November 20, 2022

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and for many of us that means last minute preparations. If you’re scrambling to get things together for Thanksgiving, have no fear! Here are some last-minute ideas that will help make your holiday run smoothly. And if you need a little extra help, I’ve included a link to my favorite Thanksgiving items that can be delivered right to your door via Amazon. The Meal. By now, the meal has most likely been planned out, the turkey has been ordered or is already in the freezer….and for some, the 20+lb turkeys are already defrosting in the fridge. If you are writing out the schedule for the meal prep and need a little extra reassurance, the Butterball website provides a helpful guide to Turkey cooking times (even pressure cooking), as well as a calculator that will give you the exact time required for cooking and defrosting a turkey based on its size. You can find it here: https://www.butterball.com/calculators-conversions. Side dish duties have already by now probably been divided up between the guests and some will have even be prepared ahead of time as you read this. If you need a last minute idea for a unique side dish that also provides an extra dose of protein for vegetarian guests, try my Holiday Brussels & Maple Squash recipe. Other last minute sides, drinks, games and table decor can be found in my Ultimate Friendsgiving Guide from last year. Last Minute Recipe Ideas Don’t forget the appetizer/cheese board turkey! Aren’t you glad I didn’t say charcuterie?! LOL Fun placemats are a great idea to entertain the little ones at the table! Now for these you can purchase them from Amazon, or head over to my shop and purchase the digital file to print them directly from your home or local print shop. You will also find a collection of fun printable Thanksgiving games, trivia, family feud, and children’s activity worksheets in my shop as well! All the digital items in my shop are available to access and print right after processing the payment- so if the turkey is taking longer than expected, head over to my shop and print out some fun games to pass the time! For a classy, upscale bonus, I love this idea of personal sized mini coquette bakeware for side dishes, soup or dessert. You can use small stainless pots or mini coquette stoneware (my preference). You can also find the mini coquettes from Staub and Le Creuset at local stores like Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. I have even found some pumpkin shaped ones over the years! For a budget friendly substitute, try looking at local discount grocery and department stores. I found comparable mini coquettes for only $10.00 each at my local Aldi store! Click the picture to check out the Staub brand ones that I use. Along the same lines, try using simple dollar store mini cutting boards for guest to use as their own charcuterie snack plates or for their dinner rolls and butter. See the picture below for inspiration. You can even get creative and attach name tags to each little board. Table Decor Inspiration ~ Our Recipe is Now Being Featured in Kong Company’s Very First Cookbook! The Kong Company has been providing dogs with quality busy chew toys and treat holders since 1976 Turkey Meatballs For Dogs This turkey meatball recipe was inspired by an infamous picture of Bailey, in her absolute glory, under the kids table at Thanksgiving!  Instead of her loading up on potentially harmful table scraps and discouraging her from being a part of the feast, I decided to create a special treat just for the family dogs.  These meatballs are so incredibly easy to whip up, can be stored in the freezer, and are great year-round…in moderation, of course! Recipe includes directions for oven baked or pressure cooked. Recipe Link