:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/forget-to-do-before-thanksgiving-GettyImages-142589497-fcc5dab5d4b345429a8732db4350106f.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "10 Things Everyone Forgets to Do Before Thanksgiving")
In the mad, mad rush to get your Thanksgiving feast prepped, you may miss a step or two along the way. But who wants a hiccup when it can be avoided? Before the big day, take a quick look at the most common things people forget to do before Thanksgiving, so you’ll head them off at the pass—and enjoy the holiday stress-free.
Take Stock of Your Cooking Tools
Thanksgiving dinner prep requires a whole bunch of tools you may not be using on a regular basis, like kitchen twine, basters, mashers, and more. Make sure that all of your tools are in place and in good shape before the big day. (And don’t forget to double-check that your all-important meat thermometer is in working order!)
Clean Out the Fridge and Freezer
Get rid of old leftovers, expired condiments, and serve a few “chaos cooking” meals in the days leading up to Thanksgiving to clear up valuable fridge space for your turkey and sides. And don’t forget the freezer, where you’ll need room for ice, ice cream (for topping the pies), and other goodies.
Move Your Oven Racks
You’ll likely need to make use of every inch of oven space to prep your turkey and sides, so set the racks at the right heights so you can fit in as much as possible. And don’t forget to leave plenty of room for your turkey!
Check That You Have Enough Seating
If you’re hosting a crowd, you may not have enough dining chairs to fit everyone. Make a plan to bring in additional folding chairs, drag in an office chair or stool, or borrow a few from your fellow guests so everyone has a seat at the table.
Stock Up on Ice
A bag or two of ice is a Thanksgiving essential. You can use it to chill guests’ cocktails, of course. But if your fridge is packed with Thanksgiving food, you can also stock an ice bucket or cooler to keep your bar beverages cool. You can even use ice to keep a side dish cold that you can’t squeeze into your refrigerator.
Consider How You’ll Decorate Your Table
You’re probably more focused on the menu and the food prep—and it can be all too easy to let the table decor slip your mind. While a gorgeous floral centerpiece is lovely, you can also DIY your own with autumnal gourds, fruit, and greenery, or just enjoy some pretty candlelight.
Take Stock of Your Serving Dishes and Utensils
If you have a lot of casseroles and side dishes that need serving spoons, make sure that you have enough big spoons to handle it. It’ll take forever to get a proper serving of mashed potatoes with a teaspoon! And get out your favorite trays and serving bowls to check that they’re all in good shape, washed, and ready to go.
Use tape or sticky notes to mark each serving dish with the food to serve in it, so it’s easy for others to help transfer the Thanksgiving food from the pots and pans to the table.
Empty Your Dishwasher and Sink
Before your guests arrive, clear out your sink and your dishwasher so the dirty dishes can be cleared directly from the table into the dishwasher. That way, you won’t have a lot of dishes lingering around.
Empty Your Trash Cans
Same deal as above: If your trash can is emptied out, you’ll be able to toss in the turkey carcass, vegetable peelings, and any other party trash without having to worry about emptying the can mid-turkey carving.
Refresh Your Bathroom
In addition to giving your bathroom a quick clean, make sure that you’re stocked up on toilet paper, soap, extra hand towels, and everything guests may need when they’re using your bathroom. And don’t forget to put a plunger in an easy-to-access spot, just in case!
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