Thanksgiving Prep - 48 Hours to Go

Each Tuesday until Turkey Day, we're bringing you preparation tips to ensure your Thanksgiving is as smooth as your gravy (should be). If you've been following our advice, everything should be under control. But with just two days to go, here's a final check list before the big day.

1. Make a plan.
We know you've been planning all month, but go into your kitchen (right now!) and go through everything you're going to cook on Thursday and what you'll cook it in/with. Do you have all of the ingredients you need? Stock pots? Pans? Serving spoons? If not, get them -- now.

2. Finish all of your shopping. Tonight.
No, don't put it off until tomorrow morning. Do you really want to be trapped in line at the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving, when you should be spending the day enveloped by delicious cooking aromas in your kitchen? Didn't think so. Make a list (including bread and all of the greens you couldn't buy last week), check it twice and grab a grocery cart. And pick up some extra wine while you're out.

3. Double (or triple) check with your guests.
Are all of your guests still coming? Even the one you're counting on to bring the pies? Make sure anyone you're depending on for any part of the meal plans to be there well before you start carving the turkey.

4. Prep as much as you can.
Use today and tomorrow to get as much prep done as you can. Chop vegetables, boil potatoes and brine your turkey. You can even make the cranberry sauce and refrigerate it.

5. Relax and have fun.
You're well-prepared for Thanksgiving. There's no reason to worry. Relax, drink some of that wine you bought. And if, after all of this preparation, something goes terribly awry, there's always the turkey hotline.