No, you can’t redesign your kitchen in the week or so between now and Thanksgiving - and yes, I’ve had people ask me if that was possible. But you definitely can make a few tweaks so that preparing the big feast is a LOT easier! Let’s take a look…

Make Space

Usually your counter space is at a premium during Thanksgiving. Get your sous chef off that valuable real estate by investing in a chopping board that fits inside your sink. A lot of big box stores have these and they’ll fit over or in most standard sinks. And that gives you more space for pans and dishes!

Move the Bar

Whether it’s water or wine (or anything else), most people want to grab something to drink when they arrive. So move all of that out of the kitchen. If you don’t have a built-in bar, invest in a bar cart. Stock it with an ice bucket, glasses of all sorts and sizes, jugs of water, and anything else you plan to serve. That will keep people from going in and out of your prep area!

Control the Crowd

The crowd tends to go where the food is. So if you want to keep them out of the kitchen while you’re working, put snacks in another room. Turn on the Macy’s parade and have nibbles on the cocktail table. Or put place settings on the other side of the bar and encourage people to have a seat until (or unless) you need the extra hands.

Clear the Decks

Clean anything off your counters that isn’t necessary! Even if you have to stash small appliances, cookbooks, or containers in another room, keep those counters extra clear for all the pots, pans, and serveware that you need for your big Thanksgiving feast. It will make clean-up easier too!

What do you have planned for your Thanksgiving meal? I wish you a safe and fabulous holiday!

Warmly,

Beth