Thankgiving tips

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action."
W.J. Cameron

The year has flown by and tomorrow is Thanksgiving already. We'll be having our feast a few days late, on Sunday, to fit in with everybody's schedule.

Following are lots of useful links to help you decorate, shop and cook for this special celebration:

Make shopping more fun with a colourful Thanksgiving shopping list. Don't forget those cranberries!!!

Thanksgiving Grocery List: http://printables.familyeducation.com

Never quite sure how much turkey to buy or how long you need unitl it is cooked properly. Search no further. Here are the answers:

Turkey Dinner Calculator: http://www.csgnetwork.com/turkeydinnercalc.html

Storing Fresh Poultry

Purchase your bird three to five days before the planned meal. If you've chosen fresh poultry, ask your butcher to take off the legs and neck if necessary, then keep it unwrapped in the fridge. When you're ready to roast the bird, remove it from the fridge, wash it, pat it dry and leave it for at least two hours to come to room temperature before cooking.

Storing Frozen Poultry

Thawing a frozen bird requires patience. The safest method is to thaw it in the refrigerator, allowing ample time for it to slowly defrost. On average, it takes approximately 3 days for a 20-pound turkey to fully defrost. Tip: For a crispier skin, unwrap the bird the day before roasting and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

Whether your taste in centerpieces is traditional or modern, formal or fuss-free, we've got you covered with 20 ideas for the star of your Thanksgiving table:

http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/20-thanksgiving-centerpieces

Give thanks in a new way this holiday season. Invite friends and family to share what they are most thankful for by creating a thankful tree that can take center stage throughout the Thanksgiving holiday:

http://www.hgtv.com/handmade

Here is a whole list of printables that will keep your kids busy before and after Thanksgiving lunch while you cook or have a sip of that delicious wine!
Thanksgiving printables: http://printables.familyeducation.com/

What kid does not enjoy a challenge? If your children prefer computer games, keep them occupied with these educational games online.
Thanksgiving challenge: http://www.abcya.com/