It is that time of the year to start packing up the fall decor for the Christmas decor. If you love decorating for the holidays as much as I do, then you have a ton of totes.
Saturday, November 21
Fall Tote Organization Labels (Free Download)
Thursday, November 19
Thanksgiving Dinner Prep Timeline for a No Stress Day
Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner can be a bit stressful. Hosting dinner means making sure the house is decorated and ready to go, the food is delicious, and everything is prepared on time. Planning can make the experience of hosting Thanksgiving a fantastic experience. The timeline below will help you plan your Thanksgiving dinner.

4 Weeks Before:
- Plan your menu.
- Check kitchen equipment:
- Check for a meat thermometer, a potato masher, pie and casserole dishes, trussing string, enough pots and pans, and anything else you might need to cook Thanksgiving dinner.
- It's time to tackle the crowds at the grocery store and pick up your turkey and other Thanksgiving items that fly off the shelves.
- Wait until closer to the time to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits. If you are looking for recipes for Thanksgiving check out this post.
- Check for a meat thermometer, a potato masher, pie and casserole dishes, trussing string, enough pots and pans, and anything else you might need to cook Thanksgiving dinner.
1 Week Before:
- Make and refrigerate cranberry sauce.
- Prepare turkey or vegetable stock (if you are using homemade).
- Shop for fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Clean out your fridge.
4 Days Before:
- Depending on your turkey's size, you may need to move your turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator. You should allow one day in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey. Be sure to put a pan or baking dish under it to collect water as it defrosts. Four days before would be great for a 20 pound turkey.
- Chop up vegetables.
The Day Before:
- Bake all desserts.
- Prep the bread for the stuffing.
- Season the turkey.
- Prep appetizers like sausage balls and then refrigerate.
- Set the table, for ideas on simple tablescapes check out this post.
- Chill your drinks and make sure there’s enough ice in the freezer.
Day of:
- Start the turkey first thing in the morning
- After your turkey is in the oven start your gravy.
- Midday start on the stuffing
- Side dishes should be started last and in the afternoon
- Cook the prepped appetizers in the afternoon and set out for guests while you finish cooking.
Tuesday, November 17
Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life
Monday, November 16
5 Thanksgiving Crafts for the Littles
With the kids home around the holidays make some memories creating adorable crafts that you can use as table decor or gift to the grandparents. The ideas below are simple and can be created with items mostly around your home.
Sunday, November 15
Gift Ideas That the Women In Your Life
Saturday, November 14
Top 5 Decoration Ideas for a Jaw-Dropping Thanksgiving Table
A beautiful table for Thanksgiving can elevate dinner to the next level and have all your guests oohing and aahing. I have scoured the internet for the most gorgeous Thanksgiving tables, and I have shared my favorites below.
Monday, November 9
Recipes for the Perfect Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Food and family are my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. One way I show my love is by feeding those that I love. I've rounded up the most popular holiday recipes you can use to show your family you care.
Appetizers:
- Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey "Nachos" from Skinny Taste
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe from the Cookie Rookie
- Bite-Sized Blooming Onions from Macheesmo
- Shrimp and Grits Appetizer Cups from Cookie Rookie
Sides:
- Honey Maple Roasted Carrots from The Cafe Sucre Farine
- Garlic Sweet Potato Mash from Skinny Taste
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts from Eat Well 101
- Southern Cornbread Dressing from Home Made Interest
Main Dish:
- The Perfect Roast Turkey from Cooking Classy
- Easy Garlic and Herb Oven Roasted Turkey from Neighbor Food Blog
- Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze from The Food Charlatan
- Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham from the Cookie Rookie
Dessert:
- Candied Pecan Brown Butter Blondies from The Cafe Sucre Farine
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars from The Girl Who Ate Everything
- Salted Caramel Brownies from Something Swanky
- Pumpkin Pie Recipe from Shugary Sweets
Sunday, November 8
Thanksgiving Turkey Tips for the Best Tasting Turkey
Every Thanksgiving Day cooks nightmare is a dry turkey! At least it is my nightmare the night before thanksgiving. Follow the turkey tips below for the perfect Thanksgiving Day turkey you'll family will love!
BUT HOW BIG IS BIG ENOUGH
When planning for shopping, you first need to tally the number of guests. Then multiple the number of guests by1 1/2 pound of turkey. Don't forget to add a few pounds on for bones. Also, be sure to shop early if you need a larger turkey; they tend to go fast.
THAW THE TURKEY
You will need plenty of time for thawing your turkey! You should allow one day in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey. To skip a mess in your refrigerator, set the turkey on a pan to catch drips as it defrosts in the fridge.
PREP THE TURKEY FOR COOKING ONCE IF DEFROSTED
First, remove the turkey from its packaging. Then dry it off with paper towels, and then prepare it for the oven. Don't worry about bacteria; any bacteria will be killed in the oven.
TO STUFF OR NOT TO STUFF
Do not cook your stuffing inside the turkey. The turkey will be overcooked by the time your stuffing is done. Instead, cook your stuffing, and then you can fill the turkey with stuffing.
THE TURKEY MUST REST
Your turkey should rest for at least 15 minutes. If you’re using the turkey drippings for gravy, move the turkey to a cutting board or cookie sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. If you’re not using the drippings, leave the turkey in the pan and tent with foil.
WHAT TO COOK YOUR TURKEY IN?
The easiest route is to buy a disposable foil roasting pan from Walmart. The disposable pan makes clean up super easy! You can place veggies on the bottom of your pan to elevate the turkey.
TURKEY DRIPPINGS MAKE THE BEST GRAVY
Save the turkey drippings after your turkey is done so that you can make turkey gravy. You can find an easy and tasty turkey gravy recipe on Bowl of Delicious.
STEP AWAY FROM THE BASTER
When you baste a turkey, it causes the oven to lose heat, and the turkey takes longer to cook. This could lead to a dry turkey. Use a seasoned butter mixture all over the turkey's outer and inner skin to get the gorgeous-looking turkey that will get the family talking!
Share in the comments your turkey tips and tricks!