(This post is brought to you by ServiceMaster Restore.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.

(This post brought to you by Maxx AC & Heating.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search only for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.

Who doesn’t love a delicious egg nog recipe for the holidays?  Who doesn’t love holiday drinks this time of year? You got it!  Let’s whip up some classic egg nog for the holiday season.  We all have those beautiful memories of sipping on a glass or cup of egg nog while listening and enjoying our guests, so today make your own to keep with the familiar tradition.  The recipe is simple and even more delicious to taste.  So for this year pull out the saucepan and milk mix so you can recreate this candied beverage for all to fall in love with all over again!

How to Make a Classic Holiday Egg Nog Recipe 

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Egg Nog Recipe Ingredients:

4 cups of Milk
2 1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
5 Whole Cloves
1 teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon
12 Egg Yolks
1 1/2 cups of Sugar
4 cups of Light Cream
2 1/2 cups of Light Rum
1/2 teaspoon of Ground Nutmeg

Homemade Eggnog Recipe Directions:

1. Heat the milk, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a saucepan over a low heat for approximately 5 minutes. After the time has passed remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Take a large bowl, and whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the combination becomes fluffy. Then begin to whisk the hot milk mixture slowly with the mixture of fluffy eggs.  After the two mixtures have been combined, pour them into the saucepan. Cook them over a medium heat, being sure to constantly stir it for 3 minutes or until it becomes thick.
3. After mixture has become thick, strain it to pull out all of the cloves.  Then let it cool for about an hour.  Then stir in the rum, cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and nutmeg.
4. Refrigerate the mixture over night before serving and then ENJOY!!!!

Looking for more holiday drinks?

Take a look at our 26 holiday cocktails – perfect from Thanksgiving through New years!

For more delicious drink recipes on Stagetecture, visit our drinks archives.

What are your favorite holiday cake recipes from the past? Are you wanting to switch it up this year and try some new cake ideas? We decided to pair with a few of our blogger friends and dig through Stagetecture’s archives to bring Christmas, Thanksgiving, and all the holidays in between cake recipes. Whether you like light and fluffy or sweet and decadent, we have you covered! Let us know which of these 19 holiday cake recipes you love the most!

If you love desserts, take a look at our desserts recipes on How To Make a Burlap Wreath website too!  The new redesigned site has more than just wreaths. Look to the new site for ways to celebrate, decorate and organize.

19 Of Our Best Holiday Cake Recipes

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1. Holiday Cake: Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Starting off this holiday cake recipes list with a sweet and succulent cake that will have you and your guest begging for more.Oh who doesn’t love rich goodness of cheesecake? And how many of us like cheesecake that carries extra goodies on top, bottom and inside? If that is you then this holiday cake recipe is made for you. Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe, has all of the usual ingredients but has a mixture of pumpkin spice as an additional flavor. Not to mention chocolate and caramel sauce drizzle on top along with toasted pecans. Make your tongue say “Mmm-hmm.” Go ahead and make this holiday cake recipe a family favorite this season. We also like this Brandy Cheesecake Recipe.

2. Sugar-Free Dessert: Applesauce Cake Recipe

Now not all cakes have to be sugar filled like this next recipe for example. Typically, being on a sugar-free diet is not a part of the holiday plan. However, just because something is sugar-free doesn’t mean that it can’t be just as flavorful as a sugary delight. Try this Sugar free dessert: Applesauce Cake Recipe. This cake is completely simple to make and there are only a few substitutions that will only add to the deliciousness. Plus, when eating this cake you can still appease those sweet tooth cravings without feeling any guilt or heaviness when you’re done. Go ahead try it out!

3. Brown-Sugar Bourbon  Bundt Cake

You can’t have a true holiday without a bundt. And here is one bundt cake recipe that you can’t miss out on. Ladies and gentlemen, now introducing the Brown-Sugar Bourbon Bundt Cake recipe. Who doesn’t remember when you were in the kitchen and your grandmother or mother was filling the bundt pan with batter right before sliding the mixture into the oven? From this recipe you get the wonderful goodness of the maple brown-sugar emersed with a little liquor to enhance the sweetness of the entire cake that the family will adore.

