Hosting Thanksgiving This Year?

If your last Thanksgiving memory was mostly made up of burnt rolls, lumpy potatoes, and hours of dish duty, you have come to the right place!

Here are 10 great tips to help YOU enjoy Thanksgiving this year...

Tip 1. Cross off your grocery list now! - Go out and purchase any non perishables now, and make a list of perishables that you need to purchase a few days in advance. Keep this list on the fridge or set up a calendar reminder to pick up a day or two before.

Tip 2. Prepare in advance - Prepare as much as you can in advance. Wash and chop up vegetables ahead of time. Bake your pies two to three days ahead of time - they will keep just fine in the fridge. Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious pie? This is one of my faves... Cranberry Pie

Tip 3. Create a clever kids table - Kraft paper makes a great tablecloth solution for the kids table. Add a can of crayons in the center to keep your youngest guests entertained while they eat... or don't eat (gotta love those picky eaters). Pick up some fun Harvest themed paper plates and cups, and cleanup for those messiest eaters will be a breeze!

Tip 4. Ask for help - Most of your guests do not mind bringing a side dish, dessert, etc. They are usually more than happy to since you have offered to host! So delegate some of those dishes (deviled eggs, vegetable tray, casserole dish, etc.) and breathe a little easier!

Tip 5. Empty the dishwasher and trash cans the night before, and clear out the fridge and freezer to make as much room as possible. Use coolers to keep food warm. Line with aluminum foil and wrap dishes in folded towels - (minus the ice of course).

Tip 6. Set the table the night before. You will automatically look and feel prepared, even if you are running behind. Keep your decor to a minimum. Consider a buffet style meal.

Tip 7. Have a "Fix-Your-Own-Breakfast" policy for any overnight guests the morning of. Have options like cereal, granola bars, muffins, and instant oatmeal packets available. This will allow you to focus on --> coffee first, maybe even some Thanksgiving parade watching, then cooking.

Tip 8. Clean up - This is the moment you realize all of the hours of work you put in, does not equate to the time it takes for all of that delicious food to be eaten. However, it's a holiday! Don't be afraid to bring out the fancy dinnerware - dishwasher safe of course!

Tip 9. After dinner... go outside! Most of us will immediately resort to cleanup duty once the meal is over. Instead, leave it in the sink (it's not going anywhere) and go for a nature walk or take a quick stroll through the neighborhood. Getting out and enjoying some fresh air will help you relax and may even help you digest that heavy meal while getting in some quality time.

Tip 10. Make memories - Main objective - "Keep it Simple". Don't overwhelm yourself with trying a number of new recipes, fancy decor, and a plethora of Pinterest ideas, that can only add stress and exhaustion. Focus on spending some down time and being present with your loved ones. They don't want to see you running around stressed either. Here's to hosting AND enjoying this Thanksgiving!