Let me first start by saying that though everyone wants a clean house when their guests arrive for a big holiday, your guests are more than likely there because they want to see you.  They are not (usually) there to give your house the white-glove test.  In fact, my motto is. . .”Who will really notice?”  Maybe I’m not the most perceptive person in the world, but I don’t generally notice if a person’s house is dusted or if the floor has been mopped.  As a friend once told me, unless something is extreme (extremely clean or extremely dirty), most people don’t register the state of something.  Now, of course, I know there are exceptions:  the ultra-clean mother-in-law or the picky uncle.  But my point is that we think we need to bend over backwards preparing our home, when really just the right amount of maintenance will do to make you and your guests feel comfortable this Thanksgiving.  I am not advocating mediocrity, but I am advocating for moms who think they need to clean every room of the house with a Q-tip, create a fabulous centerpiece for the table, iron the fine linens, and cook the bulk of the feast themselves.  We must not put expectations on ourselves to appear to have it all perfect.  I know I suffer from this syndrome – so I AM preaching to the choir here.

There are some steps that you will just feel better for having taken.  Now is the time to schedule those steps.  Begin today and work toward Thanksgiving Day in increments.  You will save yourself from the stress of doing everything right before the big day.

• Create or print a Thanksgiving Preparation* planner and begin to plot & prioritize tasks to be done leading up to the big day.
• Plan to clean a room or two each day.  Will yourself to stay on task and do what’s necessary at this point (e.g. avoid projects like cleaning out the desk or organizing the storage room).  Delegate tasks to free up your time for other projects.
• Prepare food and dishes ahead of time, if possible.
• Consider seating.  How many guests will you have?  Do you need more tables & chairs?  Where will they go?
• Consider the table.  Will it be covered?  How will you add your personal, homey touch?
• Consider place settings.  Do you have enough plates, glasses, and silverware?  Are they clean & ready?  Will you use paper or cloth napkins?
• Do as much as possible ahead of time so that you will have an opportunity to breathe on Thanksgiving Day and be truly thankful.

* Members to ListPlanIt.com can print or download a Thanksgiving Preparation page in Holidays & Occasions.

Are you having guests in your home for Thanksgiving this year?  What do you consider top-priority?