Quick and EASY Bierocks

I decided to share my Desperized Bierocks (or bieroch) recipe for St. Patrick's Day even though this is traditionally a Germanic food.  It essentially has the same flavors as Irish-American Corned Beef and Cabbage--both are even served with mustard. Instead of corned beef, there's kid-friendly ground beef.  To stay true to Irish-American tradition, the dish could be served with a side of potatoes as well.  

Shredded carrots have been added to this mixture.

Desperize, meaning in desperation, is taking a complicated recipe and simplifying it for a busy schedule.  Bierocks, pronounced "brocks," is a simple meat pie.  Typically, the bierock is filled with cooked and seasoned ground beef, shredded cabbage and onions, then oven baked until the dough is golden brown.  Some variants include grated carrots.  My recipe (found in the newspaper 6-7 years ago), combines ground beef and angel hair cabbage in a crescent roll tart.  This makes a terrific finger food (also appetizer).

A little water in the empty spaces might help.

Desperized Bierocks
Use 2 muffin tins (12 openings) use outside 8 slots
2 T. oil
1 large onion (1 c. chopped)
1 lb. extra lean ground beef
10 oz. pack thinly shredded green cabbage (3 c.)
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper
cooking oil spray
2 (8-oz.) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (I prefer the buttery kind)
deli style mustard for serving if desired
Preheat oven 350 degrees.  Place in skillet with lid, onion and ground beef.  Stir and cook till browned and crumbled (6 minutes).  Add coleslaw, salt and pepper.  Stir and cook until wilted (2 more minutes).  Remove from heat.  Spray muffin pan.  Place wide side of each crescent triangle over the muffin tin opening, allowing the wide part of the dough triangle to dip into the tin, (may hang over edge).  Place 1/4 cup meat filling over each triangle.  Fold point of triangle over each other to enclose, (don't need to seal).  Place in oven uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve immediately with mustard for dipping or swirl over tops.  Makes 16.  Yield 6-8 servings.

Create your own Pot of Gold Coins and play a fun game of Scavenger Hunt for Family Night this month.

Easy Meat Pies :0)

For Seasoned Cooks

Built-in spice shelf my husband built works great in a small kitchen.

Make Scents of the Spice Rack

• Did you know cinnamon sticks are actually curled up bark from a tropical evergreen tree?  Cinnamon is also ground from the bark.  The sticks easily flavor simmering liquids and beverages, while the ground version is best for baked goods.
• What's the difference between ground and whole spices?  Most ground spices are simply powdered versions of their original forms.  Recipes generally specify which form of the spice is preferred.  Freshly grated nutmeg has more intense flavor than commercially ground nutmeg.  you can grate the whole spice with a nutmeg grater or grinder.
• Fooled you!  Most people think allspice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.  It's actually a berry from a tropical evergreen, although it tastes like 'all spices.'"

Spice Tips

1. Keep all spice in tightly covered containers, in a cool dark place.
2. Spices lose their flavor after a year "on the shelf," and will need to be replaced.
3. Spices should enhance, but not overpower, the flavor of your dish.  Use moderation, start by adding only half of the spice called for and taste before adding more.  Spicing is not absolute, but should be done "to taste."
4. Spices turn bitter if/when overheated.  During lengthy cooking add the spice during the last 12 half our of cooking.  This will keep your spice spicey.
5. In most cases 1 teaspoon of dried spice equals 1 tablespoon of fresh.

Making your own seasonings is a good way to use up spices before their shelf life run out.  It's also handy if you run out of the store bought versions.  They make nice gifts as well--check out Gourmet Seasoning Salt!

Poultry seasoning:  Combine 4 teaspoons each of dried sage, dried thyme, and dried marjoram.

Italian seasoning:  Combine 4 teaspoons each of dried oregano, dried marjoram, and dried basil, and 2 teaspoons rubbed sage.

Curry powder:  Combine 1/4 cup ground coriander, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons ground turmeric, and 1 tablespoon ground ginger.

Apple pie spice:  Combine 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom.

Pumpkin pie spice:  4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

Seasoned salt:  Place the following ingredients in a pint jar and seal.  Shake until mixture is completely blended.  Yield:  about 1-1/3 cups of seasoning.  1 cup salt, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1-1/2 teaspoons dried whole oregano, 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme, 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric.

