Love to Host the Thanksgiving celebration, but find you’re short on time, energy, or resources this holiday season. It’s still possible to host a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner without being tapped out at the end of the day.
Here are four ways to experience a low-key Turkey Day party:
- Go potluck. Have everyone bring a side dish, drink, or dessert. You handle the turkey, stuffing and gravy.
- Prep ahead of time. Make pies, casseroles, and other big items a few days ahead, including the stuffing and the Turkey. It’s true! Our mom worked with a caterer for awhile and discovered the Turkey can be cooked the day ahead and still taste like it just came out of the oven! Here’s how. Cook your Turkey. Allow the Turkey to cool until you can easily handle it. Carve the turkey and place the meat in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Pour chicken stock over top until the meat is covered (we use a tetra pack of ready-made stock). Here’s the secret to the “just came out of the oven” taste. Place washed Romaine lettuce leaves over top the turkey, cover with saran wrap and refrigerate until ready to reheat. Before reheating, remove the saran wrap and cover with tin foil. Place in the turkey in the oven at 350 degrees F for 60 – 90 minutes. Once the broth is at a boil, and the turkey is hot, remove from the oven, take off the lettuce leaves, pour off the broth (you can save and freeze for future use), and serve. It tastes the same as if you had just cooked it! This allows you to make the gravy the day ahead too. Once your gravy is ready, pour it into a crock pot and turn on early the next day to reheat.
- Choose disposable. Opt for compostable serving ware and cut down on the mess and effort of cleanup.
- Invite guests over early. Most folks would be happy to help set up and enjoy the extra time to visit before they sit down to enjoy the meal.
Taking time to Give Thanks for your blessings in sharing the day with family and friends doesn’t have to wear you out. So go ahead and ask for help. As our grandma always said “many hands make light work”. That way everyone gets to relax and enjoy the day!
And, if you’re wondering what to do with the pumpkin you bought for your Thanksgiving decore, we’ve got a great plan. Check out our Pumpkin Contest. Get creative and enter to win 1 of 5 Gift baskets!
Sincerely,
The Rosts