9 Pantry Tips For A Hassle Free Thanksgiving Dinner
No matter how much I plan ahead, I always find myself cooking and preparing right up until dinnertime. Nothing is more panicky for me than having to do a grocery run while I’m cooking on Thanksgiving Day.
So, here is a cheat sheet I have made for a hassle-free Thanksgiving this year:
Along with the ingredients, make a list of the cooking tools and serving pieces that will be needed for each recipe. Then, check what you currently have so that you can start buying the things you need now.
Clear your Pantry – Make of list of any overstocked items, so a menu can be planned around it. Recycle containers that you won’t be using. Decant the dry items into clear containers and write the expiry date on the label. Wipe down the pantry before restocking.
Clean your Refrigerator – Keep two areas while emptying the refrigerator, one for items to be checked and thrown and another for the items that will go back to the refrigerator. Wipe the bottoms and sides of the items that would be going back into the refrigerator.
Cleaning Checklist – Wash any serving dishes or utensils that you haven’t used regularly. Wash and polish the special china, glassware, and silver. Wash and iron tablecloths and napkins.
Limit Items on the counters – Clear the counters of decorative pieces and any appliance you won’t be needing for Thanksgiving Meal Prep. Create two or three prep areas on your countertops.
Pantry Tip – A week before I get all the ingredients needed for each recipe in separate baskets. and keep these baskets at eye-level shelves.
Put a sticky note on each bowl or plate to make plating the dishes easier for your helpers.
Digitize your recipe collection – Collect all the recipes and then digitize them. Digitizing your recipe collection actually helps to keep things organized and will take up less space.
Make an oven schedule – Get all your recipes in one place. Decide when you’re going to eat and then work backward, grouping dishes that can cook or reheat at the same time.
Find more Time Savings Hacks and Tips HERE