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Countdown to Dinner
Thanksgiving turkey on the tablespacer It's not too early to start planning for your holiday dinner. With a little organization and advance preparation, your holiday meal will be an enjoyable occasion for both you and your guests.



Consider these timesavers!
  • You cook the turkey and dressing, let guests bring the rest.
  • Buy breads and desserts at your H-E-B store.
  • Have progressive dinner with each course at a different house.
  • Set up a buffet if you're serving a crowd.
  • Shop and cook in advance.
  • Assign kitchen duties to guests and family.
  • Let kids set the table.
  • Plan activities to keep children entertained.
  • Assign errands in advance to friends (ice, extra chairs, etc.).
herbsFour Weeks Before
Make your guest list.
Plan your menu.
Phone or e-mail guests (with cooking assignments).

Three Weeks Before
Plan the seating (seated or buffet?)
Confirm the number of guests.
Confirm the menu.
Begin your shopping list.

Two Weeks Before
Finish your shopping list.
Buy baking/cooking items at H-E-B now.
Select dinner wines.
Make soups or desserts that can be frozen.
Inventory your serving dishes & set aside.
Attach sticky notes to serving dishes as reminders for contents.
Check your cooking equipment (thermometers, fryers, etc.)
Launder tablecloths, placemats, napkins if necessary.
Do thorough housecleaning now.

One Week Before
Finish shopping for remaining items on your list.
Do touch-up tidying.
On Day-Minus 5, begin defrosting the turkey.
On Day Minus-4, make the relish and store in refrigerator.
On Day Minus 2, make side dishes and store/freeze in refrigerator or freeze.
On Day Minus 1, make dressing and store in refrigerator.

On the Day
Count backward from dinnertime and begin roasting turkey.
Set the table in the morning.
Begin defrosting side dishes and desserts.
Peel & cube potatoes; prepare mashed potatoes.
Cook stuffing and put in oven.
Warm side dishes & bread.
Make gravy.

Dinner is ready! Enjoy!

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