In the late 1970s, researchers studying the experiences of smokers to learn why some were able to quit on their own and others needed further treatment found that people move through varying degrees of readiness when changing behavior. Initiatives that don't match the correct stage of change will be ineffective, because the person will not be ready for it.

By identifying where you are in the process and what you can do to reach the next stages, you increase your chances of sticking to your healthy resolutions.

Precontemplation: You're not ready for a change

If there are things you want to change (such as a poor diet or a sedentary lifestyle), one of your first questions is probably, "How did it get to this point?" Likely it's because you didn't see them as a problem at the time. That's where people in this stage are.

It sometimes takes an epiphany, such as a health scare or a personal issue, to move out of this stage. If you're reading this, though, you are likely at one of the steps below.

Contemplation: You're open to the idea of changing, but are not immediately ready to prepare to take action

Change is often slow and difficult. It's easy to find excuses and justifications that prevent us from moving forward with change. For instance, we tell ourselves that we should get more exercise, but we don't the time to make it happen right now.

If you're in this stage, remind yourself of how changing your behavior will benefit your life. Try writing out a list or taking a self-assessment to get off the fence.

Preparation: You're taking steps to change behavior

Once you decide for sure that you're going to change, you need to get ready to do it. The more you plan for success, the better your chances will be. This is the stage that usually get the most focus and attention. These are where the diet plans and gym memberships come in.

There are several best practices for this stage. Make SMART goals. Focus on small changes that can have a positive impact. Identify and eliminate barriers that get in the way. And gather support from family and friends.

Action: You've implemented your plan

Congratulations! You've taken your first step toward the new you. Many people like to choose a specific date and time to begin the action stage. That helps make it a commitment in our minds.

Now you have to keep at it until your actions become behaviors. According to the researchers, the action stage lasts for approximately three months before moving into the final stage.

Maintenance: You're sticking to the plan and making the change a habit

At this stage, you need to continue to avoid slipups or falling back into bad habits. If you do, you may need to work back up to this stage.

Don't get discouraged. It's common for people to have to repeat some of these stages multiple times before finally achieving their goals. Know your temptations, and keep at it until it sticks.

Aim to go green
Reduce your carbon footprint this year and create a more eco-friendly environment for your home. Watch your electric bill go down month by month, and sleep soundly knowing you're doing your part. Simple ways to make this change include unplugging appliances and electronics when not in use (such as not leaving your phone charger in the socket all day, which many are guilty of!), taking shorter showers, replacing your light bulbs with LED bulbs, and using organic sheets.

Make a cleaning schedule
Make it a goal for your family to have a more systematic cleaning schedule this year. Put a calendar on the fridge (or wherever everyone will see it regularly), and reference whenever you need a reminder to keep up with tidying up around the house. This will hold everyone accountable for the different cleaning tasks that need to be done throughout the month.

Downsize each month
At the end of every month, re-evaluate your possessions and donate anything you don't use on a regular or weekly basis. This can make your home more open and welcoming, and can decrease stress that comes from any clutter lying around. Whether it be clothes that no longer fit, lightly worn shoes, toys, outdated electronics, or other possessions that you don't need, downsizing is the way to go.

Get your bills organized
Bills can pile up, physically and digitally, and unfortunately, going paperless doesn't make you immune to disorganization. Plus, monthly expenses like your mortgage, loan payments, and cable tend to sneak up on you when you least expect them. Make this the year of getting these tedious obligations in order.

Do a safety check
Your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector shouldn't go unattended for too long, although it's an easy chore to forget to take care of. Take some time out of a day this January to check these safety necessities, as well as making sure your alarm system is still intact. A pro tip if you can't afford or don't have a security system in your home is placing a popular brand's decal on your window anyway. This can keep intruders at bay when you go away for a holiday or summer vacation.

Tackle home improvement projects
Putting off home renovations is a common occurrence for any homeowner. They're costly, time-consuming, and sometimes weather sensitive. Take the time to assess what improvements are priority and which are luxury add-ons, and tackle them that way. Set a goal for yourself to take on smaller projects (looking up easy DIY's might help), as well as getting estimates from contractors for larger projects to be done.

