How We Holiday

How to Host Thanksgiving in a Small Space

Cooking & Entertaining

Kristy Ojala

Holidays

Thanksgiving

how to host Thanksgiving in a small space

So you’ve decided to host Thanksgiving in your teeny-tiny home. Good for you! The first rule of thumb is to not overdo it. We repeat, do NOT overdo it. This means creating a simple yet tasteful menu and delegating items for your guests to bring (we’re all about a buffet in these situations.) Similarly, keep cleanup and prepping simple by doing only what’s totally necessary (that deep clean can wait!). Follow this easy step-by-step guide and you’ll be a host with the most in no time.

create a timeline & check your inventory

Making a timeline is key for any successful Thanksgiving dinner, but especially in a small space because every little detail counts. We suggest starting at the beginning of the month so you can maximize every minute leading up to Thanksgiving. This will also help keep your stress level at a minimum.First, get an adequate head count of your guests. Allow for a few last-minute stragglers or dropouts, then take stock of the serving supplies you have and what you’ll need to replace or purchase. Make sure you have plenty of large bowls, platters, a cheese board, and good knives. Next, do you have enough plates and cutlery? You can always go the paper/plastic route but having real dishes on Thanksgiving always feels special and more grown-up.

declutter, clean & make space

Getting rid of unnecessary clutter and putting things away will help you see if and how you want to rearrange your layout for the big day. Vacuum, mop, and scrub all your countertops and cabinet fronts. Any kitchen appliances you won’t need for Thanksgiving meal prep should be stored away to maximize your workspace.If you’re inviting more than a few guests, consider investing in a coat rack to minimize the chaos when they arrive. (Rifling through a bed full of black puffy coats at the end of the night is never fun.) And if you prefer that your friends remove their shoes, it’s a great idea to place a shoe rack next to the door.

create seating & serving alternatives

In small spaces, it’s best to get creative with seating rather than buying furniture you don’t have room for. So consider poufs, floor pillows, and folding chairs as easy options that you can move around as guests come and go. For happy hour, designate a table or two (a coffee table, low bookshelf, or ottoman also works) where your apps and beverages are easy to reach. A bar cart is also a genius idea since you can roll it wherever you need it. As for the main meal, a buffet-style situation is best for tight spaces. You can repurpose furniture you already have, or pick up a folding card table or two and place a cute tablecloth over it.

enhance your decor

Little touches can go a long way in a small space. A festive table runner or centerpiece, for instance, can brighten your setting, and an autumnal wreath is a nice way to welcome guests. New linen napkins are a thoughtful touch, and make sure you have enough serving trays to keep mixers, and condiments organized. To direct the flow of your party, consider stacking plates on the left side of the serving table, next to the napkins and flatware. And use fun place cards to label each dish and keep the line moving smoothly.

Dana Eisenberg

our top 4 favorite stuffing recipes

Why do we eat stuffing only at Thanksgiving dinner? We think it should be a year-round staple, but we’ll ponder that later. For now, let’s focus our stuffing-related energy on making one of these super easy (and super delicious!) versions. Happy eating!

<h3><a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/turkey-sausage-apple-and-whole-grain-bread-stuffing" target="_self">Turkey Sausage, Apple, and Whole Grain Bread Stuffing Recipe</a></h3>We initially tried this stuffing recipe because, with its whole-grain bread and turkey sausage, it’s a little healthier than other versions. But we continue to make it year after year because it’s really, really tasty. <h3><a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/quinoa-mixed-rice-and-dried-fruit-stuffing-recipe" target="_self">Quinoa, Mixed Rice, and Dried Fruit Stuffing Recipe</a></h3>If you’re looking to switch it up, why not make your stuffing with quinoa and rice instead of bread? The dried fruit adds sweetness, while the mushrooms give it an umami flavor. It’s not the most traditional, but we bet everyone will want seconds. <h3><a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/savory-stuffing-with-mushrooms-onions-and-walnuts" target="_self">Savory Stuffing with Mushrooms, Onions, and Walnuts Recipe</a></h3>If you love walnuts in salads, grain bowls, or by the handful as a snack, you should definitely make this stuffing. The celery, onions and white bread skew traditional, but the walnuts give it a nutty flavor and rich texture, and the mushrooms make it extra savory. <h3><a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/savory-cornbread-stuffing-recipe-with-sausage-and-sage" target="_self">Savory Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe</a></h3>Cornbread = delicious. Stuffing = delicious. Cornbread stuffing = really, really delicious. And this one has sausage and sage, which makes it a win-win all around. Yes, please.

