WINNER: Doug W (gonefishin200@)
I have been sharing some of my tips to help you keep your sanity this holiday season. With so much to do it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Hopefully some of these tips will help give you back some time and allow you enjoy the time with your friends and family.
One of the biggest things that I do to ensure that I actually get to enjoy Thanksgiving is by prepping as much as possible ahead of time. Trying to cook, greet guests and entertain can be exhausting. So why not simplify where you can.
Many recipes can be partially prepared ahead of time so that you only need to actually cook them the day they are served. In other cases you can cut veggies and other items ahead of time and store them in your fridge so that you simply grab them when you need them. Pre-measure ingredients into Ziploc® Brand Bags so that you simply combine everything when you are ready to make your recipe. Not having to find the ingredients and measure them out will save massive time on a busy cooking day. You can have all the dry ingredients for a pie in one bag so that you only need to add the wet ingredients, mix and bake! Just make sure you label everything so it doesn’t get mixed up!
Also remember yesterday when we talked about those overpacked refrigerators during the holidays? Ziploc® Brand Bags can be stacked and will often take up less space than other bulky containers and jars. So be sure to take advantage of the sale at Publix so you can prep like a pro and give yourself some free time to enjoy the actual holiday!
Ziploc® Sandwich or Snack Bags, 30 to 40 ct, or Ziploc® Easy Slide Storage or Freezer Bags, 10 to 20 ct, 2/$4
-$2/3 Ziploc® Brand Bag, Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles, Pledge or Shout Target Coupon, 10/30 SS (exp 11/12) [28-ct.+; ETS]
–$1/2 Ziploc® Brand Slider Bags
–$1/2 Ziploc® Brand bags
Just $1.50 each with coupon…better if your store accepts Target coupons!
Stay tuned for more tips tomorrow and remember, you can stock up on all your favorite SC Johnson products in preparation for your holiday fun and get a Publix gift card with your purchase. You’ll earn a $5 Publix gift card when you purchase $20 in participating SC Johnson products now through 11/23.
Getting your gift card is very simple. All it takes it three easy steps!
- Purchase $20 in participating products at Publix.
- Snap a photo of your receipt.
- Submit your photo to happythanksgatheringpublix.com
I have more great news! One iHeartPublix reader will get to stock up on great SC Johnson products to help them make their holiday great thanks to a $100 Publix gift card!
Entry is simple! You just need to complete the task below. The random winner will be selected on Friday 11/18 at 11 pm EST. View the Giveaway & Sweepstakes Rules.
REQUIRED ENTRY:
- What will you do to prep and save time this holiday?
Valid on qualifying purchased from 10/30/16 to 11/23/16; terms and conditions apply. All valid receipts must be uploaded by 11/29/16. Void where prohibited. Offer available while supplies of gift cards last. Limit one (1) gift card reward per household address. Full Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy can be found at happythanksgatheringpublix.com
I always cut up the vegetables and prep other items at least by the day before. Then I can store them in the refrigerator and can pull them out as they are needed. Ziploc bags are perfect for this!
Aside from baking the day before, I fill the coffee pot with water, set up the dessert buffet and create a To Go caddy with containers, festive bags and utensils from the dollar store so everyone can take leftovers.
Premix my pie fillings and keep in fridge for easy baking. I also prechop all my veggies for dressing and keep in the fridge also. Gather all needed linens and table gear and place in a storage container to keep dust free till ready to use. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Make a list, prep vegetables ahead of time, set up buffet area as soon as possible.
Bake my own cornbread to make the best stuffing/dressing the next day. Easy, but time consuming.
Roasted & puree the pumpkin for the pie, store in ziploc containers
Pie fillings, onions & celery, green beans, carrots — all get chopped & prepped ahead of time and stashed in the Ziplocks til they are needed!
I simply make as much as possible a day or two ahead and reheat.
Love your ideas, never thoughts and the coolers, I do prep my recipes like that, works well for me 🙂 Love all the ideas 🙂
I prep side dishes the day before so I only have to warm them.
Prepare as much food ahead of time.
Make my list of things to cook for the day before and thanksgiving day.
I will get all my vegetables chopped and any other food prep done early.
I will help prepare cooking whatever is needed at a friends house!!!!
I make my cookie dough ahead of time, chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. I also chop all the vegetables that I will use for my recipes.
I always cook the turkey the day before. So far no one has tasted it before Thanksgiving.
I prep and precook everything I can. I have my pies ready to bake. Many side dishes get prepared in advance, they just need oven time on Thanksgiving. The main focus on Thanksgiving is just the turkey!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I am already done deep cleaning and decorating the house the 2nd week of November. Now cooking, light touch ups and enjoyment 🙂
I cook some of the meal the day before.
I shop and clean the week before Thanksgiving. Also, I make as many dishes as I can ahead of time.
I love to deep clean my house a week before guests come. That way, I can give it a quick wipe down the day they come. Saves a lot of cleaning time, so I can spend more time cooking up some yummy (fat free, ha ha) dishes!
We make desserts before the day of and do as much cleaning that I can.
I bake and freeze dishes ahead of time, then all that’s needed is to thaw and heat. Also pre-chop veggies and store in the fridge.
I make a list and prep veggies before saving in Ziploc bags. Thanks for the giveaway!
Do all my baking the day before!
I buy pie and mashed potatoes so I don’t have to make them myself.
I fix several dishes the day before.
I prep everything a few days before.