Say no to that extra treat
Overweight pets are at a higher risk for a number of health issues, such as diabetes, joint and bone damage, heart disease, and decreased liver function. Instead of using food to motivate him, develop a new reward system for good behavior that involves offering a new bone or extra play time.

Keep them looking spiffy
Matted fur can be uncomfortable and may even cause sores to develop on your pet's skin. This year, resolve to take your pet to the groomer regularly. Depending upon the breed, certain pets should go every four weeks, while others can wait over a month. In addition to getting them groomed, make sure their nails are trimmed. If you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, the groomer can clip their nails as they get a haircut.

Spend more time together
In the business of everyday life, this can be difficult, but promising a little quality time with your pet can boost their health, as well as your own. In fact, studies show that a good relationship with your pet can improve both your emotional and psychological state of being.

Get your dog active 
It's no shock that dogs need regular exercise. This year, promise to take your dog on regular walks, at least once a day. Activity levels vary depending on their breed and size. For instance, a larger breed, like a golden retriever, requires two hours of exercise a day. Regardless of the type, make sure that your pet has plenty of time to run around and play.

Make safety a priority

Everyone is guilty of forgetting to turn off an appliance or blow out a candle from time to time, but this year, take these steps to keep your home's safety top of mind.

Post and set reminders
You'll be less likely to forget important safety measures if you post sticky notes throughout your home, like Clean the lint screen near the dryer and Lock the door by the front door. You can also set reminders on your phone for tasks that you might not do every day, such as changing batteries in a smoke detector.

Clean your dryer
According to a National Fire Protection analysis, over 13,000 dryer fires are reported each year on average, and the leading cause of these fires is a failure to clean out the dryer vent and lint screen. Make sure you clean the lint screen after each use, and have your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year, if not twice a year if you have a larger household that uses the dryer a lot. If you can't remember the last time you or a professional cleaned the ductwork, then make sure you clean it as soon as possible.

Inspect and test your detectors
Checking your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, radon detectors, and other safety devices is one of the best things you can do to help prepare you and your household for an emergency. Depending on the type of devices you have, you may need to change your devices' batteries as often as every six months.

Devise a household safety plan
It's important to prepare your household, especially children, for emergency scenarios, such as a power outage, house fire, or robbery. Type and print a list of emergency phone numbers and procedures for everyone to keep in their bedrooms and the central locations in your home. Don't forget little details, too, such as making sure you prep the second floor of your home (or rooms with a high elevation) for an emergency exit with collapsible ladders. No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but you'll be glad you did in the event of an emergency.

Downsize clutter

Clutter can make your home feel chaotic and suffocating. However, getting rid of clutter can be challenging. Try these strategies to control your clutter once and for all this year.

Pace yourself
You don't have to clear all your clutter in one day. It takes time to part with items and find homes for the items you're keeping, but there are a few ways to help spread out the decluttering process. For example, the one-a-day method requires you to let go of only one item per day. You can also try the KonMari Method, which breaks up your household items into categories and asks you to reflect on whether each item sparks joy for you. By using these strategies, you can control the number of items you must sort through over time.

Focus on one room at a time
Make a list of the rooms in your house, and order them from most to least cluttered. Start from the top of your list, and tackle each room using your preferred method. By the time you get to the bottom of the list, the tasks will become easier and less time-consuming.

Plan for the empty spaces
Once you find better places for your items, you should be left with uncluttered places in your home. While you'll breathe a sigh of relief at first, it might be tempting to let clutter overtake those areas again. To combat this, fill your empty spaces with useful home pieces. For example, if you have a corner of the living room that piles up with junk, put a plant in that corner instead. Avoid adding new furniture with flat surfaces, as it can be tempting to start filling those surfaces with objects again.

By using these strategies, you can feel confident in your ability to keep your home safer and less cluttered this year.