4. Holiday Cake Favorite: Ambrosia Coconut Cake Recipe

Thanks to Southern Living, the Ambrosia Coconut Cake recipe is at our fingertips. This exotic cake recipe not only gives the sweet and refreshing flavors that everyone will love but can also serve as wonderful décor. It only takes a few easy steps to make and even better to taste, it is sure to quickly become a holiday tradition.

The holidays are a great time of the year. And what better way to celebrate it than with a baking recipe that will help to bring the entire family together. And these holiday cake recipes are just a small few of what you and your family can create. Don’t be limited and see what you all can come up with. Also, Stagetecture readers, do you have any recipes that you would like to share for the holidays?

15 Blogger Friends Holiday Cake Recipes

1. Holiday Rum Cake
2. Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe
3. Eggnog Bundt Cake Recipe
4. Tropical Christmas Cake
5. Cinnamon Roll Layer Cake
6. Gingerbread Bundt Cake With Vanilla Glaze
7. Gingerbreak Cheesecake
8. Ferrero Rocher Cake
9. Old Fashioned Jam Cake
10. Cranberry Pumpkin Upside Down Cake
11. Butter Crunch Cake
12. Cranberry Upside Down Cake
13. Simple Chocolate Peppermint Cake
14. Spiced Chocolate Eggnog Cake
15. Fresh Cranberry Cake Recipe

Do you want a chocolate cake recipes for the holidays?

Try this Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe!

Looking for more yummy desserts? Take a look through our dessert recipes category.

Christmas stocking stuffer ideas aren’t’ just for kids anymore! While the thought of what to give your kids, neighbors, and even your spouse can be a challenge we’ve made the process easier for you! We’ve compiled our favorite Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas and grouped them for everyone on your holiday list. Whether you’re needing to stuff your teen’s stocking or your neighbor’s mailbox with holiday cheer, we have you covered! Take a look at these holiday stocking stuffer ideas and let us know what you would add to the list.

75 Creative Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas 

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15 Christmas Stocking Stuffers Ideas for Teens

1. Apple iPod Shuffle 2GB
2. Retro Vintage Two Tone Sunglasses
3. Panasonic ErgoFit Earbud Headphones
4. Boys Camouflage Trifold Wallet
5. Fandango Gift Card
6. Top Secret Lock and Key Diary with Invisible Ink Pen
7. Funky Socks 2 Pack
8. 101 Real-World Tips for Teenaged Guys Paperback
9. Bath Bombs Gift Set
10. Vinyl Skateboard Guitar Travel Case Decals
11. Knitted Beanie Cap with Scarf Two Peice Set
12. Hot Designs Glitz and Glam Nail Art Pens
13. Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S Camera
14. Teen Coloring Book
15. Let’s do this! Gold and Purple Sparkly 18oz Confetti Loop Water Bottle

15 Christmas Stocking Stuffers Ideas for Kids

1. Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Memory Match Game
2. Schylling Classic Tin Kaleidoscope
3. 3 Bees & Me Bath Toys
4. Toddler Girls Beanie Hat and Easy Mittens
5. Holiday Counting Chunky Book
6. Pull Back Trains Assorted Colors
7. Non-Skid Toddler Crew Socks
8. Moonjar Classic Moneybox: Save, Spend, Share
9. Disney Frozen 6 Piece Lip Balm Gift Set
10. Finger Printing Monsters Art Set
11. Stegosaurus Plush Stuffed Dinosaur
12. Brush Buddies Shopkins Sonic Powered Toothbrush
13. TruKid Bubble Podz, Yumberry 24 Count
14. WIND-UP Toys Stocking Stuffers
15. Olivia Helps with Christmas Board Book

15 Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Him

1. Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Noir for Men Gift Set
2. Beard Balm
3. Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
4. Hawk-Spruce Extendable Back Scratcher
5. RFID Blocking Mens Wallet
6. NFL Toothbrush
7. External Backup Power Pack
8. 3 Pairs Thermal Wool Socks
9. Bacon Flavored Toothpicks
10. LUX Essentials Pop ‘N’ Catch Magnetic Wall Mounted Bottle Opener
11. Wood Wayfarer Sunglasses by Eye Love
12. Paracord Survival Bracelet
13. Barrel Aged Cocktail Kit
14. Fog Free Shower Shave Mirror
15. 10-in-1 Stainless Steel Manicure Set

