The Day-Before Thanksgiving Timeline

It's D-Day, almost, and as people are rushing for trains, planes, and automobiles to get to the site of tomorrow's feast, some Thanksgiving hosts are beginning to sweat. But never fear--this timeline for today will help guarantee success for tomorrow. We can't control Grandma telling salty stories about her youth, but we can control most everything else with a little planning and forethought: Clean Up: Tidy up only the rooms guests will see; you can close the doors to the ones they won't. Set Up: Set the table(s), get the music ready, pull out the candles, organize the seating, arrange the flowers or centerpiece, find all the serving bowls and dishes. Check Up: Do you have all of the washing and storing materials you need like dishwashing detergent and aluminum foil? Do you have all of the ingredients you need for every dish you're making and any extra item people might need who are bringing food? Do you have enough glasses, silverware, napkins, corkscrews? Cook Up: Make as much as you can today for tomorrow. That includes stuffing, cranberry sauce, greens, bread and biscuits, mashed potatoes, rice and grains, soups, casseroles, pies, cake layers, cookies--just about everything but the turkey and gravy. Drink Up: After you've taken stock (and done the stock), relax. Have a glass of merlot, nibble some cheese, and remember all that you have to be thankful for. PS: For tips on organizing Thanksgiving day, check out our timeline.

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