Look it over
Channel the first time you ever saw your car, and do a thorough inspection to identify any cracks, dents, or other obvious signs of wear and tear that could worsen under severe weather conditions. Depending on where you live, it's a good idea to start this process in October or early November.

If you do notice a crack in the windshield or peeling paint, be sure to have it repaired immediately.

Take care of the tires
Tires are one of, if not the most important piece of the car to pay attention to before winter weather strikes. Your tires will help carry you over ice and snow, so you'll want to be sure they are in proper working condition.

If you live in an area with particularly rough winters, consider buying specific winter tires that handle well on icy roads. Tire pressure also tends to drop during winter, so routinely check your pressure and refill tires as necessary.

Repel road salt
Cities and townships may start salting the roads as early as October, depending on where you live. Road salt isn't like regular table salt—it's full of melting agents that, while working to remove ice from roadways, can also remove paint and wear surfaces of your vehicle.

By applying a layer of wax to the bottom half of your car, including on the grille and wheel wells, you can prevent these small salt pebbles from staining and scratching.

Expect the unexpected
You should have an emergency kit in your vehicle for all seasons, but especially in winter, when the reality of skidding off the road and being stuck in freezing conditions increases.

Stock your kit with water, a flashlight, flares, a first-aid kit, warm clothing, a small bag of sand, an ice scraper, and non-perishable snacks to make sure you are well-prepared.

Flowers

Having the colors of spring around during winter can help lift your spirits if you're wishing for a quick return to the colorful outside blooms.

Lilies of the valley – Though they look dainty, lilies of the valley are strong. Be sure to keep them in their own pots and away from children and pets because they are toxic when consumed.

Pansies – If you want color that won't quit, plant some pansies. These impressive flowers can survive temperature fluctuations into the single digits, making them perfect blooms for unpredictable winters.

Peonies – These gorgeous flowers require a cold period to bloom properly. Plant them in fall and let them grow through the winter for beautiful blooms in early spring.

Greenery

A classic piece of greenery can tie together your decor and add curb appeal to your home's exterior.

Hostas – These shade-loving perennials are the perfect choice for your indoor plant stands. Hostas come in many sizes, textures, and colors, so be sure to find a variety that matches your interior.   

Boxwoods – You can't go wrong with the timeless look of a boxwood. Plant these shrubs at the front of your house for an instant winter curb appeal boost or to add privacy.

Siberian cypress – As its name suggests, the Siberian cypress grows naturally in Russia, so it should be just fine growing its dense and lush spearmint-green branches in your yard.

Produce

Yes, you can still grow produce during the winter! You may not be able to grow your summer favorites, but there are a few winter veggies you can harvest and enjoy in soups and stews.

Broccoli – This versatile veggie can withstand extremely cold climates, but it does need sun. Plant the seeds in a sunny area of your yard in early fall to give them time to grow fully through winter.

Kale – Kale not only tastes great but also is pleasing to the eye and easy to grow. The deep-green leaves of kale will also bring some color back to your garden.

Turnips – You can see the green tops of this delicious root vegetable growing even in the cold. Since most of the vegetable is underground, snow won't ruin it. Additionally, when boiled, turnips are a great flavorful addition to soups and stews!

Grooming and personal care
As you might consider cutting your hair less and applying more lotion to protect against harsh winter air, your pet's grooming needs change with the weather as well.

Trimming or shaving
Long-haired dogs should only receive a trim this time of year, as the long coat helps keep them warm. Short-haired dogs can be groomed, but avoid shaving down to the skin.

Bathing
Washing your dog strips his skin and fur of essential oils needed to keep them moisturized, so consider keeping baths to a minimum.

Moisturizing
Be sure to keep the environment in your home comfortable by using a humidifier, which will help keep his skin and fur (and yours, too), nice and soft. You can also apply petroleum jelly or a homemade paw balm to paws to keep them protected.

Environmental dangers
There is a whole host of chemicals we use during the winter months that could be a danger to pets, as well as toxins they may come into contact with naturally.

