Buzz
They say that fortune favors the bold, but I think it actually favors the anxious (like myself), especially when it comes to organizing events. And let’s face it, Thanksgiving is definitely an event. Those of us who are 'detail-oriented' tend to plan way ahead, perhaps even too far, but this meticulous preparation usually pays off. If this resonates with you, I have a few tips on what you can do right now—in mid-October—to make sure your Thanksgiving turns out just as spectacular as you envision.
Now is the perfect time to start testing recipes
This one might seem obvious, but Thanksgiving morning (or even the day before) is not the time to try a new pie recipe, tweak your classic rolls, or change your stuffing. Get all of that experimentation done now. You’ll step into the big day with more confidence, and you'll also get to enjoy pie today, all in the name of research. You can even make a few extra pie crusts and store them in the freezer—because honestly, you can never have too many, especially if you, like me, have a habit of messing up pie crusts. (I just don't have the proper respect for them!)
Try fermenting something
Fermentation takes some time, but with six whole weeks until Thanksgiving, you’ve got plenty of time to make some fermented cranberry honey, fermented garlic honey, or even shio koji to slather on a holiday roast or vegetables (a quirky palate cleanser). You could also whip up a seasonally inspired kombucha—maybe cranberry, apple, or pumpkin flavored. (Is pumpkin spice kombucha a thing? I bet it is.)
Head to the thrift store for servingware
Hurry, before anyone else thinks of it! Head to your local Goodwill or a similar shop and search the shelves for serving platters, utensils, gravy boats, inexpensive wine glasses, casserole dishes, big stock pots, tablecloths, and coffee mugs (perfect for serving coffee alongside pie). I’ve scored some gorgeous pieces at Goodwill for just a few bucks, so at least stop by your local thrift store before shelling out full price at the retail stores.
Also, consider stopping by the restaurant supply store for knives, cutting boards, knife sharpeners, honing rods, baking tools, and takeout containers (perfect for leftovers), though these are less likely to be snapped up quickly.
Stock up on essential nonperishables
I’m not one to obsess over 'the supply chain,' but it does seem a bit unreliable these days. If you know you’ll need canned pumpkin, Jiffy baking mix, frozen pastry, French’s fried onions, or any other Thanksgiving essentials that don’t spoil, consider grabbing them during your regular shopping trip and storing them away. This will help spread out the cost of The Big Meal, and you won’t have to stress about the supply chain potentially throwing a wrench in your menu at the last minute.
