TURKEY TALK :)

I love Thanksgiving!  It is such a wonderful family holiday...and the best part is you get three whole days afterwards to spend together as well. 

Here are some TURKEY TIPS for you this holiday :)

1.  How much Turkey should you GOBBLE, GOBBLE?

If you want to have enough turkey for just Thanksgiving day, plan on about 3/4 lb per person.  If you want to have enough turkey to last you for leftovers over the weekend, up that amount to about 1 lb per person.  If you are having lots of guests, plan on buying two smaller birds instead of one enormous bird - this will make it easier to thaw and manage, and also will be more moist than cooking a really large bird all the way through. 

2.  Thanksgiving is for being THANKFUL...

Don't forget the meaning of the day!  Start off you family get together with each person taking turns telling why they are thankful this day and year...

As the host/hostess, propose a toast which includes reasons why you are thankful for each of your guests.

Make a Thanksgiving tree!  It can be real greens, or handmade out of construction paper...elaborate or simple...no matter - decorate a tree with reasons why you and your family are thankful this Thanksgiving.

3.  Plan on purchasing "to go" boxes for your guests...

Pretty and decorative boxes can be purchased at stores like Michael's.  Also purchase matching foils for inside.  You can even add decorative touches to the boxes if your feeling creative.  Then, during clean up, make a few "to go" boxes so that your guests will feel inclined to take a part of the Thanksgiving feast home with them.  Have some boxes filled with turkey, stuffing and potatoes and casseroles...and other boxes filled with desserts.  They can choose their favorite (or one of each!).

4.  Hustle Bustle!  Hustle, Bustle!

It is easy to get behind this holiday season!  Work, family, activites, cooking, shopping etc..!  Remember the meaning of the holidays!  If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and forget about some of the non essentials you planned on doing!  Your family would rather have you happy and enjoying the moment, then stressed about whether the house is immaculate or the napkins are folded perfectly!!   Let some of that go - it is the JOY of the season that is most rewarding!