Anti-freezing chemicals
Road salt and antifreeze are everywhere in winter, and both are toxic to cats and dogs. Wash your pet's paws after a walk down the street, and keep all chemicals far away and out of reach.

Natural toxins
It's not just chemicals that are dangerous; winter plants like poinsettia and mistletoe are poisonous and should be kept out of the way. Chocolate is also dangerous for dogs, so be wary when holiday guests (who may be more likely to feed pets from the table) are around.

Staying active and diet
Like us, our pets may be less inclined to engage in physical activity when the weather gets cold, but unlike us, our pets may actually need more food this time of year to accommodate for changes in metabolic rates.

Monitor food intake
Our pets store more energy in winter, especially very active pets, so it's important to discuss changes in food intake with your veterinarian to account for this.

Keep them warm
If you do let your pet run around in the snow, be wary of the amount of time they've spent outside. Small dogs are particularly affected and can only withstand these temperatures for a short amount of time—fifteen to twenty minutes is a safe amount for most pups.

Bring them inside
Never leave a pet chained outside for an extended period of time in winter. If you typically keep your pet outdoors, limit their exposure in winter and consider bringing them inside where it's warm.

While all of these things can be enjoyable in their own way, they can also prove dangerous, as our minds are often wandering to remember if we actually remembered to turn the stove off or if we locked the house full of gifts.

Be sure to keep yourself and loved one's safe this season by following these tips!

Fight fire with fire 
You don't need Smokey Bear to tell you that the majority of home fires are preventable. Fires are a huge issue during this time of year, for a variety of reasons—many of which are preventable.

Set a timer:
Sometimes in the rush of cooking a big holiday meal, it can be difficult to remember what you put in the oven and when, especially if you're trying to get dressed and ready for guests at the same time. Be sure to set multiple timers, one for when the food is done, and one for a few minutes after, just in case you miss the first timer.

Fireproof your tree:
If you are considering purchasing an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as "fireproof." You might not think that a fake tree would burn as easily as the real thing, but that's far from the truth. In the case of real trees, prevent string lights from heating up the branches by ensuring your tree is adequately hydrated, and keeping lights towards the outside of branches.

Protecting children and pets 
The holidays are a magical time of year for kids, making them even more prone to distracted behavior. In the excitement of helping you decorate or baking cookies, it's easy to lose track of what they are getting into, and this goes for four-legged friends, too.

Formulate a holiday playbook:
If you lay down ground rules before any holiday activity (and make them part of the fun) kids are much more likely to listen. For instance, avoid accidental burns or messes while having kids design their cookies with paper and pencil as you're handling the mixer and stove.

Keep things out of reach:
Holiday decorations like candles and poinsettias are great for making our homes look festive, but pose a threat to curious kids and pets. Be sure to keep items like these well out of reach, or even tucked away, especially while you're busy wrapping presents or baking.

If you are staying home:

Don't throw your dog a bone
It's no secret that the food you put on the table during the holidays is extra fatty (and extra delicious, but that's beside the point). Giving your pet scraps of food after the meal could mean a bad case of pancreatitis or other digestive problems, which could result in an unplanned trip to the vet right in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. Your pet doesn't know the difference between good and bad food, so it is up to you and your guests to make that call. If you have to question it, it's probably not a good idea.

Keep holiday plants out of reach 
Poinsettias, holly, and amaryllis are all holiday plant staples for making the house seasonally festive, but be sure to keep them out of reach from your furry friends. The last thing you want is your pet suffering from gastrointestinal problems. The easiest precaution to take is placing these plants on higher surfaces, where they won't be easily knocked over and nipped at.

Make your Christmas tree pet friendly 
You may want to wait until your four-legged friend is sound asleep the night before Christmas before leaving your presents unattended under the tree. Unplugging string lights when you're not in the room, and putting the fragile ornaments higher up are other simple precautions you can take to make sure your tree is as pet friendly as possible.

