Raise your hand if you are already stressing out over Thanksgiving.

In just a few weeks, the most anticipated home-cooked meal will be prepared and served at tables in homes of millions of Americans. And unless you plan on morphing into Martha Stewart on November 24th, you are feeling the pressure. Look, serving a 12-course meal to family members who are critical of your cooking skills does present a problem, especially since you will be serving the same aunt and brother who called into question your hamburger flipping skills at the Independence Day barbecue. But hey, you do have something going for you; you’re not using a spatula to flip the bird on Thanksgiving. All kidding aside, here are a few tips on how to have a stress-free Thanksgiving at your Willow Grove home. Did we say stress-free? Excuse us, we meant a less stressful Thanksgiving.

Get the Oven Fixed

Your stove has been running on three burners for quite some time. Sure, three burners are plenty when cooking for your family, but you will want your stove running on all cylinders on Thanksgiving. So give your Willow Grove appliance repair company a call and have them fix that broken burner.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Thanksgiving Day dinner is a meal that is well-suited for early preparation, at least in part. For example, there is really no reason you can’t have mashed potatoes, green bean casserole or even fresh buns all prepared the day before and simply warmed up on the celebrated day. Make a list of everything you can have prepared before Thanksgiving Day, like gravy, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie and you will free up time and be less stressed out.

Know Your Limits

Don’t feel as though you need to prepare every dish for the enormous meal, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in asking your mother to handle the desserts or having your brother bring a side dish. In fact, this cooperation makes for a cozy kitchen and a host who isn’t totally stressed out.

Have a Foolproof Backup Plan

If disaster strikes, have a backup plan so nobody goes hungry. That is, make sure you have the phone number of the nearest Chinese take-out on speed dial. Look, everybody has horror stories they tell about how the turkey caught fire or was dropped on the way to the table, it could happen to you. The odds are in your favor that everything will go down rather smooth, but then again, we aren’t placing any bets.

Set the Tone

Your dining room table should be decorated to set the tone for the day. We suggest a floral or leaf print tablecloth, a cornucopia centerpiece and lit candles to enhance mood. You will also want plenty of adult beverages on hand.

As the family members sip mulled wine, discuss current events and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the dining room, they will soon forget that you are trying your hardest not to ruin the meal. How does setting the tone ease your stress? It doesn’t, that’s what the mulled wine is for.