When Turkey is Done (25 minutes before serving)

• Remove turkey from oven place on serving platter. Cover with foil to keep warm.

• Make the gravy.

• Bake the Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

• Cook the Golden Creamed Onions.

• Unmold Cranberry Salad

Just Before Serving

• Reheat biscuits and place in serving basket. Set on table with honey butter.

• Top yams with marshmallows and broil until browned.

• Reheat Classic Bread stuffing and serve.

Other Helpful Hints

• If you don't have enough room in your refrigerator for beverages, use an extra countertop or a side table for a beverage station. Set out soft drinks, wine and cocktail mixes along with an ice bucket. Store beer in a cooler set on the floor.

• If you have young children, let them help in the preparation. It'll give them something to do and will relieve a bit of the stress. My young son enjoys helping make the potatoes and mixing the pie ingredients. By having him help it keeps him out of my hair.

• If you're having more people than your table allows, consider borrowing a long table from relatives or friends or rent one from a rental shop. You can also put two card tables together. Another idea is to have the young kids sit at their own table, but remember to ask the parents if they prefer their child at the main table since some parents like to feed their kids, especially younger ones.

• Always have a place setting ready for an unexpected guest. One year my sister-in-law brought her son and didn't inform me ahead of time. It didn't take me long to add one more place setting to the table and no one felt uncomfortable or out of place.

• Remember, nothing has to be perfect. Unexpected disasters will happen so just go with the flow. If a dessert doesn't come out, run out to the store for a replacement or better yet, send your significant other. Besides, those little disasters become family legend and lore than can be passed down from generation to generation. This is a party, not a life or death situation. Enjoy yourself and enjoy your company.