Don't leave lit candles around pets unattended 
Candles are a big part of the holiday season, but keeping them lit when your pets are in the room is not the brightest idea. Make sure to blow out all candles before leaving your house or going to bed to prevent fires and other hazards from occurring.

Be aware of noise levels
Consider preparing a designated room for your pets with food, water, and toys, instead of letting them roam around your festivities. With people everywhere, loud noises going off, and music playing, your pets could easily start feeling anxious and scared. Putting them in their own room eliminates any problems that could arise from having them running around freely.

If you are going away:

Leave your dog at the kennel  
Boarding your pet is one of the more expensive options, but one to consider if you're going away for a longer period of time and want peace of mind. Many kennels also offer group activity sessions, workouts, special treats, and grooming, making this a vacation for both you and your pet.

Hire a house sitter  
Having someone stay at your home requires trust on your end in whoever you're asking, but if you think it's the right choice, this can be the easiest option. Your friend or family member can water plants, pick up the mail, and generally keep an eye on things, just as you would. This option would also be best for high-maintenance pets. Just make sure to leave a list of everything that needs to be done, so whoever is looking after your pets and home knows exactly what needs tending to. You don't want any emergency calls while you are trying to enjoy time away.

Give your pet to a fellow pet-owner 
Know a cousin or friendly neighbor with pets of their own? You may want to look into asking them for a favor and having your pet stay with them. Of course, this may mean they ask the same of you down the road, but if you love pets, this is a great option. Your pets will make a fellow four-legged friend and you can leave knowing they're in good hands.

Having pets during the holiday season can be stressful if you don't know all of your options. But with these suggestions, both you and your pets are sure to end the year on a high note.

Clean out your refrigerator
This is one of those tasks that is easily forgotten, but it can leave your home smelling seriously unpleasant when you return from your time away. Check expiration dates on items that go bad quickly—such as milk and eggs—and use this as an excuse to throw away any other perishable items that could have you regretting leaving in the first place.

Let your neighbors know of your plans
We usually remember to let our friends and family know we're leaving for the holidays, but make sure you don't forget about your neighbors. Have them check your mail, and leave your cell phone number or any other emergency numbers with them in case anything happens while you're away.

Double-check the locks
While you lock the front door before going to bed or out for errands, windows and other entrances are easily forgotten. Before leaving on your trip, take the time to go through your home, double-checking that every possible entrance is secure before you leave.

Be mindful of the lights
The biggest giveaway that you've left your home for an extended period of time is the lack of light coming from inside. Make sure to buy and use timers on a few lights throughout your home. Set them to turn on and off at different intervals to give the appearance that someone is home.

Unplug appliances
Another often overlooked chore is unplugging any appliances that you normally keep plugged in throughout the day. Phone chargers, hairstyling tools, the toaster, the microwave, and any other small appliances should be unplugged to avoid any safety mishaps in your absence.

Do the laundry
You washed your vacation clothes, but did you remember to take care of used towels or other dirty laundry lying around? Just like coming home to a smelly refrigerator isn't ideal, neither is walking into a room and immediately noticing the full hamper. Take a couple of hours to make sure everything is washed before you leave.

Kitchen

Cooking and baking are a central part of any holiday celebration, but food preparation can also be the source of multiple safety hazards. Before you stir, bake, or fry your favorites, consider the following precautions.

Replace batteries

It should go without saying, but you must maintain your smoke detectors year-round. It's especially important to replace the batteries before your holiday cooking. Many people try intricate, unfamiliar recipes during the holidays, and it only takes a moment for flames to start in your kitchen while you walk away to use the bathroom or turn your back to prepare something else.

Clean your appliances  

Use a bit of elbow grease to refresh the interiors and exteriors of your appliances to reduce the risk of fire from leftovers like grease or crumbs. However, before you do, check that your cleaner is safe for the surfaces of your appliances. Some common agents in all-purpose cleaners are not safe when heated and should be avoided in hot spaces. To play it safe and help your wallet, make a homemade cleaner, such as a 3:1 water and white vinegar solution. 

