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Can it be time for Thanksgiving already? Whether it’s a holiday meal with friends and family, food culminating with a turkey dinner is a colossal undertaking. Try some of my shortcuts to make this day a little easier.

Anything I can do to simplify the day works for me. Since the meal is traditional and the menu is the same every year,  I put my grocery list on an excel spreadsheet.

About mid November, I print a checklist from my computer. Throughout the holidays, I scribble notes to update the  list, so I’m ready for the following  year.

I’ve attached my grocery  list (for easy printing) that includes ingredients for  (1) a sliced fresh fruit platter, freshly squeezed orange juice; (2) brunch casserole, (3) turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, stuffing, desserts; and (4) nuts and bolts snacks** (addictive and fun activity for kids). So, everything for the entire day’s food is on my list. No fuss.

On Thanksgiving morning, I have a fresh fruit platter, fresh orange juice and my favorite Williams Sonoma croissants. The kitchen smells like a French bakery.

For brunch, I serve the overnight breakfast casserole. Dinner is traditional turkey with all the trimmings. Best of all, everything for breakfast, brunch, the gravy and prep for the stuffing, is finished the day before.

Hopefully, this will inspire you to get organized and enjoy your celebration without the normal stress of holiday overload.  Edit to include your own favorites in the checklist. Enjoy!

NOTE

 *Remember to order the Williams and Sonoma croissants  the week before, and pull from the freezer the night before to rise. You won’t believe the size of the croissants by morning that are ready to bake in the oven.

** Nuts and Bolts snack recipe is on the blog.

-The Gourmet Review