You know the days – the ones when Thanksgiving preparations seem to drag on and on, and you keep getting more and more tired. So much food to cook! And you still have to get your home ready to receive guests. But right now, it looks like a bomb went off in your kitchen, and you’re starting to wonder if you’ll ever get the turkey in the oven.
Sounds like a nightmare. But does it have to be like that? Of course not! If you’re not enjoying the preparations, you won’t be in the right mindset to properly enjoy Thanksgiving when it does roll around.
What you need is a plan. A plan to navigate Thanksgiving in your mobile home stress-free.
The secret to stress-free Thanksgiving prep
We’re not going to waste any time here: the secret to stress-free Thanksgiving prep is planning. That’s right. Prepare for your Thanksgiving preparations. It sounds a little counter-intuitive. And, to be fair, you probably already plan out your Thanksgiving strategy weeks beforehand. But maybe you’re not planning enough.
Make extra space in your mobile home
Making space is probably the most obvious challenge when hosting in a mobile home. Don’t be afraid to rearrange furniture – it’s only a temporary switch. Need more seating? Get a folding table and chairs, or ask a guest to bring them. Or turn your living room into a hosting area, converting your coffee table into a mini buffet with extra sides or drinks. Transform ottomans into side tables and pull up the accent chairs so no one gets left out.
Keep centerpieces and tabletop decor to a minimum. If a space can be used for setting a plate or drink on it, clear it off and utilize it.
Let your food prep be a breeze
Have an airtight food plan. And don’t deviate from your plan, no matter how tempted you are to make a little something extra. The truth is, people come to a Thanksgiving feast expecting nothing more than the good, old-fashioned basics. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, green bean casserole. And, of course, pie. There’s really no reason in the world to branch out. The classics became classics on their merits alone – not because people added a dozen side dishes and condiments.
Another tip is to delegate. After all, you’re running this thing! Ask your guests to bring a dish. Chances are, there are members of your guest list who are mildly famous for their version of a certain Thanksgiving dish. Maybe your aunt makes delicious cranberry sauce. Your cousin could be the master of deviled eggs. So don’t be shy. Ask them to contribute to the cause.
Tap into turkey tricks
Some people are die-hard when it comes to roasting the turkey on the day. However, if you can see your way to cheat on this rule, do it. Making the turkey a day or two ahead of time can be a lifesaver. But we understand if that’s unthinkable to you. You can also roast it low and slow, starting the night before.
Start defrosting the turkey in the fridge the Saturday before Thanksgiving. When it comes time to cook the bird, if you don’t own a roasting rack, no worries. Just set your turkey on a bed of vegetables. It’ll lend flavor to the turkey and save you from rushing around Walmart looking for the proper roasting tools.
Make it easy by having fun
Invite a friend over early to help out with the final details. Light candles. Plan a group activity that you’ll look forward to all day. Is there a tradition your family did every Thanksgiving while you were growing up? Consider starting it with your own family.
Anything to make it fun. The more sentimental you get, the more you’ll relax and actually enjoy the work and the fuss and the overall busyness of the season. That’s right, we’re actually telling you to enjoy yourself – on a day that is nonstop work. Easy? Probably not, but as long as you have the right mindset, you’ll get through it.
Set the mood and determine to make the day the best it can be.
Stress be gone!
The only way to beat stress is to plan. Plan out how to tackle the things you aren’t looking forward to. But also plan to do some things you know will make it easier for you. Take the focus off the work and make the day about coming together with your friends and family and enjoying a great meal. And, most of all, being thankful for it.
For more ideas, check out our tips on how to prepare a beautiful Thanksgiving table this year.
About EZ Homes Design Team
