Posts Tagged ‘countdown to Thanksgiving’

Thanksgiving Countdown: Tip #8

November 19, 2017

Is your home ready for the holiday?

I am sure there are little chores that you’ve been neglecting that you will appreciate having done before your guests arrive. For example, we have extremely high ceilings in our dining room and kitchen. Twenty-three feet to be exact, making lightbulb changing a really big deal. My husband refuses to climb up there for one little dim bulb. By November, it’s starting to get dark in here. Enter, the annual pre-Thanksgiving lightbulb change. In preparation for the holiday, he drags out the super long ladder, climbs up there, and does the deed. If I’m lucky, he dusts the tops of the cabinets while he is up there. Likewise for organizing the cabinets, tightening the latches and dealing with other little projects that get ignored for the rest of the year. Before the weekend is over, deal with them. You will be so happy that you did.

FYI, that ladder is sitting on a pile of wooden crates. But it’s much brighter in here now!

 

photo: Glasshouse Images

 

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Thanksgiving Countdown Tip #6:

November 16, 2017

One word: Tablescaping. Yes, it’s a thing.

Do you have a tablecloth and napkins? If the answer is yes, pull them out, check for stains and iron them now. If the answer is no, it’s time to shop or innovate.

Do you have something that can be used as a runner down the center of the table? How about a roll of brown kraft paper, that can be scattered with votive candles, and seasonal greens? There are tiny pumpkins around this time of year that are available in a creamy white or orange. I’m not sure how they taste, but they look great! You can get crafty and spray paint some with a metallic paint, or a color that works with your home decor. Herbs in tiny vases or scattered among greens, small vines or branches, or even eucalyptus feels seasonal. Lay a spring on each napkin for a festive touch. Cranberries, persimmons, and clementines in a bowl offer a shot of color that can be eaten later.

Not enough matching china or napkins? Mix it up! Rather than using a few ad hoc place settings to fill in, embrace the eclectic aspect and intermingle the different pieces. If you are only short a couple of settings, place them at the two ends of the table so it looks deliberate. I have lots of mismatched teacups that my grandmother collected that I serve soup in. It adds a uniqueness to the table that is a conversation starter.

Clean, (unstained) dishtowels make great napkins, and rarely need to be ironed. For a more rustic look, a pack of striped or checked kitchen towels is a great investment that you can repurpose for their original intent later.

Have fun creating the perfect decor to suit your style and level of formality!

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Tip #3

November 13, 2017

Freeze it!

I have never been one to freeze things…I mean, if you make too much in advance, thaw and reheat it, you may as well just buy a TV dinner. That said, there are a few things that actually benefit from the deep chill. Pie crusts and biscuits to be precise. Go ahead and make your doughs now, roll them out and freeze them right in the pie or tart pan. If you are using a top crust, cut your lattice strips, decorative elements or full topper, and freeze it flat on a sheet pan. Just make sure that anything you freeze is well wrapped. Use plastic wrap and wrap in both directions to ensure that it is fully sealed and protected. Bottom crusts and biscuits can be baked frozen. Top crusts should be thawed just enough to be pliable. Frozen dough maintains its shape better and shrinks less during baking.  Brush it with a light egg wash to help it brown and you’re good to go.

It doesn’t take long to make crusts, so get them done now and save time and mess on the big day.

photo: Glasshouse Images

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Thanksgiving Countdown Tip #2:

November 10, 2017

Today’s tip: Inventory your pantry.

definitely not our pantry

We take for granted that we have basics like salt, pepper, and oil on hand at all times. But remember, you are probably going to be cooking more than you are used to and using much larger quantities of all those staple items. This weekend, spend a few minutes taking inventory of your pantry and make sure that you have ample amounts of every spice, as well as oil, vinegar, flour, and sugar. Check for the freshness of your baking powder and soda, as they do expire and lose effectiveness. Make sure you have pan spray and aluminum foil, as well as parchment and plastic wrap. Trust us, you don’t want to have to stop everything to run to the store ( if you can find one that is open) or brave the crowds with overflowing carts because you ran out of cinnamon.

Bonus points for actually wiping down your shelves and drawers while you are at it. There is something about starting the preparation with clean and well-organized cabinets that makes the process much more pleasant.

 

photo: Glasshouse Images

 

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Thanksgiving Countdown Tip #1:

November 9, 2017

 

It’s only two weeks before Thanksgiving. This year, we are going to toss out a tip here and there to help get you ready for the big day. Today’s suggestion?
Sharpen your knives! A dull knife makes food preparation a chore. Whether you own a sharpener or need to take them to someone to do the job professionally, get those knives honed to precision. You will give thanks for that while you are preparing the feast, and carving the bird.

photo: Glasshouse Images

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