You’re down to the wire, just a few more days until the doorbell rings and your Thanksgiving guests start to trickle in. It’s not only your first time hosting Thanksgiving, but it’s also the first Thanksgiving at your house. Needless to say, this Thanksgiving will be a trial run and may go down in the history books for better or for worse. While things never go exactly according to plan, add these few tips to your to do list to help your first feast run a little smoother. 

Thaw the Turkey 

If you’ve bought a frozen turkey, whatever you, don’t wait until Thanksgiving morning to start thawing it out! Take your turkey out of the freezer and place it in your refrigerator. It generally takes around one day to thaw 5lbs of turkey, plus you will probably want to let it sit for another day or two just in case. So if your turkey is 20lbs, allow for at least four days to ensure it’s in good condition to start cooking. 

Pull out the Extras 

It doesn’t matter how many times you ask for a head count or inquire about everyone’s R.S.V.P.s, there’s always at least one or two extra unannounced stragglers. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks and appreciate one another, so instead of making a fuss, simply plan ahead for an extra head or two. Make a quick trip to your storage unit and grab your extra dining chairs and special silverware. The same goes for food, too. Plan for an extra stomach or two, along with those second and third helpings for hungry guests.

 Inquire About Allergies and Food Preferences

 Although Thanksgiving is a holiday best known for gobbling down turkey and ham, not everyone eats meat, while others may be allergic to your walnut dressing. You can’t be expected to rearrange your menu just because your brother decided to go vegan last month, but it’s always nice to offer alternatives or substitutes. If giving in to everyone’s picky eating habits has you stressed out, encourage these guests to contribute their own dishes to the feast instead.