15 Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Her

1. 4 Wine Stoppers by Clever Leigh
2. EOS 2016 Limited Edition Holiday Lip Balm Sphere Collection 3-Pack
3. Soothing Therapeutic Gel Eye Masks
4. Wearable Nail Polish Holder
5. Wonder Woman Knee High Shiny Red Caped Socks
6. Electronic Callus Remover
7. PRO Beauty Sponge Blender 4pc Set
8. Inflatable Bath Pillow with Feathers
9. Vera Bradley Small Cosmetic Bag
10. Bath Bomb Gift Set
11. CoverGirl The Super Sizer Fibers Mascara
12. Konjac Natural Exfoliating Facial Sponge
13. Cooling Workout Towel
14. Hair Towel Wrap
15. Detangling Brush

15 Christmas Stocking Stuffer & Gift Ideas for Friends

Need Christmas gift ideas for friends, neighbors, co-workers? We have just the gift idea!

1. Toblerone Swiss Milk Chocolate 6 Bar Gift Set
2. Inspirational Quotes Hardcover Book
3. Peanuts Gang Hot Chocolate Gift Set
4. Led Light Telescoping Handle Magnetic Pickup Tool
5. Handmade Multilayer Charm Leather Bracelet
6. Morning Medicine Glass Coffee Mug
7. Essential Oil Carrying Case & Stainless Steel Diffuser Bracelet
8. Handheld Milk Frother Wand
9. Striped Multicolor Reversible Knit Leg Warmers
10. Sneaker Balls Shoe, Gym Bag and Locker Deodorizer
11. Laptop Keyboard Light
12. Flip-Top Sport Infuser Water Bottle
13. Set of 2 Nonstick BBQ Mats
14. Monkey Slingshot
15. Pulled Pork Shredder – BBQ Tools for the Grill

Food Ideas for Christmas stocking stuffers:

Every child enjoys treats on Christmas and what better way to light up their faces, than with yummy homemade recipes?

Practical Christmas gifts for kids:

How about gripper socks that you make yourself with puffy paint in their favorite characters? What a great ideas for any age child and will keep their feet warm too!

Need Christmas Gift Ideas for your Holiday Party?

We’ve gathered our favorite Etsy friends’ shops for party favors, Christmas invitations, and more!

Take a look at these Christmas Party Ideas to celebrate the season and host the perfect party.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving leftover ideas? Thanksgiving is the occasion to enjoy quality time with your family, having grand meals, and devouring the delicious turkeys! However, it is often not possible for us to finish all the items that adorn our dining table on that day. So, what’s the solution? Well, Stagetecture presents you a roundup post on how to use your Thanksgiving leftover ideas for recipes.

34 of our Favorite Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas

Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas: Stew with Turkey Dumpling

If you cannot eat the whole turkey, don’t throw the rest into the wastebasket because it can be used in making some truly delicious preparations. Check out this post Thanksgiving Leftovers: Stew with Turkey Dumpling to know how to use the turkey leftover in a delish way. Enjoy a stew with tasty dumplings and rich broth!

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1. Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe: Roasted Turkey Cobb Sandwich Recipe

Making sandwiches, soup, and meals are the only solution if you are left with a huge amount of leftover turkey. How does a roasted turkey cobb sandwich sound? Great, right? Well, we have this Leftover Thanksgiving Idea: Roasted Turkey Cobb Sandwich Recipe in our archive that will show you a way of using the leftover turkey mixed with the goodness of tomato, avocado, smoked bacon and crumbled blue cheese.

2. Turkey Tostadas with Cranberry-Chipotle Sauce

Do you still have enough leftover turkey? Great! We have yet another recipe for you that can be made with the turkey leftover. Find the recipe here: Turkey Tostadas with Spicy Cranberry-Chipotle Sauce Recipe. This delicious Mexican preparation will spice up your taste buds and change the way you think about leftovers!

3. Use that Leftover Turkey for a Leftover Smoked Turkey Nachos

Wanna indulge yourself into another spicy Mexican recipe? Well, these nachos made with leftover turkey, salsa, and cheddar cheese soup will satisfy your spice craving. Get the recipe for this quick and easy-to-make preparation from Leftover Smoked Turkey Nachos Recipe.