Our Favorite Drinks to Ring In the New Year

Cocktail

New Year&rsquo;s Eve is a special night. It&rsquo;s time to reflect on the year gone by and think about your hopes, dreams, and plans for the one ahead. It can also be a night to throw (or attend) a great party where good food and bold drinks are definitely in order. While you should definitely stock your bar with beer, wine, champagne, and spirits, we also recommend making a specialty cocktail or two. It&rsquo;s fun, impressive, and adds a little something. Here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s on our list this year.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/fizzy-blood-orange-martinis-recipe">Fizzy Blood Orange Martinis Recipe</a>

Blood oranges are definitely delicious, but we also love them because they&rsquo;re so pretty and abundant in winter. In this recipe, you&rsquo;ll be using them to infuse your own syrup, which sounds much more complicated than it actually is. What you&rsquo;ll end up with is a cocktail that&rsquo;s vibrant, refreshing, and celebratory, which is pretty much all you can ask for.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/pomegranate-orange-gin-fizz-recipe">Pomegranate Orange Gin Fizz Recipe</a>

With orange and cranberry flavors, this cocktail is perfect for celebratory occasions. It&rsquo;s also ideal if you haven&rsquo;t holidayed enough yet and want more festive stuff in your life. It&rsquo;s really easy to make, the ingredients are easy to find, and it looks fancy. If you&rsquo;re not a gin person, sub in vodka, which works just as well.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/pisco-sour-cocktail-recipe">Pisco Sour Cocktail Recipe</a>

If you&rsquo;ve traveled to Peru or Chile, you&rsquo;ve definitely come across a pisco sour. We love it because it&rsquo;s, well, sour, refreshing, and can be premade and served in a pitcher. We love a batched cocktail for a party that guests can pour themselves. If you can&rsquo;t find pisco, use grappa instead!

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/pear-and-elderflower-champagne-punch">Pear and Elderflower Champagne Punch Recipe</a>

Pop, fizz, clink! It wouldn&rsquo;t be New Year&rsquo;s Eve if there wasn&rsquo;t champagne. We love this punch because it&rsquo;s not too sweet, uses seasonal fruit, and is so pretty to look at! The pear nectar ice cubes make it next-level.

Pro tip: keep the champagne chilled until you&rsquo;re ready to use it and add it to your punch before drinking. That way, it won&rsquo;t go flat.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/cran-raspberry-cosmopolitan-recipe">Cran-Raspberry Cosmopolitan Recipe</a>

A cosmopolitan is a classic. A cran-raspberry cosmopolitan is slightly less classic but may be even more delicious. This one is really easy to make and lots of fun.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/recipe/perfect-non-alcoholic-punch-recipe">Perfect Non-Alcoholic Punch Recipe</a>

You should know that this is not an obligatory non-alcoholic drink recipe. It&rsquo;s just a really great recipe for punch that we like to make for parties. As a bonus, it&rsquo;s non-alcoholic so kids, non-drinkers, and those looking to take a break can all enjoy it. For those who don&rsquo;t need a break, just add a splash of rum, vodka, gin, or bourbon.

Cheers to a wonderful new year!

The Ultimate Turkey Toolkit

Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you’re cooking the turkey, no doubt you’re aware of what a big responsibility it is. The Thanksgiving turkey is iconic, and you definitely want to make sure you get it right.

We’re here to help. Here are some of our Thanksgiving superheroes to keep in your holiday kitchen arsenal.

