Thanksgiving Prep - Four Weeks to Go

Think it's too early to start planning Thanksgiving dinner? Think again! Nov. 26 may seem like a long way off, but for the holiday host, it's right around the corner. That's why each Tuesday until Turkey Day, we'll bring you preparation tips to ensure your Thanksgiving is as smooth as your gravy (should be).

1. Get a head count.
Now's the time to start inviting people to Thanksgiving dinner. If you're thinking about it, chances are good your friends and family are, too. So if your cousin is bringing her new boyfriend, and both sets of grandparents are coming to town, as well as your parents and siblings, you're going to need to figure out how to seat everyone at your small table with three mismatched chairs.

Getting a head count this early ensures you'll have enough time to borrow tables, chairs and whatever other furniture items you need to so that everyone can eat comfortably, and then have a place to lounge when the tryptophan-wine combo sets in. And don't forget to find out who's a vegetarian, who's allergic to nuts, and any other dietary restrictions you'll be dealing with. The last thing you want to hear as you put your orange-scented green beans with toasted almonds on the table is that your cousin's new boyfriend has a severe nut allergy.

2. Pre-order your turkey.
There are few things more stressful than trying to find a good turkey of the correct size during the week before Thanksgiving, especially if you want a heritage turkey or are particular about organic and free-range game.

Luckily, many grocery stores begin taking orders for turkeys around the beginning of November. And that early head count will let you know how much turkey you'll need to ensure everyone leaves with bellies so full they'll wish they'd worn sweatpants. Allow for one pound of turkey per person (that way you'll most likely have leftovers for things like turkey sandwiches and turkey noodle casserole).

3. Decide on your sides.
You don't have to get super specific with recipes now, but it's good to start thinking about the kinds of sides you're going to prepare. Are you going to attempt your mom's sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top, or do you want to try something a little more sophisticated this year? Will you serve brussels sprouts, broccoli or both?

Make a list, and then you can decide what you can realistically take on (remember, you probably only have four burners and two oven racks to work with) and what you'll ask others to bring (we'll address this next week). Then comes the fun part: sifting through recipes!

How do you start prepping for Turkey Day? Tell us in the comments!