Martha Stewart plans perfect Thanksgiving dinner preparation

In preparation for Thanksgiving, Martha Stewart, an icon in lifestyle and hosting, provides a detailed guide on how to efficiently plan the day. On Thanksgiving Day, guests are often expected to gather around noon or early afternoon, so it’s crucial to have a strategy in place. Martha advises starting the day with some morning routines before moving on to the crucial task of prepping potatoes early. She emphasizes that potatoes should be peeled and soaked in water at room temperature to ensure they are ready for cooking later. The next essential step involves handling the turkey four hours before the dinner start time. Martha underscores the importance of roasting the turkey efficiently, utilizing methods such as her cheesecloth technique to maintain moisture. In the following hours, she suggests prepping the sides and ensuring that items stored in the refrigerator come to room temperature to reheat evenly. As the dinner hour approaches, Martha recommends dedicating time to tidy the kitchen and set out appetizers for arriving guests. Finally, with just an hour remaining, it is important to let the turkey rest, allowing the flavors to settle before carving. These recommendations not only alleviate the stress associated with holiday meals but also encourage a smooth, enjoyable hosting experience for guests and hosts alike.