Doesn’t it always seem that the holidays approach so quickly that you feel like you are running around like crazy at the last minute? That is sometimes how I feel, but I have found that by beginning my preparations now, I can avoid a lot of that.

During the weeks prior to Thanksgiving, I begin a deep house cleaning. I do a little a day, such as one room or a closet. This helps me prepare for guests, and makes cleaning easier the day before. When I have guests over, I like everything to be clean and perfect. If I start now, I can really delve into organizing all of my stuff. When Thanksgiving arrives, I still have to do the usual types of picking up and cleaning; but overall, my house is relatively clean and is really organized.

Another thing I like to do is to prepare my food ahead of time, when possible. This isn’t always possible; however, there are so many things I can make the day before Thanksgiving, which frees up my time (and mess) on Thanksgiving Day. I make the pies, cookies, casseroles and anything else I can, the day before. When the blessed day arrives, I simply have to pop my pre-made casseroles in the oven. It is so simple, plus my mess from all of the cooking has long been cleaned up.

The final tip I have is to use disposable kitchenware when possible. If you are having 15 to 20 people over, cleaning up the mess is outrageous. If possible, buy heavy duty plates, silverware and cups. Your clean up time will be greatly reduced, and you will be left with more time to enjoy your friends and relatives.