Monitor your food

Food safety never takes a holiday! Check any ingredients lists on new foods or recipes for allergens that members of your household or your guests might have adverse reactions to. When you're ready to cook, it's wise to invest in gadgets like a meat thermometer to double-check that your recipes are ready to serve. Additionally, after your meal, promptly put any leftovers in the fridge or freezer so they don't spoil.

Decor

Many people love to go all out with lights, a tree, and candles to bring home the holiday spirit—all of which can be safety hazards if they aren't set up and maintained correctly. Spend a few extra minutes during your decorating to keep your pieces beautiful rather than dangerous, as below.

Contain candles

The warmth, light, and scent of candles bring joy, and, because of that, they are a decorative staple for the holidays. However, at this time of year there are more than twice as many candle fire calls across the US as normal. To mitigate this risk, invest in sturdy holders, use clear surfaces, and never leave candles burning while you're sleeping or away from the room. If you prefer candles for the ambiance over their scent, consider flameless candles, which provide the same glow without the fire hazard. 

Tend to your tree

A Christmas tree can be a central point of decor that you look forward to dressing up with your loved ones. But you can take a few steps to ensure your tree looks its best without ruining your holiday. For example, keep your tree well-watered. A well-watered tree is less likely to catch fire, and you can prevent a tree fire by positioning it away from any heat sources, unplugging lights at the end of the night and while you're sleeping or out of the house. Lastly, try not to overload your tree with too many lights and ornaments.

Manage plugs

Do not attempt to cram all your plugs into one outlet. Plan your decoration placement to strategize where you'll need extension cords. Check that your lights and electric other decor are a proper wattage for your outlets. It's better to have less decor to avoid tripped wires and burnt outlets. The best way to mitigate the jumbled look and safety hazard of crowded outlets is to use pieces with rechargeable batteries wherever possible.

Weatherproofing

Winter can be full of unexpected weather that can change plans and make the roads near your home unsafe, and holiday plans can add stress to the mix. Make sure your home and household are prepared in case bad weather strikes.

Control heat

Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before you roast your chestnuts in an open fireplace. If you don't have a fireplace and plan to use space heaters, be sure to keep them away from flammable objects. They should be away from all surfaces and set to oscillate, if possible, to distribute the heat evenly. 

Stock up

The best way to prepare for a snowstorm or extreme weather is to stock up on necessary supplies. Items like salt, shovels, and a generator can ensure your holiday guests aren't stranded or left in the dark.

Check your seals

Take the time to check the seals on your home's windows and doors. If you can fix the seal yourself, do so before you decorate to save the time of redecorating. Consider hiring a professional to check and repair any cracks, and invest in draft stoppers so your heating bills don't ruin the holiday spirit.

Have a safe and happy holiday season by keeping these home safety tips in mind.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
3. Once the oven is heated, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the cranberries. Bake the cranberries for 10 minutes until they open up.
4. While the cranberries are baking, pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter into a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 more minute. Stir in the parsley, thyme, rosemary and sage, and season the mixture with salt and pepper.
6. Remove the cranberries from the oven, and transfer them to a small bowl. Toss with your diced apple and 1 teaspoon of sugar until coated.
7. Pour the onion and celery mixture over the bread and toss well to combine, then add in the apples and cranberry mixture. Add in the broth and toss well to coat. Let the mixture sit 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the liquid, tossing occasionally.
8. Fill the muffin tins with the stuffing mixture. Make sure to pack the mixture in so that the muffins do not fall apart.
9. Bake until the tops are golden brown and crusty, about 30-40 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving warm. You can add a sprig of thyme or rosemary to the tops as an added decoration, if desired.

Prepare food ahead of time

A table full of food is the main attraction of Thanksgiving. While it does take a considerable amount of work to make the turkey, sides, and desserts, there are a few ways you can lighten the load. Instead of waiting until Thanksgiving to make all the food, use the days leading up to the feast to prepare some dishes. Some sides can be prepared ahead of time, which can be a significant time-saver on Thanksgiving. If you're running low on time on the days before the celebration, spend a few minutes chopping up vegetables to save yourself prep time and free up counter space on Thanksgiving Day.

