How to Survive Thanksgiving When You’re Hosting

If you’re reading this and you were out in the grocery store getting your items today girl we feel for you! The holidays can be stressful but with these tips you'll be able to navigate the big day better and stress less. 

Three weeks before:

The best time to prepare for the big day is to start now to avoid the stress and headache. Make a list of all the things that you are preparing for the big day down to the ingredients. And buy some of your ingredients now to avoid the mad dash and long lines later.

Two weeks before:

If you haven’t started grocery shopping we suggest you try this weekend. There are sales already for some ingredients and other food items. It’s already busy in the grocery stores so pack your patience. If you haven’t started start prepping your house for guests that may spend the night. Cleaning house and washing linen frees you up to handle major stuff next weekend and even days before Thanksgiving. Lastly, something fun decorate! Nothing like decorating gets you in the mood for the holidays. No, decorations no problem! Sounds like it might be time for a little retail therapy.

The week of:

Start cooking dishes that can be made a couple of days earlier in the week so you’re not overloading yourself the day of  Thanksgiving. Double check your guest list and get final confirmations/head count. Getting your final head count determines if you need to do a last minute mad dash to the grocery store. Clean your house for any overnight guests and for any guests for the day of Thanksgiving.

Please eat regular meals and drink plenty of fluids like water this week. With all the hosting, preparing, and running around you'll be doing the day of Thanksgiving drinking water will be the last thing on your mind! And don't forget the cocktails will be flowing that night!  Dehydration is real! If you decide to save all your calories for the day of by not eating it will shrink your stomach. So, your plans to throw down on some food will come to an epic food fail.

Most importantly enjoy yourself, the day, and yourself family. You prepared so hard for this day. Make great memories for years to come and don’t forget to raise a glass in celebration.