Baster Set

A juicy turkey is the best kind of turkey. We love this three-piece set, which includes a baster, an injector needle, and a cleaning brush, and will help you marinate and glaze while the turkey is roasting. Everything is top-rack dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. OXO Good Grips® also makes a great baster that comes with its own cleaning brush as well. It’s angled to improve accuracy and has its own built-in stand to rest on between bastings. For a third option, you could go with something glass, which is great because it won’t stain or retain odors and can withstand liquids up to 450 degrees F.

Brining Gear

Making your own brine is great, but it can also be intimidating. We totally won’t judge (and definitely won’t tell) if you use a brining kit. We like this one from Turkey Perfect, which comes with the brine mix, brine bag, and simple instructions. If you do have your own brine recipe, just pick up a bag. This one holds up to a 25-pound turkey.

Roaster and Roasting Rack

Once your turkey is brined and ready, you’ll need something to actually cook it in. You can buy a roaster that comes with a rack, or purchase your pieces separately.

For more roasting tips, see <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/starter-pack-roasting-101">Starter Pack: Roasting 101</a>.

Turkey Lifter Set

Cooking the perfect turkey is only half the battle. You’ve also got to delicately hoist it out of the roaster and onto the serving dish. Make it easy on yourself (minus the whole mess of a situation) and get a solid set of lifters.

Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is life-changing—it takes the guesswork out of cooking, allowing you to cook your meat to a perfect, safe temperature every time. There are lots of great versions on the market, including thermometers you can read remotely with the oven door closed, and those you can read instantly.

Fryer

What’s better than a turkey? A fried turkey, obviously. This electric fryer can hold up to a 22-pound turkey and uses a third less oil than a traditional fryer. For even less oil, go with an air fryer. We love the Emeril™ Lagasse 360 Power Air Fryer, which lately we’ve been using for just about everything. After all, it is nine appliances in one. It’s changed our snack game (hello, healthier french fries!) and meal prep. It works great for turkey, but trust us when we say to give it an <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/get-your-kitchen-organized-for-the-holidays">easy-to-reach</a> spot in your kitchen. If you’re anything like us, you’re going to be using it often.

The Best Gift Pairings for When One Just Isn't Enough

family & you

Gifts

Wine and cheese. Chocolate and peanut butter. Kim and Kanye. The holiday season and gifting. Some things just go together. And sometimes, one gift just isn&rsquo;t enough for someone extra special on your list. The answer? Gift pairings. We can help with those! Think of us as sommeliers of holiday gifts. Here are the things to give to someone when one item just isn&rsquo;t enough.

For Insomniacs

If you can give your loved one the gift of a better night&rsquo;s sleep, they&rsquo;ll love you forever (more than they already do!). Weighted blankets make the wearer feel like they&rsquo;re getting a big hug, giving them a sense of calm and helping them to relax and get a better night&rsquo;s sleep. A perfect pair for a weighted blanket is a noise machine. We love this sound mixer from Brookstone&reg;. They can combine eight nature and relaxation sounds to find the perfect blend of sound that will help them drift off to sleep.

For Those Who Love to Get Cozy

It&rsquo;s winter time, and we all need a little more cozy! The Brookstone n-a-p Heated Faux Fur Throw&reg; is the ultimate in comfort. It&rsquo;s super soft, and has four temperature control settings accommodate sleep preferences. Pair it with a Haven&trade; Towel Warmer to turn their bathroom into a spa, stocked with warm, toasty towels every day. Delightful.

For the Coffee Lover

For anyone who&rsquo;s into coffee, we recommend the Keurig&reg; K-Duo Plus&trade; Coffee Maker with Single Serve K-Cup&reg; Pod &amp; Carafe Brewer. It has the best of both worlds, and can make a single-serve cup of coffee or a whole carafe if they&rsquo;re hosting a crowd&hellip; or if it&rsquo;s just one of those Mondays. Give them some K-Cups in their favorite flavor to go with it!

<a href="https://video.bedbathandbeyond.com/v/100-holiday-gift-pairings/221650206">Watch our video</a> to see these pairs for yourself. Happy holidays!

