4 Tips for a "No Sweat" Thanksgiving

Everybody ought to be having a good time at Thanksgiving--including YOU!
And, probably no surprise, I am all in favor of decluttering Thanksgiving, too:) 

Take a few quiet moments and make a list. Which traditions (cooking or not) are a hassle, or aren't worth the trouble? DO NOT carry on traditions that feel like a "should" or those that drag your energy down. They are not serving you (or your family). Let them go!

Keep the sweet + satisfying traditions, adjust others, and create new ones so that you can enjoy the holiday too.
Below are a few tips to consider NOW--(it’s early, time to plan!)

Simplify:  Unless you’re a culinary master, trying to pull out all the stops and create every possible dish that might show up in a *Magazine-perfect Thanksgiving Feast* is actually a recipe for disaster. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and a simple vegetable dish or two is already a feast! Take a moment and consider: What menu items do you and your guests really LOVE? What food often goes to waste? Are there any new recipes that could be added--roasted brussel sprouts anyone?

Delegate: Go Potluck--delegate some of the food prep--as in, "Hey, favorite sister-in-law, that strawberry fluff you make is SO YUMMY, will you please bring a bowl of it to share at Thanksgiving?" Ask for help--shopping, prepping, cooking, clean-up--all great opportunities for your loved ones to share in the fun and spread the love.

Prep Food Early: Consider making your menu and shopping list early--shop for non-perishables NOW, before there's a mob in the pumpkin aisle. And then, in the days just before, chop veggies for stuffing, measure spices, even make the cranberry sauce, wrap them up, store in fridge and Voila, You’re WAY ahead of the game!

Cheat on Dessert: Buy It! There are amazing, lovely little bakeries everywhere, you may have to put in an order early, so plan ahead. Just this one adjustment could save you a big chunk of time and energy. Sit down with a cup of tea instead and let a professional do the baking :)

Plan ahead so that when it comes time for the wishbone, you can wish for something marvelous...instead of just a saner Thanksgiving for next year!

I would love to hear how you streamline and simplify your Thanksgiving--saving more time for lovin’ up your family and friends. Any additional ideas to share?
Lots of love,
XOXO
Jane