This week’s Clutter Challenge should you choose to accept it is to do one thing to make the upcoming holidays simpler by picking one thing to make life easier and doing it! It might mean:
¤ Booking your babysitter as soon as you know about an upcoming event, good babysitter book up early. And if you are going to an event with a few other couples consider having your kids all stay in one house and hire one or two babysitters and split the cost. It is more fun for the kids and easier on you.
¤ Keeping holiday journal where you can jot down what the holidays were like, who gave and received what gifts and what the menu was. That way the next year you can avoid giving the same gift and you can review the menu to see what was a popular choice.
¤ Creating a “gift file”. Throughout the year when you see an item that would make a nice gift for someone or when you hear them comment on an item they would like toss the idea into the file. That way, when it is time to buy gifts you can refer to the file instead of racking your brain.
¤ Blocking time off on your calendar right now to reserve time to do nothing but enjoy the season.
¤ Shopping online or calling ahead to the store to check availability.
¤ Designating one place in your house to be “gift-wrap central” keep scissors, tape, wrapping paper, boxes, gift bags, to/from tags, tissue paper, and bows and ribbons there.
¤ Or creating a timeline for Thanksgiving dinner (see below) What can you do to make your life less hectic? Pick something and give it a try because you are happier when you are less stressed and this is a great small first step. Happy organizing, Jamie
Early November
Plan your menu. Choose from these delicious menu ideas:
Thanksgiving Menus
Invite your guests. Keep track of who is bringing what on your menu.
Make shopping list of perishables and nonperishables. Don't forget to include film, batteries and beverages.
If you are ordering a fresh turkey, do it now.
Make a Thanksgiving to-do list, listing all the little things you feel must get done prior to Thanksgiving. Be sure to schedule time for each chore and indicate who will take care of that chore.
Order your floral centerpieces now.
Two Weeks Ahead
Check all serving dishes, flatware and glassware.
Shop for any paper goods you need for the event.
Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests.
Take an inventory of your tablecloths and napkins.
If any of your items need to be cleaned, do it now.
Clean your refrigerator to make room for your Thanksgiving items.
Shop for nonperishable groceries on your shopping list.
Plan and make decorations. One Week Ahead
Plan seating arrangements.
Review your recipes.
Prepare cooking schedule.
Check thawing time for frozen turkey. Four Days Ahead
Start defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator.
Save money on ice—start making your own ice cubes now. When frozen, dump them in a freezer bag. Two Days Ahead
Chill beverages.
Shop for perishable items.
Set out bread for homemade stuffing.
Make cranberry sauce.
Fill salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.
Be sure your home is clean. One Day Ahead
Peel potatoes and place in a pot of cold water. Keep in refrigerator.
Clean vegetables and refrigerate.
Make all dishes that can be prepared ahead. Don't forget the pies.
Check your bathrooms. Be sure to have extra toilet paper and hand towels available.
Put up decorations.
Prepare stuffing.
Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used.
Buy flowers for the table.
Let your family set the table in the evening.
Make the side dishes that can be baked ahead of time. Thanksgiving Day
Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours. Add stuffing.
Preheat oven.
Put turkey in oven and baste every half hour.
Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving.
Keep the turkey covered and let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing.
Microwave food to quickly reheat if all the burners of the stove are occupied.
Make gravy and last-minute vegetables.
Set out refrigerated dishes.
Heat bread or rolls as needed.
Remove stuffing from turkey.
Carve turkey. PS To be sure you get our newsletter every week, please add "Jamie@JamieNovak.com” to your address book or list of approved senders.
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