The Best Drinkware to Ring in the New Year

Holly Stephens

It’s always fun to close out the year and ring in the new one with a party! If you’re hosting, you’re probably going to make a few specialty cocktails. This is a great opportunity to pick up some snazzy drinkware to match. We love these pieces for New Year’s Eve, but most of them are great for celebrations all year long as well.

Sparkle and Shine

New Year’s Eve is all about the sparkle. Confetti, streamers, glitter—you know the drill. Load up on flutes, shakers, and stems with silver, gold, and metallic finishing touches to make your celebration ultraglam. Laser and crystal-cut glasses are also a stylish choice. They not only enhance the look of your average, run-of-the-mill stemware, but also reflect light to stunning effect.

Fun and Festive

Get playful with witty drinkware that speaks to the occasion. Glasses embellished with short phrases and timely decals are all fair game, so long as the color scheme (think black, silver, and gold) and font remain tasteful. We adhere to the timeless trend of handing out date-themed champagne flutes for guests to raise at midnight.

Timeless and Versatile

You can’t go wrong with a classic stemware set. Squeaky-clean glasses with flared pedestals make for an elegant New Year’s toast and can also be reused for other upcoming holidays. To add a bit of panache to a versatile collection (and help guests keep track of their glasses!), wrap each stem in a personalized wine charm.

Casual, But Classy

It doesn’t have to be fancy to be a good time! We love unbreakable (but reusable!) drinkware for something light and fun. Whether you’re worried about tipsy guests dropping glasses or are going to have young kids around, these are great options. Bonus: when summer (finally) comes around, you can use these outside.

Thanksgiving Table Linens: Cover All Your Options

Samantha Johnson

Home & Decorating

As <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/turkey-day-tips-prep-for-thanksgiving-three-weeks-out">Thanksgiving approaches,</a> we tend to focus our attention primarily on the people around our table and the food on top of it, but it's just as important to pay attention to the table itself. Whether we realize it or not, table linens set the tone for the meal and provide the platform on which our meal is delivered, so let’s look at some options for the big day.

Keep Things Simple 
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, but you don’t have to sacrifice style for sentiment. Table linens don’t have to scream Turkey Day. The food and atmosphere—the roar of the football game coming from the next room, the tantalizing cinnamon smell of pumpkin pie—shout Thanksgiving loud and clear all by themselves. Your table linens are merely the backdrop, leaving you free to go in a variety of directions that suit your style and decor.

One possibility is to stay on the simple side with your linens and let your dishes take center stage—especially if you’re using high-quality or sentimental dinnerware that you want to prominently display. (“Look! It’s Great-Grandma Barbara’s gravy dish!”). Try choosing a table linen that provides a canvas-like background for your tabletop decor, like this Autumn Vine Tablecloth that offers a clean yet strategically understated appearance.

(Pumpkin) Spice Things Up 
Do you thrive on warm, traditional Thanksgiving colors? Choose a tablecloth that mixes mixes tradition and style, like this floral one. Pair it with a set of richly hued napkins to add an air of elegance.

Or maybe you would like to try something a little different from tradition. For a splash of excitement, check out this kate spade new york Charlotte Street table runner, which makes an ideal backdrop for a palette of warmer colors. Or you can opt for a mirror-image effect with this alternating tablecloth. The polka-dot pattern is undeniably eye-catching, yet subtle enough not to overpower the rest of your décor.

Think Practical 
If you're facing a huge holiday party crowd and don’t necessarily value style over convenience, you can always go the route of an attractive vinyl tablecloth. These work especially well for kids’ tables or outdoor gatherings, and they make cleanup a snap.

Can’t figure out what size tablecloth you need? No worries! Check out this handy <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/guide/buying-guide-to-tablecloths/pubbbg630005">tablecloth buying guide</a> and find out everything you need to know about the world of tablecloths.