4. Thanksgiving Turkey tastes delicious in this White Chili with Roast Turkey recipe:

This recipe is the perfect way to relive the Thanksgiving craze! Different types of peppers, spices, and herbs mixed with leftover turkey meat will present you with a sumptuous soup to gulp on! Get the recipe here: White Chili with Roast Turkey or Chicken.

30 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes from Blogger Friends:

1. Turkey Pot Pie
2. Corn & Cheddar Mashed Potato Fritters
3. Turkey a la Sweet Potato
4. Crustless Sweet Potato Pie
5. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
6. Kraft Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
7. Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
8. Sweet Potato Praline Quesadillas: Easy Leftovers Treat
9. Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili Recipe
10. Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Nachos
11. Thanksgiving Leftovers Stuffed Bell Peppers
12. Leftover Turkey Meatloaf
13. Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe – Turkey Wraps
14. Leftover Turkey Sandwich
15. Turkey Enchilada Casserole with Salsa Verde
16. Turkey Casserole
17. Oven Baked Turkey Sandwiches
18. Delicious Leftover Turkey Soup
19. Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas
20. Cran-Apple Turkey Sandwich with Thanksgiving Leftovers!
21. Leftover Turkey Chili
22. Turkey Salad Sandwich
23. Easy Dinner Recipe: Chicken (or Turkey) Divan
24. Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad
25. Healthy Turkey Salad with Grapes, Apples & Walnuts
26. Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
27. 3-Ingredient Leftover Turkey Stew
28. Holiday Leftovers? Try this Creamy Turkey Casserole
29. Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
30. Thanksgiving Leftovers in a Mason Jar

This round up of Thanksgiving leftover recipes will produce some fantastic preparations made with leftover turkey and vegetables. They will bring you compliments and save you from throwing food away.

What leftover recipes would you add to the list?

Looking to make the holiday season extra special for your kids? Make this kids dessert. It is sure to draw the oohs and aahs from both adults and children. For some festive fun, ask your kids to join in. They will enjoy making the cupcakes and eating them as well. The cakes are shaped like Christmas trees hence their unique name. They also make great decorations for your holiday table. None of your guests will be able to resist them.

Kids Dessert: Christmas Tree Cupcakes

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Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1 cup of caster sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 200g of unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup of milk
• 2½ cups of self-raising flour

Frosting

• 2 tbsp of food coloring (choose your favorite color)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 3 cups of vanilla frosting
• 6 ice cream sugar cones
• Colored ball sprinkles (edible)
• Pastry bag
• Star-shaped pastry tip

Procedure

Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 180ᵒ. Line a muffin pan with paper cases.
2. Put the butter, sugar, vanilla in an electric mixer and beat them until they form a fluffy and light mixture. Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition.
3. Put the mixture in a large bowl and stir in half the flour and milk. Add the remaining flour and milk and keep stirring until the mixture has a smooth consistency.
4. Put the mixture in the paper cases in the muffin pan. Bake for 15-17 minutes.
5. Leave the cupcakes in the pan for 2 minuttes then transfer them  to a cooling rack.

Frosting

1. Slice the tops of the cakes to create flat surfaces. Add a small amount of frosting to form a base for the sugar cone trees.
2. Add the food coloring to the frosting.
3. Apply a small layer of frosting to the outer part of the sugar cones.
4. Put the star-shaped pastry tip on the pastry bag
5. Put the leftover frosting in the pastry bag.
6. Place the sugar cones on top of the cupcakes then make leaf-like patterns on them using the pastry tip. Embellish the trees with the decorative sprinkles and dust with the sugar.

If you’ve been looking for something to keep your kids occupied this holiday season, look no further than this kids dessert. Your kids will love it so much they’ll keep asking for it long after the holiday season is over. For a perfect look, frost the cupcakes just before you serve them. You can refrigerate the frosting for a while before piping to make sure it maintains its shape.

What Christmas dessert will you make this holiday season?