Make it a potluck

Another way to reduce your work preparing the meal is to ask your guests to bring food and drinks. By requesting guests bring along a side or dessert, you can make the food you prepare go further and save on some of the expenses of hosting the celebration. Most guests are happy to contribute. Just make sure not to double up on requests to avoid a table full of desserts with no sides.

Accept help

Some of your guests may offer to help you in the kitchen once they arrive. Don't turn them away! The extra hands can help make your day a lot easier. Even simple tasks, such as refilling appetizers plates or placing rolls in a basket, can be delegated to help free up your time to focus on more important tasks.

Set your table early

An elaborate table setting can enhance your Thanksgiving dinner. However, it can take a lot of time to set up plates, glasses, and silverware for all your guests. You can set the table early, even the night before, to help save time on the day of Thanksgiving. Setting your table early can also help you notice if you're running low on certain utensils. You can also keep it simple this year with dishes you use every day or choose disposable dinnerware to reduce the amount of cleanup.

Prepare a drink station

Having friends and family wander into the kitchen searching for refreshments while you're cooking dinner can be distracting. That's why setting up a drink station in another room of the house can help you focus on the tasks at hand. Set up your drink station with everything your guests need, such as water, wine, beer, and soda in a cooler, and be sure to include a bucket with ice and plenty of cups.

Choose easy-to-make appetizers

Your guests may show up eager to chow down. Prepare a few simple appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, chips and dip, and roasted nuts, to satisfy your hungry guests. To keep distractions out of the kitchen, place the appetizers in another room once your guests begin to arrive.

Make your decorations

Instead of spending money on various store-bought decorations, show off your DIY skills and make some festive decor to welcome guests to your home. If you need help coming up with some ideas, try making some of these crafts in the days leading up to your party:

• Fall Foliage Garland
• A Fall Pinecone Craft
• Pretty Painted Glassware
• Holiday Harvest Bouquet
• Thanksgiving Sign Printables Perfect for Turkey Day

By reducing the stress of Thanksgiving, you may find yourself having a more meaningful holiday celebration with your loved ones.

Cook times

• 9–11 pounds: 5 hours
• 12–14 pounds: 3 hours
• 15–17 pounds: 5 hours
• 18–20 pounds: 4 hours

Household Prep
To avoid a major meltdown the day of Thanksgiving, it's best to have a plan up to a month in advance for what to buy, how far in advance, and when to start readying your home for guests.

3 weeks before

• Finalize your menu and create a shopping list for everything you'll need to buy in the weeks to come.
• Purchase any nonperishable items, like canned goods, soda, wine, and liquor.
• Gather any supplies you will need for a centerpiece or decorating purposes.

2 weeks before

• Throw away any items in your fridge or freezer that you don't need to make space for leftovers.
• Prepare and freeze any food items that will keep over the next few weeks, like dinner rolls and stock.
• If you're making a frozen pie, or even one from scratch, consider preparing it now and freezing in an air-tight plastic bag.

1 week before

• Purchase the turkey, and be sure to keep it in the freezer until ready to thaw.
• Begin making any homemade decor or centerpieces that you plan to display on your table, or elsewhere throughout the house.
• Develop a schedule for cooking to make sure everything cooks to perfection.

A few days before

• Buy any perishable ingredients you'll need, like fruits and vegetables.
• Begin thawing the turkey on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Keep a pan underneath to catch any drippings.
• Start cleaning up areas, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and others that you can keep clean until Thanksgiving Day. You can also hang any special table or wall decor.

The morning of

• Be sure to wake up early enough that you aren't rushing through the day, and start off with a light breakfast to avoid too much snacking! Also, be mindful of how long the turkey needs to cook, and start preparing any appetizers or snack items that need baking.
• Set the table, and arrange your decorations and centerpiece(s).
• Sweep around the kitchen or other areas that may have become messy while cooking.