Amid all the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving festivities, paying attention to your table linens in advance will help you keep your focus where it belongs: on family, friends, and food.&nbsp;

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Countdown Cheatsheet

Thanksgiving Table Style

Set a Thanksgiving Table to Remember 
Everyone has their holiday table staples, and then there are the gaps to fill from year to year. Don’t forget to refresh the simple, elegant table elements that add a special touch for guests.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/the-elements-of-table-style">The Elements of Table Style</a> 
All the basics you need for a perfect feast.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/thanksgiving-table-linens">Thanksgiving Table Linens</a> 
Do you like to keep it simple or break from tradition? Our top picks have your table covered.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/starter-pack-serveware">Starter Pack: Serveware</a> 
Take inventory of your cheese boards and knives, platters, pitchers, and more in advance of the big day, then supplement what you need.

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/go-to-guide-wreaths">Go-To Guide: Wreaths</a> 
Set the tone for your celebratory gathering by adorning your door with a brightly hued seasonal wreath.

Company Is Coming 
The good news: You can tidy your home well ahead of your guests’ arrival, and it doesn’t have to be hard (or time-consuming).

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/how-to-clean-your-home-for-company-in-23-minutes">How to Clean Your Home for Company in 23 Minutes</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/how-to-host-thanksgiving-in-a-small-space">How to Host Thanksgiving in a Small Space</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/6-areas-to-clean-before-guests-arrive-to-give-the-impression-of-a-spotless-home">6 Areas to Clean before Guests Arrive to Give the Impression of a Spotless Home</a>

Toaster Oven Hacks

Thanksgiving Kitchen Hacks 
Whether you’re an ace at executing large meals or struggling with the special requests, these organizing and cooking tips will set you up for success.

<a href="https://bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/get-your-kitchen-organized-for-the-holidays">Get Your Kitchen Organized for the Holidays</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/starter-pack-roasting-101">Starter Pack: Roasting 101</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/toaster-oven-hacks">Toaster Oven Hacks</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/4-amazing-thanksgiving-desserts-that-arent-pie">4 Amazing Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/20-fantastic-thanksgiving-side-dishes">20 Fantastic Thanksgiving Side Dishes&nbsp;</a>

How to Survive Holiday Travel with Kids

Travel Tips 
Whether you’re on the road or hosting visitors for Thanksgiving, we have all the extras you need to make your holiday trip special (and even fun).

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/how-to-create-the-perfect-guest-room-for-holiday-visitors">How to Create the Perfect Guest Room for Holiday Visitors</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/expert-picks-how-to-take-a-holiday-trip-with-kids">Expert Picks: How to Take a Holiday Trip with Kids</a>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/taking-it-to-go-in-style-tips-for-traveling-with-food">Taking It To Go in Style: Tips for Traveling with Food</a>

We wish you the very best Thanksgiving, and lots of leftovers, too! 
&nbsp;

Turkey Day Tips: Prep for Thanksgiving 3 Weeks Out

Happy November! If you’re anything like us, you’ve already had Turkey Day on the brain for some time now. If you’re hosting, let today be the day your prep work begins. You’ll thank yourself later for the organization and advanced planning, trust us. To help you gear up, we’re presenting the first installment in a series we’re calling Turkey Day Tips, which we’ve put together with the help of <a href="https://www.resourcefulconsultants.com/">Barbara Reich</a>, a New York City-based professional organizer. Here’s what you should be looking to accomplish three weeks out from the big day.

Deep Clean Your Home and Purge Excess Clutter

This is a good idea to do every so often anyway, but it’s especially important when you’re hosting. Not only do you want your home to look its best, but having a clean, organized space will also give you peace of mind and minimize stress. Perhaps most importantly, it will make everything much easier when it’s time to actually set the table and cook the meal!

Shine Your Silver

Silver can be polished up to three weeks in advance of when you plan to use it. You may as well get it done now! Grab a few friends or family members, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and get polishing.

Make Your Guest List and Send Invites

If you’re having a large group, Barbara recommends <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/">Paperless Post</a>, which will track RSVPs and help keep you organized. Knowing the number of guests you’re having will help you manage expectations, set your table, and cook the right amount of food.

