Hosting Thanksgiving This Year? A Few Tips for Organizing the Feast
1. Start planning early. Set the menu ahead of time and be sure to stock up the pantry and remember snacks for the guest to munch on before hand. (Order your free-range, antibiotic, and hormone free turkey in advance! Check out your local food coop or natural food store) This prevents last minute shopping and "freak-outs" LOL!
2. Map out a calendar with the days you need to grocery shop, clean the house (or hire a Norwex-chemical free cleaning lady; my friend Kristi could help! 712.209.0873) and begin cooking! Enlist family members to help with these tasks! I'm all about delegating!!! Or you could even have a relative make the pie, bring a salad or other dish, booze, etc! Don't be afraid to ask for help.
3. Clear off coffee table so guests will have extra space to put down their snacks and drinks. Rent or borrow extra tables and chairs if needed.
4. Have guests commit to an arrival time. If they're vague about attending (people are so non-committal these days I've noticed..) you may end up with too much food-or worse- too little! Stress to guests they must RSVP!
5. If unexpected guests leave you scrambling for something else to serve, try roasting root vegetables. Peel and chop your choice of vegetables. Toss with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until veggies are tender when pierced with a fork. Garnish with fresh herbs. (see recipe below)
6. Try not to stress about FAMILY. So you are not a fan of your Aunt's rude comments and sick of them asking "when are you going to get married?!?!" Remember it is just one day and relax... it's all about how you react to the situation. Arrive with a good attitude and be grateful that you HAVE a family and a place to go on Thanksgiving Day! Or, just plan a Thanksgiving with friends and neighbors if your family is difficult! :-)
Ingredients:
4 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt
Directions:
-Preheat oven 400 degrees.
-In medium bowl, combine beets, olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, pepper, sea salt.
-Transfer beets to a 9x13 glass baking dish and cover with foil.
-Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake, uncovered, for 10-20 more minutes, until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve.
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
0 comments: