Thanksgiving is the biggest meal of the year - so big that we sometimes skip breakfast just to make extra room. But getting the turkey in the oven early enough for the feast is sometimes the least of our worries. Making and baking so many dishes can lead to tons of washing, innumerable messes, and worst of all, stressed out family members who then won’t get a chance to relax. And of course, the danger of trying to work in a space overcrowded with plates, pies, and sides is always going to be a hassle. Fortunately it doesn’t have to be that way this year! It doesn’t matter if you’re in charge or just passing through; below are some tips to help keep the kitchen clean and coordinated over the next few days.
If You’re the Master Chef:
The chef has the hardest job this Thanksgiving, and without careful planning, it can make you so stressed you’ll need a vacation after your days off. Don’t let it get to that point. Here’s some advice to keep your kitchen flowing with all the efficiency and ease you need to relax this year:
- Make a plan: if you haven’t started a list yet, start one now. Write down the menu, tasks to assign, and maybe even a detailed timeline. Keep a pen handy for additions, too.
- Clean beforehand: put extra kitchen clutter away now, or move it into another room, even just for the time being. You’ll need all the space you can get.
- Delegate: this one can be really hard, especially if the pressure is on (cooking for the in-laws for the first time, anyone?). But you can’t do everything! If a family member or friend is asking to help, let them.
If You’re the Host:
So you’re not cooking, but you’re still having family and friends over and hopefully supporting whoever is doing the cooking. Help make life easier by taking some of these steps:
- Ask what needs done: before guests arrive, find out what will be most helpful so you’re not just getting in the way. Plus, if guests want to help too, you can delegate without having to bother the chef.
- Entertain: even if you’re not the most gregarious of the family, take family on a tour of the house (‘have you seen our fabulous bathroom remodel?’) or get a board game or two started. Keep family out of the kitchen as much as possible.
- Know what time it is: and what time dinner will be. That way, you can make sure you put out snacks if you’ve still got a few hours, or finish up a movie in plenty of time.
If You’re a Guest:
Seeing a family member or friend stressed out in the kitchen can be tough: you want to help, but don’t want to overstep as a guest. But don’t shy away from asking, because there are some easy ways for anyone to make things run more smoothly on turkey-day:
- Think about dishes: if you’ve been asked to bring a dish or if you’ve offered, ask the host if they’d prefer real dishes or classy disposable ones. Using a disposable dish can lighten the clean up load, and you might even be able to use it to take leftovers home!
- Ask how to help: don’t assume you know what’s best for the chef, especially since you are in their space. Ask if there’s anything in particular you can help with, and if not, offer to do something simple (think ‘setting the table’ simple).
- Finally, stay out of the way: it’s really the best option unless you’re helping out or the chef says it’s ok. They might be a friend you’d love to catch up with, but the best place might not be in a busy kitchen as the potatoes are being mashed or the turkey basted. Let them get dinner on the table, and you’ll have plenty of time afterwards for chit chat (and they’ll be more relaxed, anyway!).
