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End of OctoberCreate a folder labeled "Thanksgiving" which will house all lists, recipes and papers having to do with turkey day
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• Make a guest list of those you intend to invite (and put it in your Thanksgiving folder) • Gather addresses you don't already have and make/order invitations • Send out invitations by Halloween with an RSVP date of no later than the second week in November (this is important for serving sizes, chairs around the table, etc.)
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First Week of November. Decorate the house with fall decor (this sets the positive mood for the month and inspires you to organize Thanksgiving with some gusto)
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Second Week of November • Tally the responses from the invitations you sent out and call those that haven't replied (follow up with them to be sure of whether or not they are coming)
• Develop your menu and gather corresponding recipes (all of which should reside in your Thanksgiving folder).
• Create your grocery list: use the recipes you gathered, examine the expiration dates on items you already have, and take note of the things you are missing (don't forget spices, condiments, etc.) -
Third Week of November • Clean/organize the house thoroughly from top to bottom (i.e. vacuum, dust, launder linens, wash windows, purge piles) • Get the inventory list (that you made last week and put in your Thanksgiving folder) and stock up on the items you are missing • Clean out the refrigerator and freezer to adequately accommodate groceries and left overs • Have all family members freshened up with haircuts and new Thanksgiving day outfits if necessary
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Beginning of the Fourth Week of November • Get the food shopping list (which is also in your Thanksgiving folder) and go to the grocery store • Do as much cooking in the beginning of the week as possible (for an easy reheat on Thanksgiving day)
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The Day Before • Gather random items lying around the house and put them in their proper places • Prepare the turkey and all side dishes (so that all you have to do tomorrow is stick them in the oven)
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Turkey Day!
organize thanksgiving • Put the turkey and side dishes in the oven • Set the table • Light fragrant candles (guests love a fresh smelling home) • Relax while you wait for your guests to arrive and enjoy the day's festivities: you CAN organize Thanksgiving day, so thankful!