It’s hard to believe it’s already October, let alone Thanksgiving. Before you shift your mind to Halloween costumes and Christmas (they’re sure to creep up quickly), here are a few suggestions on how to host a Thanksgiving that’ll leave you and your family grateful.

• Remember the meaning of Thanksgiving – gratitude. Keep that thought front and centre as you prepare to host dinner. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Be grateful for what you do have, without lingering on what’s missing or what’s not right.
• If cooking a feast is an overwhelming thought, order in. Or invite your guests to contribute to a Thanksgiving potluck. Check your local grocery stores or butchers to see if they offer Thanksgiving dinner to-go.
• Know who you’re inviting and whether anyone has dietary concerns.
• Plan ahead. Figure out when each item on your menu should be prepared or popped in the oven  – work backwards from dinner time and stick a schedule on the fridge. You may even be able to prepare some things the day or a couple days before. Got enough silverware, glasses, and plates? Don’t check the day of your feast. Take a look now.
• We know you want to pull off a Thanksgiving that looks effortless – and that takes team work. Don’t be shy to ask for help either before or during the dinner. Get your kids to set the table (here are some ideas) or pass around hors d’oeuvres, ask some family members or friends to bring their favourite dish, have your sister stir the gravy. Delegate, delegate, delegate. You can’t do everything. Enjoy yourself!
• Go around your table and share what you’ve been grateful for over the past year. Or have your guests write gratitude items down on pieces of paper, pop them in a jar, and pull from the jar throughout the night.

Here are a few recipes to inspire your menu:

Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

Autumn Tian

Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing

Mixed Mushroom Stuffing

Apple Crisp