Thanksgiving is coming up FAST. And if you were selected to host this year, resources like Food Network and Food & Wine say you should have started planning last MONTH.
Here are six things you should definitely have crossed off your to-do list, with just under two weeks to go . . .
1. A guest list. Send out a couple texts this weekend to anyone who hasn’t gotten back to your invite with a definite “yes” or “no.”
2. A menu. Decide what you’re cooking and make a shopping list. That includes communicating about any dishes or drinks you’re asking OTHER people to bring.
3. A turkey. At this point, it’s a good idea to either have a fresh turkey on order, or a frozen one in your freezer. The selection of turkeys at the store may start to dwindle soon, and you could end up with one that’s too small or too big.
4. A clean fridge. If you haven’t gone through your fridge lately, do it this weekend. You’ll need room for the turkey and all the extra ingredients you’ll buy.
5. A clean oven. If you only clean your oven once a year, it should be now, BEFORE you really put it to work in a couple weeks.
6. An inventory of your pantry. Take inventory of what you have in your fridge, cupboards, and drawers, especially when it comes to things like spices. That way, you don’t end up buying duplicates.
The same applies for things like plates, glasses, napkins, silverware, tablecloths, bakeware, and serving spoons. Make sure you’ll have enough to go around.