Only a true Martha can pad around in chocolate leather boots and effortlessly whip up a turkey dinner—particularly with kids underfoot. Make the day easier on yourself with these tips.
Cooking videos—preparation is key
Worried about getting your bird from the fridge to the table? Watch Epicurious's video to see exactly how to brine, baste, truss, stuff, and carve your bird.
Pasta—a fine alternative
As a backup plan, consider the theory of author Calvin Trillin, who in his book Third Helpings suggests that since Christopher Columbus, an Italian, "discovered" America, the national dish ought to be spaghetti carbonara. This is a great option for finicky little eaters (or in-laws) and could also be a savior if your turkey burns or takes 12 hours to cook because you forgot to defrost it.
Invite Your Kids into the Kitchen
Ask your children to help prepare the Thanksgiving meal. Most kids want to be included, and this way you'll know they aren't skydiving off the bunk bed. Include items such as mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup or pumpkin cream cheese. Serve the cream cheese on crackers for a tasty hors d'oeuvre. Pair it with warm, spiced apple cider to make the house smell inviting and put everyone in the right mood.
Involve Your Kids in the Day
Your kids will enjoy learning what the day is all about. Be a Thanksgiving know-it-all with a visit to Wilstar.
Help your tot create a collage. Buy a few basic items: construction paper in autumnal colors, such as brown, orange, red, and gold; and packages of feathers, pipe cleaners, and foam buttons. Put out glue and scissors and let the children cut and paste. Since you've determined the color theme, the end result is sure to be festive.
Older kids need crafts too. For fabulous mazes, word puzzles, and coloring pages, go to Kaboose. And for a list of other turkey, pilgrim, and Native American craft ideas, go to DTLK Holidays. Use the masterpieces they create as a welcome sign for the front door or as place cards for the table.
Turkey-Day Reads
Have a selection of books and videos on hand for when spirits or tempers run high and your energy is running low. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving can stop a brewing meltdown dead in its tracks. It's only 25 minutes long, though, so you will need to have more movies on hand. See Cookie's 25 Favorite Family Films for ideas.
My First Thanksgiving, by Tomie dePaola, is a board book to introduce the day to little ones. Older children will enjoy Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks, by Margaret Sutherland and Sonja Lamut, and Turkeys, Pilgrims and Indian Corn: The Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols, by Edna Barth.
