The holiday season is upon us and that means it's time to start getting ready for Thanksgiving! This year, why not make things a little easier on yourself by creating a to-do list for the big day? Having everything written down will help you stay organized and on track so you can enjoy the holiday stress-free.

In this comprehensive blog post, we'll share some tips on how to make your game plan as well as the benefits of delegating and staying organized. Of course, we'll also include some last-minute Thanksgiving to-dos in case you find yourself in a bind. Whether you're a first-time host or a seasoned pro, this blog post is sure to help you get everything done with ease. So let's get started!

1. Make a Game Plan

Every activity that has been executed properly has first been given thought. This is where making a game plan comes in. For this, it's important to decide in advance what you'll be cooking, what needs to be bought, and what needs to be done around the house before guests arrive. This will help you avoid any last-minute scrambling.

Here's a quick overview of what you should include in your game plan:

Decide on a menu

What dishes will you be serving? How about the drinks? Do you need to take into account some special considerations such as dietary restrictions or food allergies your guests or family member may have? Asking yourself these questions now will save you a lot of headaches later.

Make a shopping list

This is key to ensuring you have everything you need on hand come Thanksgiving day. Not to mention, it can help you avoid those dreaded last-minute trips to the grocery store. Be sure to include everything from ingredients for your dishes to table decorations and serving ware.

Prepare your home

Take some time to tidy up before the big day. This way you can relax and enjoy yourself once your guests arrive. You may also want to consider doing some deep cleaning in areas that will be visible to your guests such as the living room, entryway, and powder room.

2. Delegate and Assign Tasks

One of the best ways to reduce stress on Thanksgiving day is by delegating tasks to other people. This includes family members, friends, and even your kids! Not only will this free up some of your time, but it will also help everyone feel more involved in the holiday preparations.

When delegating tasks, it's important to keep a few things in mind:

Why you should delegate

When you're hosting Thanksgiving, there's a lot of pressure to do everything yourself. But the truth is, delegating can be a huge help! Not only will it lighten your load, but it will also give your guests a chance to pitch in and feel more involved.

How to delegate

The best way to delegate is to be specific about what you need help with. For example, if you're making the turkey, you may want someone else to handle the side dishes. Or if you're in charge of decorating, you may want someone else to take care of setting the table. By being clear about what you need, you can be sure that the task will be done correctly and in a timely manner.

What tasks to delegate

When it comes to delegating, the sky's the limit! But some common tasks that are often delegated include cooking, cleaning, decorating, and running errands.

When to delegate

The sooner you delegate tasks, the better! This will give your helpers plenty of time to get everything done. However, if you find yourself in a bind, don't hesitate to ask for help even if it's last minute.

Delegating can help reduce stress, free up your time, and make Thanksgiving more enjoyable for everyone involved. So why not give it a try this year?

3. Stay Organized and on Track

With so much to do, it's easy to feel overwhelmed during the Thanksgiving season. But by staying organized and on track, you can make the holiday run smoothly. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Create a master list

Make a list of everything that needs to be done, from big tasks like cooking the turkey to small tasks like buying batteries for the smoke detector. This will help you keep track of what needs to be done and ensure that nothing gets forgotten.

Set a schedule and stick to it

Once you have your list of tasks, create a schedule and make sure to stick to it. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Create a realistic menu

Don't bite off more than you can chew! When creating your Thanksgiving menu, be realistic about what you can actually make. There's no shame in ordering takeout or serving simple dishes.

Don't procrastinate

It may be tempting to put off some of the less exciting tasks, but try to resist the urge! The sooner you get everything done, the less stress you'll feel.

Have a backup plan

No matter how well you plan, there's always a chance that something will go wrong. Whether it's a power outage or a burned turkey, it's always good to have a backup plan.

Last Minute To-Do's Before Turkey Day

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to start getting things done! Here is a few last-minute to-dos to help you prepare for the big day:

Set the table

This may seem like an obvious one, but it's often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving. Make sure to set the table the night before, so you're not scrambling to do it last minute.

Clean the house

This is another one that's easy to forget. But trust me, you don't want your guests to see your messy house! Give your house a good cleaning a few days before Thanksgiving.

Prepare your ingredients

This includes things like chopping vegetables, defrosting the turkey, and making stuffing. By doing this ahead of time, you'll save yourself a lot of stress on Thanksgiving day.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is the time for family, friends, and food. But, before you can sit down and enjoy all that the holiday has to offer, there's a lot of work to be done. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your Thanksgiving goes off without a hitch, a little less stressful, and a lot more enjoyable.