Weekend Projects

This Weekend: A Surefire Way To Make Thanksgiving Less Stressy

updated Apr 30, 2019
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(Image credit: Anjali Prasertong)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Who here wants a less crazy Thanksgiving? One where you feel happiness instead of panic, and calm instead of chaotic? A Thanksgiving “plan of attack” doesn’t exactly sound festive right now, but it does help eliminate a lot of hectic elements that sneak up on you when you’re not prepared. Take some action now and don’t get stressy or stabby around your friends and family the day of the big meal.

This Weekend’s Assignment: Assess your holiday readiness and come up with a Thanksgiving plan of attack.

(Image credit: Pablo Enriquez)

Plan Ahead: Getting our different friend and family groups together is lovely and all, but all that organizing can get a little overwhelming. Read up on all our tips and techniques for pulling off a smooth Thanksgiving.

A Relaxed Host’s Thanksgiving Timeline → 5 Tips for Throwing a Successful, No-Stress Friendsgiving



→ 12 Thanksgiving Lessons From My Favorite Shows

(Image credit: Pablo Enriquez)

Ready Your Space: Pull out your recipes and do a little menu planning, whether you are cooking an entire meal for dozens, or just bringing one dish to a potluck. Find the turkey baster, polish the silver, and make sure the tablecloth is ironed.

→ Dozens of Thanksgiving Crafts for a Fabulously Festive Feast

→ How To Pull a Stunning Thanksgiving Table Together in One Hour


(Image credit: Pablo Enriquez)

Travel Easy: As fantastic as it is to see far away friends and family for Thanksgiving, it’s a universal truth that holiday travel is tough. If you are one of the brave souls hitting the road this week, jump below for a quick round up of posts that might make things just a little more organized before, during and after your trip.

→ Holiday Travel: 10 Tips to Make it (Mostly) Stress Free → A Plan-Ahead Survival Guide for Holiday Travelers →

Remember, as with all of our Weekend Projects, just do what you have the time and energy to do. And hey, if you don’t feel like cooking the turkey this year get someone else to do it, and choose one of our other weekend projects to get done.

SHOW US YOUR WEEKEND WORK! Share your tips and photos of your Weekend Project work on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #ATweekendproject.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Check out the entire 2016 Plan for a Healthy & Happy Home to access all the Weekend Project ideas and download our November Home Checklist while you’re there. It’s a great, low-pressure way to keep your life running smoothly and maintain a happy & healthy home!