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Monday, November 12, 2012

Don't Forget To Do THIS For Thanksgiving !



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It Is That Time Of Year!
Time To Make A Check-list!



When I am planning a party, or a family get-together for the Holidays, as it gets closer to the event, I like to make a check list in order to help me keep on track.







Here is what I put on my list:

1.Pull together all the elements to be used to    decorate the table to make sure there is a nice flow.
 
2.Do a final count of guest.

3.Make place-cards for guest that go with table décor.


4.Make sure there are enough chairs and tables, if not go to Costco! 

5.Wash and iron linens (don’t forget the lavender linen water for napkins.)
  
6.Write down the final menu.
  
7.Gather all recipes and put in zip-loc bag, or for the more techy, make a file on your computer with all the recipes.
   
8.Get out all appropriate serving dishes, platters and whatever serving utensils needed.
  
9.Now is a good time to make sure you have enough plates, glasses and utensils.

10.Make my shopping list.

11.Clean and fill all salt and pepper shakers.( I have the mini individual shakers for my table.)

12.If you plan on cooking anything new, this is a good time to try it out first.







Handy tip: 
I place all serving pieces on my dining room chairs with a post-it note of the food that will go in them. The chairs are pushed in so out of sight out of mind, but I won’t be the one with my head in a cupboard looking for the big bowl for the mashed potatoes! 



 


Handy Tip:
I make a list of things I can purchase now, and the things I need to purchase fresh just a couple of days before the event.





Handy Tip: 
Make a time line for when things need to go in and out of the
oven .  I put it on a 3X5 card next to the stove. I find this helpful because by this time guest have arrived and want to visit. I personally can get side-tracked so this keeps me on track.





I know we all have our own methods, but this what has worked for me for years so I thought I would share it with you.





Do you all have some Handy tips to add? Please let us know by leaving a comment. I always love to learn from my readers.

Happy Check-list Making!!

15 comments:

The enchanted home said...

Excellent tips..funny I do that also with the post it notes. I am a serial list maker....have them everywhere!! I love how you are so organized, very inspirational!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Great tips. You are always so organized. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Woodside Park said...

Thanks for sharing your list and all your tips, Kathysue. We are hosting a large family gathering for Christmas. I need to start planning. Happy Monday!
xoxo,
Loi

michele said...

awesome tips, kathysue. i am a little out of practice hosting thanksgiving, but i am def a do ahead girl so i can enjoy and be engaged in the moment. your family is so blessed to have you and your detailed brain at the helm!

happy new week, lovely.

michele

Anna said...

Thanks for this post and the previous post on the side dishes. I am definitely going to try some of those recipes...the brussel sprouts, asparagus and the salads look so yummy. Thanks for all the prep tips as well. I need them coz I am a very procrastinating person and I want to change this year.

Have a great day!

Anna

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Thank you, Kathysue! So agree with you. I make a list every day. I love checking things off!
Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo

vignette design said...

Thanks for the tips! I'm not only gearing up for Thanksgiving, but also our Gourmet Club is Saturday night and I'm hosting! The tips will come in handy for keeping me focused! Have a great week!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

You are remarkable!!!
Definitely our MARTHA!

Bring Pretty Back said...

Kathysue! You blow my mind!!! I didn't put that much thought into my wedding! You are amazing and I wish so much I was like you!!
xoxo
Have a prety day!
Kristin

Donnamae said...

Guess I'm in good company...my favorite is the 3x5 card with cooking times on it...that's the only way I've managed to have everything ready at the same time! Anxious to see your table, Kathysue! ;)

Victoria said...

Great ideas as usual, Kathysue. I love the tip of putting the labeled serving plates on the dining room chairs. I'll use that one for sure.
Best...Victoria

Merlin said...

These have been the MOST HELPFUL tips, photos, etc. Had to chuckle, I, too, have the "mini-salt&pepper shakers" and my s-i-l teases me...it's "his job" to put them around the table. :) YIKES! It IS getting close isn't it....a "multi-timer" is helpful to me as well! franki

StagerLinda said...

Brilliant tips Kathysue! I found you on Patty's Epiphanies.Love hiding the serving dishes on the dining room chairs. I also keep a list by the stove--very easy to get distracted.

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

I was going to write a similar post, but I think I will just copy and paste your link and say "ditto." LOL It is exactly what I do. I have a go-to lost on my fridge right now. I even have each recipe broken down with a check list, chop celery, boil eggs, etc. Its all about the organization. Great post! xxoo

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Great suggestions, Kathysue! You are so organized! Hugs...Debbie