Start Delegating

As you get responses, guests will likely ask what they can bring. Barbara recommends you give assignments, and be specific. Write down which dishes people say they’ll bring so you don’t end up with duplicates.

Map Out Your Menu

Now is the time to create your Thanksgiving Day menu. Barbara says to be detailed: hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, desserts—write down everything you plan to make and serve. (Do you sense a theme here?) “Include wine, liquor, and soda as well,” she notes.

Create a Grocery List

Make your list based on your menu, and be sure to include all ingredients. If you haven’t checked the expiration dates on your herbs, spices, oils, and condiments, now is a great time to do that. Make sure what you have is current, and if you need to refresh anything, add those items to the list as well.

Order Your Turkey

Most places start taking orders for Thanksgiving turkeys around a month in advance. As soon as you know about how many people you’re going to have, order the bird you need.

Check Your Tools

“Make sure you have the <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/starter-pack-roasting-101">proper roasting tools,”</a> advises Barbara. “This includes basting tools and a pan, rack, thermometer, and carving knife. If you don’t have them, buy them now.”

Take Inventory of Dishes and Serveware

This includes flatware and glassware. “If additional items are needed, purchase them now or contact a rental company to reserve them,” says Barbara. “And don’t forget to include rental tables, chairs, or linens, if you’re in short supply.”

Bonus: If you&rsquo;re into having a <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/how-to-throw-a-near-zero-waste-party">zero-waste (or near-zero-waste) gathering,</a> try these simple tips:

<ul>
	<li>Choose food that&rsquo;s grown nearby or available at the farmers market. Not everyone lives close to fresh produce, but you&rsquo;re still ahead of the game if you choose something seasonal, as it likely traveled a shorter distance to get to your store.</li>
	<li>Extra points: Use homegrown produce!</li>
	<li>Go heavy on the veggies, as growing vegetables requires less water and produces fewer greenhouse gases than raising meat.</li>
	<li>Get an accurate head count to avoid wasting food. Use <a href="https://savethefood.com/guestimator?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp8G9wY2N5QIVF4eGCh12MAxCEAAYASABEgIbPPD_BwE">Save the Food&rsquo;s Guest-Imator</a> to assess how much food you need.</li>
	<li>Shop with a reusable market bag and produce bags.</li>
</ul>

Consider Table Decor

Think about how you’re going to set your <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/the-art-of-the-tablescape-harvest-edition">Thanksgiving table.</a> This includes not only dishes and serveware, but also centerpieces, flowers, candles, and anything else you’d like to add to make your dinner unique and seasonal.

Next week, we're going grocery shopping. Stay tuned!

Turkey Day Tips: Prep for Thanksgiving 2 Weeks Out

Cooking

If you’ve been following our Turkey Day Tips, you know that <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/turkey-day-tips-prep-for-thanksgiving-three-weeks-out">three weeks</a> before the big day, you should order the turkey, plan your menu, and invite your guests.

When you’re about two weeks out, it’s time to take it one step further and start doing some shopping and getting your table ready. New York City-based organizer <a href="https://www.resourcefulconsultants.com/#xd_co_f=NjBlNDFhYjctNTE4My00NjVkLTk2ODgtYjBjNjQ5OTU3Nzc2~">Barbara Reich</a> is back, and she’s giving us the rundown on what needs to get done two weeks before Thanksgiving to ensure the smoothest holiday possible.

Pick Up Nonperishables

Buy anything that comes in a can or a freezer bag now, as well as drinks and some dessert items. You might as well get these things off your to-do list before your home gets really hectic. Head to the grocery store this week for all of your nonperishables, including the following items:

<ul>
	<li>Alcohol</li>
	<li>Mixers</li>
	<li>Nonalcoholic beverages: soda, juice, sparkling water</li>
	<li>Oils, spices, and condiments</li>
	<li>Frozen pie crusts</li>
	<li>Frozen fruits and vegetables</li>
	<li>Canned fruits and vegetables</li>
</ul>

Ice, Ice Baby

When you’re hosting a crowd, you’re going to need more ice than you ordinarily would. If you have an ice maker, that’s great—all you’ll need are zip-lock bags or a bin. Take the ice out of the drawer or bucket, scoop it into a bin or bag, and wait for more ice to be made. Repeat as many times as necessary until you have enough for your group.

