Hello Everyone,

Thanksgiving only comes around once a year and I know the reason for that!! It takes time, preparations and planning to get this baby off the ground. I know you all set out a grand feast for family and friends and sometimes it can get overwhelming. Which recipes do you use this year? How many are coming? Where can you get that special gravy boat not to mention a platter for the bird?

Bon Appetit has devised a clever calendar "countdown" to help us plan the preparations. I know I will make good use of it this year. Today is November 1st and there are only 3 weeks left to the Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast. Here is their countdown devised to help us all ...by the way, if you can pick up the November issue, do it, it is brimming with ideas and recipes...just yummy!!!

I will post my Thanksgiving Menu 2001 by Saturday as I still have to give it the final touches....

Happy Planning!! Gina
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Thursday, November 1st

It's exactly three weeks til Thanksgiving, so why not get the two most important things out of the way...the turkey and the guest list!

Order a fresh turkey from your supermarket and schedule pickup for some time after Nov. 19th.

Confirm your guest list by checking in with the regulars and inviting anyone new. And, the best thing...this isn't a written invitation kind of holiday, so e-mails are just fine!
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Saturday, November 3rd

Settle in with the November issue of BON APPETIT and your own recipe collection to come up with the most delectable menu this year!!

Start planning any table decorations too!!
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Sunday, November 4th

It's never to early to get yourself organized....make yourself a master shopping list using the specials your local grocery puts out. Divide it into 3 sections:
BUY NOW NON-PERISHABLES: (wine, canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, canned veggies)
ITEMS FOR THE ONE WEEK AHEAD and
PERISHABLES TO BUY on Nov 20 and 21
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Thursday, November 8th

Pick up some turkey wings for making and freezing a big batch of turkey stock.

Find some new cocktail recipes to get everyone in the holiday mood....
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Saturday, November 10th

Check that you have all the necessary kitchen equipment to make the turkey and other dishes on the menu.

Print out the recipes and menu to attach to your fridge with a magnet. Use your menu packet to help you prepare each dish, tear it off as you finish each one. Or if you are using recipe cards, paper clip them together.
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Thursday, November 15th

Check your shopping list and buy non-perishable items. There should be an abundance of grocery specials out by now.

Check to see that your table cloth and linens and silverware are in order as well as your serving pieces.
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Sunday, November 18th

You will need storage space in the freezer and fridge for the turkey and the do-ahead dishes...so throw a leftovers clean-out party!!
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Monday, November 19th

If you have gone the frozen turkey route, calculate the defrosting time, you might have to start today.
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Tuesday, November 20th

Enlist the kids' help to polish the silver and help decorate the table.
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Wednesday, November 21st

Hit the supermarket early in the day to shop for perishables.

Make pies and other desserts and store according to recipe directions.

Make any do-ahead cassseroles and store in fridge.

Most important of all: Don't cook dinner tonight, order in.
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Thursday, November 22nd

If you have followed Bon Appetit's timetable, today should be a breeze:

here's what left to do; Make mashed potatoes, finish preparing any vegetables, complete the stuffing, put the turkey in to roast, thaw and re-warm any frozen bread or rolls, finish salads and set the table. Whew!!!!
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Friday, November 23rd

What to do today? Enjoy a turkey sandwich, of course. There will loads of assorted fabulous recipes on what to do with leftovers here at TKL!!!