Make lists!!! I keep several small binders in the house and any major “event” has a temporary binder so I don’t lose any list. Make sure all the kids shoes are paired and where they can find them…have no idea why we have a run away shoe issue here but we do !!!
Buy ingredients the week before, then cook some dishes the day before
I pre-cook everything I can and freeze them. This includes casseroles, desserts, sides. I can then defrost on Wednesday and heat in oven or microwave on the day. For my turkey, I have all the seasonings prepped and in the fridge ready to go when I get up on the day.
I prep all my ingredients the day before so I’m not chopping veggies and measuring spices while I am cooking.
I take the turkey out of the wrapper and put it in the roasting pan, cover and refrigerate the day before. It is a real time saver when I am trying to get it into the oven on time.
I thoroughly clean the house two days before, then spot clean Thanksgiving eve. I bake pies & cakes the day before and prepare the stuffing so it is ready to go in the oven the next day.
I bake ahead of time. I also wash and chop vegetables the day before so cooking is a breeze.
Shop early. Also, but some “already made” dishes like mashed potatoes and pie.
I make as much as possible ahead of time and freeze. Also, I set the table the night before.
Deep clean the week before with a light clean night before using many of the SC Johnson products. Set out groups of ingredients according to recipes to double check I have all things necessary. Prep/chop/bake whatever possible the day before and store in Ziploc bags or containers.
We don’t do much prep other than get the baking done a day or two ahead.
Chopping any veggies and fruits ahead of time!
I chop all my veggies at once a couple days in advance. If I need onion for multiple recipes I chop it all together and separate into baggies. I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving. Thank you!
I look for sales on the things I’ll need and buy the items ahead of time. I also make some casseroles, like the sweet potatoes, the day before and just put it in the oven on Thursday.
I love the idea of putting all the spices for a recipe in a Ziploc to save time later. I think I’m going to do this for the rest of my menu this week. And then you can reuse the Ziploc bags for the spices again and again. Love this tip!
I try to put my my casseroles together a few days ahead of time and stick them in the freezer until time to cook them. That helps a ton on Thanksgiving day!
Decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving.
Bake the desserts and cornbread (for the stuffing) ahead. Also like to make two casseroles of each and freeze one of each for Christmas, but don’t think I have freezer space to do that this year. : (
I iron tablecloth, wash china and set the table the night before. I make dips for crackers and veggies the day before. And I cut up the crudites and store them in a ziploc container in the fridge. I usually have the turkey in brine for 24 hours. I make the mashed potatoes the day before and mix them really well with a mixer with butter and milk. I store these in a bowl with a plate on top of them and microwave and stir them really well at the last minute. I don’t have an ice maker so I’m usually making ice a couple of days before. I store it in ziploc bags in the freezer. I also make my homemade garlicky butter muffins the day before. I used to make them fresh. But I liked texture better when they are made ahead of time and reheated. About a week before I make homemade ice cream and store it in the freezer in Ziploc containers. Sorry no Cool Whip goes on my pies!
I prep the Turkey and ham the day before Thanksgiving. I chop all my veggies the day before and store in Ziploc bags. My mom, sister and I make cornbread a head of time for the dressing. We also bake our pies and cakes the day before. If it can be prepped ahead of time, we do it. I am all for using all the help I can get prepping for our big dinner.
I make Waldorf salad the day before.
I prep by making lists and cutting up any fruits or vegetables the night before the big meal.
I think this may be the first year in a long time that we may save time and effort by going out on Thanksgiving. Haven’t been feeling my best and I just feel too overwhelmed, in addition to family being scattered this holiday.
I buy the desserts from a bakery.
We divide up the cooking. Everyone just brings one or two family favorite dishes.
Get as much shopping & cooking done early.
Make desserts ahead of time and freeze them!
I try to bake cookies ahead of time and freeze them!
I try to chop everything before and make sure I leave the house clean before I go to sleep
I plan to have each guest bring a dish to help save time. Time is a precious commodity, especially with a new baby in the house 😉
My mom does all the cooking so I do not have to prep much for the holidays
I love love love your idea with the ziploc baggies! I think I’ll do that to save time!
I am going to get all the cleaning done ahead of time and stock up on drinks and snacks.
I’ve already started prepping and buying things.
I do everything so it’s vital
Have a plan, list and times to do.
I’ve got my fresh turkey.
I make desserts ahead, cut up all veggies..make cornbread for stuffing ahead..dry out bread.
I pre bake my pie shells and buy and prepare what I can in advance. Also, I see if we have a big family gathering what I can delegate.
Cook side dishes and dessert the day before the holiday. Boil and mash potatoes, mix greens beans, soup, and cheese together (add onions before I bake) on casserole, make gravy ready to heat, etc. set the dinning room table 2 days before. Buy presents for next Christmas at the after holidays sales. Wrap after Halloween but before Thanksgiving.
I try to have all the necessary ingredients out and measured ahead of time.
Because we have such a large group we need more that one turkey. I cook the extra turkey the night before and slice it. The warmer tray in my stove heats it back up nicely.
I will make the sides and desserts a head of time. It is easy to have them made and just put in oven on Thanksgiving day.
Cook as much as possible before the big day. Also have plans for entertainment afterwards.
The dessert has already been made and will prep the vegetables and anything else that can be made or started the day before and Ziploc bags are a must before and after! I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving 🙂
I’ll try to make everything that can be prepared ahead of time like casseroles and desserts on the weekends before Christmas so there won’t be a scramble to rush stuff in the final week.