Thanksgiving hacks to be thankful for

If you’re like me, you may use your oven for storage more than you actually cook in it. Remember Frankie’s infamous oven quilt from The Middle? And really, why, not? There’s a lot of room in there! (I like to hide dirty dishes behind the elusive dark glass when friends call with that scary phrase: “Hey I’m stopping by in a minute!”)

But hold the phone! It’s Thanksgiving, and holy turkey, Batman, it’s your turn to host! First, take a deep breath, then consider these easy tips to help you feed your family a meal they’ll love and one you’ll actually get to enjoy.

• If you’re not a master chef, prepare plenty of meals you know you can hit out of the park. If some of your dishes are a total flop, your loyal standbys will still leave your guests impressed
• Start your prep early. Cut and prep vegetables, and put them in the freezer for easy storage.
• Your crockpot is your best friend. Everything from mashed potatoes to an easy boxed stuffing can be prepared and kept warm with minimal effort.
• Stock up on plenty of plasticware that you don’t expect returned. The Dollar Store will be your saving grace. Guests can go home with ample leftovers without giving them the stressful responsibility of remembering to return your best dishes.
• Want to add a few magical touches? Make some cute and simple place cards for the dinner table. Not only do they look fancy, but you’ll be the “hostess with the mostest.”
• Play some festive music in the background to help with sometimes awkward silence as guests get settled. Christmas music, some classic oldies, anything to get everyone in the mood for a good time.
• Make clean up a breeze. Chances are there will be plenty of kids running around. Make clean up a game—give them each an age appropriate job and watch your kitchen turn into an (almost) spotless paradise.
• Make dessert a game too. Prepare unfrosted sugar cookies and set up a cookie bar, complete with frosting and sprinkles and let everyone create their own personalized dessert. Kids and adults alike will love joining in on the fun.

For more tips, The Food Network asked 50 famous chefs to share their favorite Thanksgiving hacks. Consider some of these, I promise they will keep you sane:

“Create a delicious holiday aroma throughout your home by boiling a pot of water with orange rind, cinnamon sticks, and whole star anise and whole cloves” – Ian Kittichai, Ember Room, New York City “I put half a cup of coffee beans in the cavity of the turkey. It creates depth of flavor.” Tom Douglas, Dahlia Lounge, Seattle.

Most of all, just have fun. Everyone loves food, but what people love more than a full stomach is a full heart. Enjoy this time with family and friends, and don’t forget to be thankful.