If you don’t have an ice maker, do the same with ice trays. It requires a bit more tending, but you’ll get there.

Get Your Linens Ready

Whether you’re purchasing, renting, or using your own linens, now is the time to get them ready. If you have your own, iron them this week, and you won’t have to think about it again. If you’re not ready to put out the linens just yet, layer the ironed tablecloth with a sheet and roll it into a tube to avoid wrinkling again. If you’re purchasing paper tablecloths and napkins, do that now. You’ll thank yourself next week, when your list of things to take care of seems a mile long.

Breathe. You’ve got this. And there’s lots more to do next week. Stay tuned!

Turkey Day Tips: Prep for Thanksgiving 1 Week Out

One week out from Thanksgiving is officially crunch time. If you&rsquo;ve been following along with our Turkey Day Tips series and read parts <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/turkey-day-tips-prep-for-thanksgiving-three-weeks-out">one</a> and <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/turkey-day-tips-prep-for-thanksgiving-2-weeks-out">two</a>, you&rsquo;ve made the menu, invited your guests, purchased your nonperishables, and straightened out your linens. Now it&rsquo;s time to get yourself and your home ready. New York City-based professional organizer Barbara Reich breaks down how to get through Thanksgiving with T-minus seven days. Here are her tips:

1 Week Before Thanksgiving

<ul>
	<li>&ldquo;Clear out what you don&rsquo;t need in the refrigerator and freezer to make room for Thanksgiving dishes,&rdquo; she advises. It&rsquo;s probably a good idea to do this every once in a while anyway, and we&rsquo;re betting it&rsquo;s time.</li>
	<li>Go over your menu. Make sure that you have or are planning to buy all of the necessary ingredients and that nothing was overlooked. You don&rsquo;t want to be rushing out to grab a lemon the day of because it wasn&rsquo;t on your list.</li>
	<li>If you&rsquo;re having overnight guests, get your <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/how-to-create-the-perfect-guest-room-for-holiday-visitors">guest rooms</a> or air mattresses ready.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>If you have any items that can be prepared in advance and frozen, like pie crusts, soups, and desserts, get those out of the way now.</li>
	<li>Plan what you&rsquo;re wearing. Make sure everything is clean and ready to go.</li>
</ul>

2 Days Before Thanksgiving

<ul>
	<li>Make a &ldquo;food timeline,&rdquo; says Barbara. &ldquo;Count backward from your mealtime goal, and make sure to build in an hour of downtime before guests arrive.&rdquo; Know what you&rsquo;re going to be doing and when.</li>
	<li>Pick up specialty items you&rsquo;ve ordered in advance. That means going to the butcher, the baker, and any caterers.</li>
	<li>&ldquo;Prep ingredients, as many as possible. And prepare items like cranberry sauce, soup, turkey brine, and any other side dishes you can make in advance.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/6-areas-to-clean-before-guests-arrive-to-give-the-impression-of-a-spotless-home">&ldquo;Spot-clean your house,&rdquo;</a> she says, &ldquo;especially your bathrooms. Remove or find a place for all surface clutter.&rdquo;

1 Day Before Thanksgiving

<ul>
	<li>&ldquo;Set the table, including centerpieces. Buy flowers and put them out, and add your table decor.&rdquo;</li>
	<li>Take out your <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/starter-pack-serveware">serveware</a> and decide which pieces to use for which dishes.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Set up your beverage station and dessert station, and begin to chill your drinks, particularly the ones you&rsquo;ll be serving first.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Develop a <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/how-to-thaw-a-turkey">defrosting plan for your turkey</a>.</li>
	<li>Get some sleep!</li>
</ul>