Need a creative Thanksgiving leftovers idea? Now that Thanksgiving is over, what to do with all of the leftover turkey? Well, of course, make delicious turkey sandwiches, soup, and creative meals. Today, I found this roasted turkey cobb sandwich recipe that is perfect for

Thanksgiving Leftovers Idea: Roasted Turkey Cobb Sandwich Recipe

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Thanksgiving Leftovers Ingredients:

1/2 ounce(s) (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter,  softened, plus more for roll or bun
1 teaspoon(s) crumbled blue cheese, such as Roquefort
3 slices applewood-smoked bacon
1 brioche roll or hamburger bun, split
1/4 ripe avocado
2 thin slices tomato
1 medium egg
4 thin slices cooked turkey

Turkey Sandwich Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, and wipe skillet clean.
2. Butter cut sides of roll or bun. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Place roll or bun, buttered sides down, in skillet, and cook until golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes.
3. Mash avocado and blue cheese in a small bowl. Spread mixture on bottom half of roll or bun. Top with tomato and bacon.
4. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add egg, and cook until white is set, about 1 1/2 minutes. Gently flip the egg, and cook until yolk is runny in the center but slightly set around edge, about 30 seconds. Remove from pan. Add turkey to pan, and heat through.
5. Place turkey and egg on top of the tomato. Top with remaining half of roll or bun, and serve immediately.

Need more Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe Ideas?

Our 34 Thanksgiving Leftovers Ideas here will inspire to enjoy leftovers again.

For more recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Are you nervous about hosting your first Thanksgiving? So you decided to do it! To host a Thanksgiving Dinner for the very first time! If you don’t want to get overwhelmed by the amount of things that need to get done, just follow these few simple tips and everything will turn out great.

Thanksgiving Hosting: Perfect First Thanksgiving Tips

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Choose Fool-proof Recipes

After the number of guests is finalized, you should make decisions about what you want to cook and how much you will need. Make sure to know about possible allergies or health conditions of your guest, so you can make informed decisions. After that, ask yourself about what you have experience with and what you are comfortable cooking.

Now it’s time to choose your menu. Stick to a few dishes, you really don’t have to do it all. If you want, ask for help from your guests or family; they could bring a dessert or wine, or a side. Just make sure to know about it early on, so you can plan accordingly. When choosing your dishes and recipes, read them first, check the rating if available and scan through reviews.

Choose only recipes that are fool-prove, with easy to follow directions and that all ingredients can be found fairly easy, preferably at only a couple of places. Ideally, choose recipes you have cooked before or if you have time, make a test-run. Also, make sure you have all necessary equipment at your disposal. But don’t be shy on buying desserts or fresh appetizers from a store if you want. Just make sure that the majority of things served are made by you. The dessert is also really important since it closes the meal and leaves a lasting impression.

Decide on a strategy and stick to it

Now that you have your recipes, work out a strategy and time plan that you will stick to. Of course there should be room for some adjustments if necessary. Make at least two lists of things you need: one for things you can buy several days before Thanksgiving (plates, pantry items, decorations, beverages etc.) and one for things you will need to buy just a couple of days before Thanksgiving (e.g. fresh fruits and vegetables).

Plan your grocery trips carefully, so you save on time and money. Also, make a day – to –day to-do-list where you can write down what needs to get done each day the week before Thanksgiving. Plan ahead for the turkey to thaw (it needs about a full day for each 4 pounds of turkey) and cook ahead of time whenever possible; many things can be frozen or kept in the fridge until it’s time to serve them, just remember to thaw or warm them up in time.

Also, plan in time to clean the house, decorate it and clean and prepare your tableware. If you are awaiting overnight guests, prepare the guestroom at least a week ahead. Check at a glance everything the day before Thanksgiving to ensure everything is in order. Don’t forget your porch or entrance; it’s often the first impression that makes all the difference.

Shop Burlap and Succulents for Thanksgiving Dinnerware, aprons, recipe binders and more!

Think about the flow of Thanksgiving Day

Imagine how the big Day should go, how it should start, where your guest should be at the beginning or where they should take a seat. Make sure to have enough sitting opportunities and spread out serving tables with appetizers and drinks if needed. If you have many guests and want to have a buffet, think about where you will place foods, drinks and tableware.

Also, don’t forget to plan in entertaining details, like music or games for small guests. Write down any details, which will make sure you won’t forget anything and no chaos will be created on the big day. And make sure to have something planned for after the dinner is over, like a late coffee, tea or hot cocoaserving and have some boxes ready if anyone wants to take some leftovers with them.

