Giving Thanks

For those of us residing in the USA, Thanksgiving Day is right around the bend. How did it get here so fast? If you're having family and friends over for the big feast you'll no doubt be anxiously going over the details to make sure everything is ready so you can avoid last minute panic attacks.

Here are a few suggestions to keep you sane this season:

• Make a list (and check it four times!) of the food you will need to purchase to feed your crowd and then some. No one wants to run out of food on Thanksgiving Day!
  


• Buy your turkey(s) frozen in advance and make sure you take them out of the freezer and put into the fridge with enough time to fully thaw before the big T day. (Don't ask me how I know this...)
  
  
• Do you have football fans coming over? Don't fight it - they're going to want to watch the games all day long. Make sure the cable/satellite/whatever-you-use is working correctly, cordon off an area for their viewing pleasure (preferably one with doors to shut so their exuberant cheering or booing can be somewhat muted) and make sure you have finger foods for them to munch on in the hours before the big event. Trust me on this.
  


• Purchase beverages including bottled water, wine and/or beer, coffee, and cider to have on hand for thirsty guests before, during, and after the meal.


• Check to make sure you have enough seating for your guests. Nothing worse than coming up a chair short (well - running out of food or burning the turkey might qualify). If you need to rent tables or chairs, make sure you call early to reserve what you need and then pick it up the day before.
  
  
• If you're making the pumpkin pies, do NOT forget to add the sugar to the recipe before baking. (Again, don't ask me how I know these things.)
  
  
• If children are in the mix of company this year, having something for them to do besides run rampant around your good china is a very good idea. Set up a game room, crafting area or, if the weather permits, a play area outside. Holiday movies on demand are life savers if they run out of constructive things to occupy their time. If you're renting DVD's, do so early as the good ones will go quickly!
  
  
• If you have any questions - and I do mean ANY - about recipes, decorations or entertaining check out Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving pages. http://www.marthastewart.com/thanksgiving-index
  

Above all else, make sure you take some time to reflect on what you are truly thankful for and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Life is too short to waste on family squabbles and hurt feelings. Remember to give of yourself this holiday season. This will not only help those in need, but will lift your spirits and provide a warm fuzzy feeling we're all striving to attain this time of year. Go forth and celebrate!