Ready, set, carve!

By DEBRA STEILEN

1111111Immediately, if not sooner

UInvite your guests; plan for their special food needs.

UMake shopping list of perishables and non-perishables.

UIf needed, order a fresh turkey now.

UDecide on dishes and linens (clean and iron them now).

UMake sure you have enough tables and chairs.

UCheck out serving dishes, flatware, and glasses.

UShop for paper goods, including containers for leftovers.

UShop for nonperishable groceries.

UMake decorations and place cards.

One Week Ahead

UReview recipes (check www.bhg.com/recipes/browseRecipes.jsp for ideas).

UMake a cooking schedule, including an hourly timetable for Thanksgiving Day.

UCheck thawing time for frozen turkey.

UPrepare guest room.

ULine up needed high chairs, cribs, or booster seats.

UGet out games and movies to entertain kids.

Four Days Ahead

UUse the fridge to begin defrosting turkey.

UNo icemaker? Make cubes now and store in freezer bags.

UFinish major housecleaning.

UPut up nonperishable decorations such as wreaths.

Two Days Ahead

UChill beverages.

UBuy flowers for the table.

UShop for perishable items.

USet out bread for stuffing.

UMake cranberry sauce.

UComplete light housecleaning.

UPut up all decorations.

One Day Ahead

UClean vegetables. Peel potatoes; place in a pot of cold water. Keep all in fridge.

UMake dishes that can be prepared ahead. Prepare stuffing.

UCheck bathrooms.

USet the table.

Thanksgiving Day

UGet out serving pieces.

UFill condiment dishes; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

UDelegate tasks such as pouring drinks and watching the kids.

URemove turkey from fridge for one to two hours. Add stuffing or place into casserole to bake separately.

UPreheat oven. Add turkey and baste every half hour or according to your recipe.

UBrew coffee 20 minutes before serving.

URemove stuffing. Let turkey rest, covered, for about 20 minutes before slicing.

UHeat food in microwave if all burners are busy.

UMake gravy and last-minute vegetables.

USet out refrigerated dishes including condiments.

UHeat bread or rolls.

UPour drinks.

UCarve turkey.

XWith the Better Homes and Gardens step-by-step Thanksgiving guide, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free holiday. For a more Thanksgiving tips, visit BHG.com’s 100 Days of Holidays at bhg.com/holidays/.