Don’t leave too many things for the Last Moment

Set the table even days ahead if you can, fold napkins a week before and prepare your decorations sooner than later. Prepare a cleaning kit, so you can attend any emergency cleaning on Thanksgiving without being ashamed of that dirty mop. Wash vegetables and fruits you will need on Thanksgiving days before, strain them or wipe them dry and store them in airtight containers or zip-lock bags in the refrigerator.

Cut foods if possible into the pieces you need and store them until needed. Also make sure everything works and is in good condition. You don’t want to be needing the microwave just to find out it doesn’t work for some reason a few hours before your guests arrive.

Keep control over your First Thanksgiving Day

On the big Day, stick to your plan. Get an early start. Check all rooms and settings for a last time and make any corrections. Prepare your dishes and drinks. Ask your closest friend or family member to help if you need, there is no shame in that! Also, if possible make sure someone is in charge of looking after your guests, if everyone has a drink or if the music needs to be louder.

Bring gifts for the host or hostess!

One last thing to remember is to seek advice from experienced Thanksgiving hosts like your mom or an aunt… there is always something to be learned from the generations before us! So go ahead and follow these tips and it’s sure that your Thanksgiving hosting will be a full success. And of course never forget to have fun and be in a good mood on this special day! After all, the meal is not that important, if you have good times, laughter and fun with your loved ones to remember!

For more Thanksgiving entertaining tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Thanksgiving celebration should start the minute we get out of our bed on that festive day, and to make that happen, what better idea than to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving Breakfast with fluffy, delicious pumpkin waffles and sweet, nutritious maple nut cream? This recipe is also ideal for Thanksgiving brunch and you even can make the waffles and cream ahead of time to avoid unneeded last minute stress on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Breakfast: Pumpkin Waffles and Maple Cream

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Pumpkin Waffles Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Waffles

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour (you can substitute 1 or 2 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
• ¼ cup of packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground ginger
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
• 4 lightly beaten eggs
• 3 cups of milk (you can use whole or reduced fat milk)
• 1 can pumpkin (15 ounces)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• Butter for the waffle baker

For the Maple Nut Cream

• 1 tbsp. butter
• ¾ cup coarsely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are perfect)
• 1 ½ cups of pure maple syrup
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ cup of whipping cream

Delicius Thanksgiving pumpkin waffles recipe

Image via: The Specklet Palate

Directions

• Prepare the waffle baker by brushing a little butter on it. Preheat the waffle baker and preheat your oven to about 300 degrees F.
• To make the waffle mixture, add the flour, the brown sugar, the baking powder, the salt, the cinnamon, the ginger and the nutmeg to a large bowl and combine the ingredients well.
• Create a small well in the center of your prepared mixture.
• Take another large bowl and mix together the eggs, the milk, the pumpkin and the butter.
• Combine the flour mixture with the pumpkin mixture and stir until you have a slightly lumpy but well moistened waffle mixture.
• Depending on your waffle maker, pour the correct amount of the waffle mixture (normally about 1 to 1 and ¼ cup of mixture) onto the grids of your waffle baker, swiftly close the lid and don’t open it until your waffle is done (refer to the waffle baker manufacturer’s directions for the baking time).
• Once baked, lift the waffle with a fork and place it onto a baking sheet and put it into the oven until all the waffles are baked.
• For the Maple – Nut Cream, melt the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add the chopped nuts and cook while stirring for about 1 or 2 minutes, or until the nuts are looking toasted. Add the maple syrup as well as the whipping cream and let it heat through.
• Drizzle the maple-nut cream over warm waffles and serve immediately.

You can make the waffles ahead of time and freeze them in plastic freezer bags as soon as they have completely cooled down. They can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. As for the Maple – Nut Cream, prepare it for up to a week before serving, cover it tightly and place it in a refrigerator. When it’s time to serve breakfast, just reheat the frozen waffles in a warm oven or a toaster until they warm up and heat up the maple – nut cream in the microwave for about 1 or 2 minutes, stirring every 20-30 seconds.

This Thanksgiving Breakfast recipe is ideal for providing the perfect start into the celebrations.