We are t-minus ten days from Thanksgiving 2018 and have suddenly come to the realization that time is of the essence when it comes to prepping our homes, tables, and kitchens for all of the festivities. Last week, we shared some of our favorite Thanksgiving tablescape inspiration with hopes of pumping creativity into your planning... and now that you should have your tablescape plans in place, there are also a few other tips and tricks to take into consideration to ensure you host your best Thanksgiving ever!

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com 

1) MAKE YOUR PLAN + ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS 

Perhaps the worst thing you can do when agreeing to host turkey dinner in your home is to forego any sense of planning. The lack of putting a plan in place will result in far too many hours of last minute scurrying, plus it will only add to the overall level of stress. If you haven't already, take time to put a tangible list of to-do items together (yes, an actual written or typed list! If we let everything live in our already crowded brains, we're sure to let something important fall through the cracks!). Include grocery items, any last-minute handyman projects that need to be taken care of, and decor needs. 

2) GET THE GROCEY SHOPPING OUT OF THE WAY

Once your plan is in place and your thoughts are organized, get yourself to that grocery store! Don't trick yourself into thinking you have ample time left. It's best to get ahead of all your grocery needs far in advance. You don't want to overestimate a store's cranberry and sweet potato availability only to discover their shipment for the week has already sold out. Giving yourself extra padding on the front end also provides you time for any last minute grocery store runs! Need help organizing all of your thoughts and grocery needs? This ultimate Thanksgiving Shopping List by Southern Living is sure to help get your thoughts in order >> 


3) MAKE YOUR PIES IN ADVANCE
The turkey tries to steal the show, but in our opinion the pies should be in the spotlight! Especially homemade ones. The amount of both time and love that goes into making pies is often underestimated, and unless you've been the hands behind the baking, you're likely to take the flakey, buttery goodness of a handmade pie for granted. Use these next ten days to prep your pies in advance! Even making one a night can save you time in the days leading up to feasting. Fruit pies can be frozen before they're baked, just be sure to remove from the freezer to the refrigerator at least 24-hours before you plan to bake them, then pop 'em in the oven for 20-35 minutes. For pumpkin and pecan, go ahead and make the crust and filling separately, then freeze the crust until the day before Thanksgiving when you can then fill them and bake them. For more in depth pie freezing guidelines, check this out >> 

Photo Credit: Saveur

4) MAKE YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE FOR GUESTS
Whether your guests are staying overnight in your guest room, or merely spending the day celebrating, you want to ensure your home is as comfortable and welcoming as possible... especially when that post-meal turkey coma begins to set in! First off, be sure your sitting areas and living rooms are stocked with plenty of warm blankets and nap-worthy pillows. Next, make sure to have ample seating scattered throughout your home - even if that means bringing in a few front porch rocking chairs for the day! The last thing you want to hear is your Great Aunt Gertrude complaining about her bad knees all afternoon. Finally, go the extra mile by making a basket full of inexpensive, fuzzy socks easily accessible for your guests! Come mid-afternoon the cute booties and fancy dinner heels aren't going to be in your feet's favor and comfy socks will be screaming everyone's name. Check out your local dollar store for all sorts of fun, fuzzy sock options to keep on hand!

5) ASK FOR HELP
We have no doubt about our own capabilities to pull off the best Thanksgiving ever, but let go of the desire to do it all alone and be willing to ask for help! Many times our guests want to feel included and valued, so even though we are perfectly capable of handling all the things it never hurts to ask for a little extra help! Plus, it cuts back on carrying the load of cooking, cleaning, and hosting. Even asking each person to bring something to share, paper goods, or drinks can cut back on the craziness of preparation. 

6) STOCK UP ON TUPPERWARE & TO-GO STORAGE
Leftover stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sandwiches are one of the best aspects of Thanksgiving, and you don't want you guests to miss out on all of the yumminess Thanksgiving leftovers have to offer. Stock up on inexpensive plasticware to send your guests home with their own little to-go packages... and still have plenty to keep your own tummy full for days to come!

Photo Credit: Bon Appetite