Whether you’re serving a Chateaubriand, a prime rib roast or a good ol’ fashioned turkey this Thanksgiving, there is so much Thanksgiving prep you can do ahead of time to make the day run smoothly.

1. Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need and shop way ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush at the supermarket.
2. Prepare side dishes beforehand, refrigerate them and just pop them in the oven the day of the big feast.
3. Wash special china now so you’re not scrambling to set the table while you’re worrying about the meal.
4. Prepare desserts, too, and keep them cold until Thanksgiving Day. Then, when you’re ready for them, just bake!
5. Or you can even order desserts and let someone else do the baking!

Think through all of the details that can add up to lots of time on Thanksgiving Day itself. Anything you can do ahead of time – do it!

I like to break out my spiral ham a couple of days before as kind of a teaser. No reason we can’t enjoy it even before the big day.

Have fun planning this holiday meal. The prep and anticipation is half the fun!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Turkey is a must-have at Thanksgiving time around my house. It MUST be on the table. No ifs, ands or buts.

But… this year I’m exploring new options to spice it up – or herb it up, as the case may be.

I’ll be serving an herb roasted whole turkey. It’s already infused with a blend of herbs that brings out the juiciness of the turkey while flavorizing it.

Yes, it’s so good I had to make up a new word for it. Flavorizing. You can use it, too.

With a flavorized turkey, beautiful sides, delicious desserts, and the company of my family, I will be in my happy place this Thanksgiving.

There is so much to be thankful for!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

The centerpiece of a great fall harvest party? The food!

Dishes that warm the soul and the palate are what celebrating the fall harvest is all about!

Here are some of my favorite foodie ideas to usher in the season:

1. Start with tantalizing appetizers. How about some applewood bacon and cheddar sliders? Or offer tasty basil pesto gorgonzola kisses, three cheese arancini, herb citrus scallops and lobster flatbread.

2. Whole Smoked Turkey. This is the main event. Delicious and showstoppingly beautiful, the aroma alone will have your guests drooling.

3. Sides with a twist. Try mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms, carrots with maple glaze or lobster mac and cheese.

4. Finish up strong. Desserts that hail the season are winners like hand-dipped chocolate macaroons, spiced apple streusel tartlets or cognac pumpkin cake!

With a menu like this, no one will forget THIS fall harvest, for sure!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.