When you’ve got a big meal to serve – and isn’t Thanksgiving the biggest of them all? – success is all in the details.

Plan ahead to make sure you have all the right serving utensils. Planning a spiral sliced ham? Do you have the right serving fork? Side dishes planned?

Thinking of cooking a lovely Chateaubriand or prime rib roast? Make sure to time it just right so there’s just the right amount of aroma to whet the appetite before you sit down.

Make it an enjoyable experience for your guests (and easy for you) by having two each of the essentials on the table. Two baskets of bread – one for each end of the table – so that the entire meal isn’t spent passing and passing, two gravy boats, etc.

Think of the meal from your guests’ perspective and everything will flow nice and easy – the way a holiday should be!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

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.

A beautiful piece of meat is always the centerpiece of the table at my house — especially at holiday time.

Looking to try something a bit different? Try lamb! Wouldn’t a rack of lamb present beautifully for your guests?

Roasted or grilled, this meal is made to be savored and enjoyed. Perfect for enjoying the company of your holiday guests!

There are so many meals to be had at holiday time. Why not mix it up a bit for at least one of them?

Lamb is understated elegance and a welcome twist to your holiday traditions!

Go on, live on the wild side! Try something different!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.