thanksgiving dinner. Don't panic. With a few hours of planning, your dinner can be a complete success. The key to pulling off a successful Thanksgiving dinner is to be sure no detail is left undone.

The first step is to decide who will attend. Knowing the number of people you will be hosting is imperative in the planning process. Someone will fail to RSVP, so always plan on an extra two to three people. Always try to give yourself at least two weeks before the event to get your final count. This time frame is important in determining table and chairs requirements or if you need to order the table and chairs from your local rental service.

If you decide to order table and chairs, always order at least one week in advance. Attending to this small step will give you the piece of mind that at least you will be able to seat everyone comfortably. At the same time, decide whether you have the linen to complete the table setting you are looking for. If you don't, consider renting linens at the same time as the tables. Most rental services offer discounts on the linen if you order the linens at the same time you order the table and chai...

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...s arrive your table will be beautiful.

As your day progresses, watch the clock and be sure to start your side dishes as the time requires and don't forget to baste your turkey! By the time you serve your delicious meal, you will be calm, cool and collected.

If you have children attending, plan ahead for games and activities that will help keep them happy. Try to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving when planning your activities. Making turkeys out of construction paper is always a hit. Remember, happy children make happy holidays.

Of all the planning involved in preparing the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, I assure you that your day will be a complete success if you follow these simple suggestions. I believe the most important part of this holiday is to remember that no matter what happens, these are your friends and family and they will love you, no matter what!

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