Top 10 Thanksgiving Tips

Need help to figure out how to have the best Thanksgiving celebration ever?

Here are 10 ideas to help you.

1. Tasty recipes

Try some exciting new recipes. Some ideas are Herb-Roasted Turkey with Cider Baste; Turkey Cutlets with Spinach, Crab, and Asiago Cheese Sauce; Roasted Diced Yams With Smoked Paprika; and Pumpkin Cake With Snow Glaze and Spiced Vanilla. Read the recipe two or three times to understand it before preparation or practice the recipe a week before Thanksgiving.

2. Harvest table decorations

Use small white pumpkins, a candle placed atop a pumpkin and surrounded with flowers, or harvest vegetables for centerpieces.

3. Delicious, inexpensive wines

Select one of the wines from this list of recommendations to complement your Thanksgiving dinner.

4. Turkey thawing

Use FoodSafety.gov to figure out how long it will take a frozen turkey to thaw. For example, a 12- to 16-pound turkey will thaw in three to four days in the refrigerator.

5. Pie storage

Refrigerate pies made with eggs, including pecan, after you’ve cooled them quickly and after you serve pieces. Fruit pies can be covered and stored on the counter for up to two days, but for best quality refrigerate, especially in a warm climate.

6. Activities for kids

Check out this website to pick out activities for your children to help keep them occupied during the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Thanksgiving. Also think through jobs that you can give them to help with holiday preparations.

7. Stress reduction

Stay calm by planning ahead, meditating, being flexible, and asking people to help.

8. A green Thanksgiving

Think green by simplifying the day, using candles, serving locally grown food, and offering organic beverages.

9. Road trip savings

Save money if you’re traveling by properly inflating your tires, driving at or under 60 milers per hour, using public transportation, or renting a fuel-efficient vehicle.

10. Thanksgiving vacations

Take a vacation during the Thanksgiving holiday and visit your family at another time of the year.