Thanksgiving Party Planning Tips

From the stuffing and basting the Turkey to sweet potatoe pie, these party tips are sure to make your a memorable Thanksgiving.

• Prepare as much ahead of time as possible. Precut vegetables, fix salads minus the dressing, marinate meats over night. Make any cakes, pies and cookies before the big day.
  
• You can set the table a day in advance, leaving you to concentrate on the cooking Thanksgiving Day.
  
• Serve buffet style - you can still create an elegant meal this way by focusing on decorating the buffet table in colours that complement the food. On your dining table you will have more room for your centerpiece and you can place a gathering of foliage, nuts and berries at the base of wine bottles for a nice display.
  
• Your turkey does not have to be carved right away. Let it sit, covered for about 15 minutes when you take it out of the oven. It will give you a chance to make sure everything is in order before the main event and the turkey will become more tender.
  
• Plan your guest list and menu well in advance. Once you have your menu set, write a grocery list and buy any non-perishable items ahead of time.
  
• Decide on your decorating theme well in advance and start to collect the items you will need for the centerpiece and surrounding areas. This will save you valuable time during the hectic week leading up to your Thanksgiving meal.