It was the best of times, it was the worst of times and 2008 will perhaps be remembered as the year of the worst economic crisis families (like mine) have ever seen.
Today, families are struggling -- there have been a lot more dads picking up at my kids' schools, lately -- and it's tough to keep the holiday spirit alive, when it feels like everything else is going to h-e-double-hockey sticks.
Are you worried about Thanksgiving preparations? Are you feeling stressed-out and ALREADY dreading the holidays?
Me, too.
But, that's what the Internets are for -- seriously, there are some really awesome ideas floating around, especially at this time of year -- and I was able to get some pretty good holiday shopping tips from Andrea Astrachan (Consumer Advisor for Stop and Shop) and thought I'd, you know, pass them along to you, too:
- Put together your guest list and find out whether any of your guests have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Develop a menu- include your traditional family favorites and search recipes for new, creative ideas to try.
- Assign side dishes to guests based on their specialties – and to lighten your workload!
- Think about your table and festive decorations. Will you need candles or a floral centerpiece? Our floral department and seasonal aisle have great choices.
- Create a complete shopping list based on your menu and number of anticipated guests.
- Divide your shopping list into “anytime” items and “buy later” items.
- Purchase your “anytime” items (decorations, beverages, canned and frozen goods) now. For other items, like fresh fruit and cheese platters, shrimp platters, fresh rolls and your floral centerpiece- wait closer to Thanksgiving Day.
- Buy your turkey in advance!
- A fresh turkey can be purchased up to a week ahead; just make certain that the sell-by date is no more than 2 days before you plan to cook the bird.
- If frozen, a 12-pound turkey will take 2 days to defrost in the
- Refrigerator; a 20-24 pound turkey will take 4 days.
- Remember to use a meat thermometer. It takes the stress out of properly and safely cooking the turkey. Just insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, where the leg connects to the body and remove the turkey from the oven when the temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Plan ahead if you’re having children at your home. Make fun activities available such as books, coloring books, stickers, toys and games- for convenience, you can pick up these items in our toy and book aisles while you food shop. And please remember to put all medicine and household chemicals in out-of-reach locations.
- Finally, stock up on sale items to save money. At this time of year, there are great sales on many staples and canned goods. I also pick up an extra frozen turkey because it’s priced right and lasts 6-9 months in a deep freezer.
And, for those of us ambitious enough to actually agree to, you know, host Thanksgiving dinner [shudder] here are some Turkey Day time-saving tips:
- Clean out the refrigerator ahead of the time to make room for appetizer platters, drinks and desserts.
- Look for items in the menu that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.
- Use versatile cookware for items you cook ahead of time- ones that are both microwavable and oven safe so that you can either reheat them in the oven during the last 40 min of the turkey baking or in the microwave.
- Prepare as much as you can the day before Thanksgiving dressing – soups, or ingredients bread, celery, onions, mushrooms, can be cubed and cut and stored in separate plastic bags in the refrigerator.
- Cook and peel potatoes, squash and turnip the night before.
- You can also set up your buffet or table in advance.
- Use party platters for appetizers or our fully cooked holiday dinners and side dishes.
- Frozen vegetables can be a real time saver, and can easily be dressed up with slivered almonds, honey roasted almonds, grated low fat cheese or your favorite sauce.
- Purchase pies from our bakery and decorate with whipped cream or add ice cream when serving – they are delicious!
- Place a variety of drinks in a tub with ice so guests can serve themselves.
- And remember food safety!
- Use a meat thermometer – cook until the thigh reaches 160 degrees.
- Don’t forget the 2 hour rule: keep cold buffet items on ice and hot foods warm.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly too.
Personally, I believe that the Thanksgiving season is also a great time for each of us to help our families focus on the good times we've shared, together (okay, so maybe we can learn from the bad times, too) and remember to give back to those whose year has been less fortunate, than ours.
Every autumn for the past 19 years, Stop & Shop's Food For Friends has sponsored a fundraiser, raising $1,000,000 each year to help support local hunger relief organizations.
This year's program runs October 31-December 4, 2008 and their goal is to once again raise $1,000,000 for area food banks.
Right now, I'm holding eight (8) $25.00 gift cards (thank you, Stop and Shop) and, in the spirit of thanks and giving, I'm going to donate half of them to our local food bank and offer 4 (four) readers the chance to win the rest.
Because, I roll like that.
[Retail Value: $25.00]
FIND IT HERE: StopandShop.com
WIN IT HERE: Just leave a comment on this post by 10:00 a.m. on November 26th (Wednesday) and you ARE automatically entered to WIN IT! Four (4) winners will be picked (via random.org) and announced via email and post on PRIZEYWinners!
[U.S. Residents, Only!]
HEY, you (yes, YOU!) want extra chances to win? Excellent! Blog about this contest (YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR LINK) or, subscribe to our feed (DITTO) to get THREE chances (for a total of 4) to win!
Good luck and don't forget to check out these giveaways for more awesome stuff we're just itching to, you know, giveaway!
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[Oh, and did you know that we host a Review Bloggers Carnival, too?!?]
