Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite holiday. One, it's all about the food and two it's all about giving thanks and spending time with family and friends. I love to cook and usually spend the two days leading up to Thanksgiving doing just that - all from scratch. This year I'm having 11 people over for dinner 8 adults and 3 children who happen to all be my godchildren. Lucky me!


I know having to cook for 11 people would be stressful to most people but I love it. It's about planning ahead and making sure you have and stick to a timeline. Here are some tips and resources that can help.


Not sure how long you should cook your turkey? Call these hotlines or visit the websites for recipes, cooking guides, FAQs and more! Butterball Turkey Talk-Line: 800-Butterball or visit http://www.butterball.com/. US Department of Agriculture: 888-674-6854, http://www.fsis.usda.gov/.


Are you dreading the Thanksgiving rush at the grocery store? Shop early, don't wait until the last minute. Try to visit the store first thing in the morning right when it opens. You'll be sure to breeze through your list. Most grocery stores open by 7:00 AM so may be able to fit it in before you go to work. Why not outsource the shopping completely. Ideal Lifestyle Concierge can shop your list, deliver it to your home and even put the groceries away all while you are at work.


Did you know that you can buy a fresh turkey instead of a frozen one? This year save yourself the task of having to defrost a turkey. Groceries, gourmet shops, specialty stores and even online shops have fresh turkeys available as well as kosher and organic options. Most grocery stores require you to pre-order your fresh turkey ahead of time. So make sure to phone your favorite establishment. If you want to save yourself a trip, here are some websites that sell and deliver fresh turkeys -
Williams and Sonoma: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/fd231/?cm_src=hero
Igourmet.com: http://www.igourmet.com/turkey.asp


One of the hardest parts of putting together the holiday spread is coordinating the timing of your dinner. What should you cook ahead, when do you put your turkey in the oven, what should you cook next? Real Simple magazine provides an easy to follow plan ahead schedule - http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/how-to-get-all-done-a-thanksgiving-timeline-10000001550129/index.html


Are you in a giving mood? Why not purchase an extra turkey to donate to a church or shelter?Having guests over for dinner? Stock up on disposable containers to send home with guests for the perfect "doggie bag".


Ideal Lifestyle Concierge can provide assistance to get you through Thanksgiving and the holidays in general. No task is too small or project too complicated. Our on demand personal assistant services can give you the time to relax and enjoy what's really important - Truly enjoying your Thanksgiving Day!