Thanksgiving Day

<ul>
	<li>&ldquo;Wake up early. If you can exercise, get a workout in,&rdquo; says Barbara.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Cook all of your day-of items, and ready the items you made in advance, whether defrosting, plating, or adding them to their respective dishes.</li>
</ul>

&ldquo;Enjoy the day,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Accept any and all help from your guests, and savor the little moments and family traditions. Ultimately, that&rsquo;s what matters most!&rdquo;

Audrey Scrivener

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, cooks across America are firing up their ovens and cranking out every harvest classic, plus one or two new recipes vying for classic status, then drawing on skills befitting an air-traffic controller to get all these dishes to the table at a tempting temperature in a timely manner. While not every home is equipped with two wall stoves and a warming oven, many, if not most, cooks have a toaster oven. Press yours into service this Thanksgiving with a few simple hacks, and you’ll find yet another reason to give thanks.

Start with an Oven Worth Lovin’

Today&rsquo;s toaster ovens are powerhouses. Most of them are so smart that they can do everything your wall oven does and ace your kid&rsquo;s calculus homework. Appealing extras&mdash;like air frying and convection&mdash;can&rsquo;t hurt, but here are a few basic features to look for if you want a toaster oven that can really help:

<ul>
	<li>A roomy interior&mdash;at least 18 by 12 inches</li>
	<li>Large, easy-to-use controls</li>
	<li>Nonstick interior that wipes clean</li>
	<li>Removable crumb tray</li>
</ul>

In addition to the list above, the Breville Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven, which can accommodate a 13-inch pizza, has a convection feature that helps with browning, a replaceable interior light that helps you see what&rsquo;s going on in there, and an automatic slide-out rack that makes it easy to remove your hot food.

The Ninja® Foodi™ SP101 Digital Air Fry Oven with Convection, also large enough to hold a 13-inch pizza, is roomy, heats to 350 degrees in one minute, and flips on its side when you aren’t using it for storage against your backsplash

Big enough for an 11-inch pizza, the powerful Breville Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ has an adjustable rack and a compact 15-inch footprint.

The pizza sizes are included as an aid to visualization, but it’s worth mentioning that pizza’s cousin, flatbread, is a quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizer to prepare in the toaster oven. Look for recipes online or wing it with seasonal ingredients like pancetta and brussels sprouts, or cranberry and goat cheese.

What’s Cooking

Leave the heavy lifting, like turkey roasting, to the conventional oven and use the toaster oven for smaller jobs. Just about anything you would cook or reheat in a casserole dish—stuffing, gratins, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole—is a candidate for the toaster oven as long as it’s short enough. (Double-check the height of your dishes a few days before you start cooking.)

Here are two good-looking versions—one covered, one not—that are attractive enough to bring to the table or buffet. You can use a toaster oven to roast vegetables if you have the right size baking sheet. Not all toaster ovens are as consistent and reliable as wall ovens, so if you’re new to toaster-oven cooking, do a trial run well before you’re entertaining to get a sense of how it performs.

10-Minute Warming

Toaster ovens, especially those models with a warming function, can outperform wall ovens when it comes to delicate operations. Just as you wouldn’t pare an apple with a meat cleaver, there’s no reason to blast sensitive foods like pies, nuts, and dinner rolls when all that’s required is slow, gentle heat. These cute holiday nut dishes can withstand the low temps of a warming oven, making serving easy. Speaking of, roasted nuts are a great appetizer and can be made in your toaster oven in a matter of minutes. Kale chips are another toaster oven winner.

Once you’ve warmed your dinner rolls, bring them to the table in a homey wicker basket. Wrapping them in elegant harvest-print napkins will preserve the heat.

Your toaster oven also makes a great plate warmer. Use it to take the chill off dinner plates and serving vessels. You probably won’t need a trivet for gently warmed dishes, but this little birdie is sure to find a place at the Thanksgiving table.

Your toaster oven will also come in handy to reheat leftovers (and refresh stale bread) in the days following the feast.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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