Pickling spice:  Combine 1/4 cup each mustard seeds, dill seeds, and coriander seeds, 2 tablespoons each crushed chili peppers and bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon each celery seeds and white peppercorns.

Onion soup mix:  For a 1-3/8 ounce package, combine 1/4 cup instant minced onion, 2 tablespoons bouillon and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.

Gourmet Seasoning Salt:
1 cup salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons dried whole oregano
1 teaspoon ground marjoram
1 teaspoon dried whole thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
1/4 teaspoon dried whole dillweed (optional)
Combine all ingredients; mix well.  Store in as airtight container.  Sprinkle over meat or vegetables.  Yield: about 1-1/4 cups.

Herb Blend:
3 tablespoons dried whole basil
3 tablespoons dried whole marjoram
3 tablespoons dried whole thyme
3 tablespoons dried whole tarragon
1 tablespoon dried lemon peel
1 tablespoon dried whole oregano
Place all ingredients in a small jar and seal.  Shake until mixture is completely blended.  Yield: about 3/4 cup of seasoning.

Just Enough Poultry Seasoning:  
3/4 t. sage, crumbled
1/4 t. leaf thyme, crumbled
1/4 t. pepper
dash marjoram
dash cloves, optional
Combine all ingredients.  If you make extra, store in an airtight container.  Use for poultry stuffing or dressing or as a rub for chicken.  source

Better-Than Potpourri Brew:  Mix the ingredients and place in an attractive container to give as a gift.

Better Than Potpourri Brew

Made a smaller pot of this fragrant brew.

This may not look beautiful, but the mixture smells great!  (It is not for consumption).  It works great to get strong smells out of your kitchen as well.  I think I found this recipe and some of the following information in Southern Living Magazine.  I used the Better-Than-Potpourri Brew when showing my home for sale and sold my house within 2 months!

Better Than Potpourri Brew
6 cups water
Peel from 1 apple
Rind from 1 lemon
Rind from 1 orange
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and quartered
3 (2-inch) sticks cinnamon
16 whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice
2 teaspoons pickling spice
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat.  Reduce heat, and simmer.  Gradually add more water as the liquid evaporates.

Old-fashioned Travel Games

This came from a really early Southern Living Magazine--like from the mid-seventies!  I love to read really old Southern Livings.  The early eighties must have been really good issues and not disposed of cause those are the only S.L. I couldn't find.  As you can see in the scanned photos, these kids are not wearing seatbelts!!!  Well heck! neither did we in the mid-seventies.  I would have been about these children's age.  I had an aunt whose nine kids were all geniuses and they always wanted to play car games that were way over my little pea brain.  But I kept this article cause I think the little ipod thingys and other techy toys need to be left at home, and moms actually find their arts and crafts supplies, dust them off, and prepare games that can involve the whole family.

Anagram--Cut some small squares of paper.  Write one letter of the alphabet on one side of each square, making more vowels than consonants.  Turn the lettered side of each square down.  Draw six squares, and try to use the letters in one or more words.  Score one point for each letter used.
Name Pictures--Try to write your name in as many ways as you can.  For example, you can make tall, short, fat, striped, and polka-dot letters.
Pathways--Make up a theme for a game.  For example, you can choose a treasure hunt or animal safari.  Draw a numbered path of squares on a piece of paper.
Use coins for men, and throw the dice to determine the number of moves for each man.  The first one to get to the end wins.
Puzzles--Draw a picture on a piece of paper, and color it.  Cut the picture into pieces; then try to reassemble the picture.
Spot a Word--Write the letters of the alphabet in a column on the left side of a piece of paper.  Opposite each letter, write a word that begins with that letter; use only words that you actually see printed on signs along the road or the names of animals or objects you see.
Squiggles--Draw an oddly shaped line on a piece of paper; then try to turn it into a funny face by adding other lines.
The following verbal games are good to suggest to children who cannot read in a moving car.
Animal Game--Take turns naming kinds of animals.  The last one to name an animal wins.
Color Game--Name a color, and take turns naming objects that are that color.  The winner is the one who is last to name an object.
Name All Your Relatives--Name a relationship, a cousin, for example; then try to name all your cousins.  Or you can name a city or state and try to name all the relatives who live there.
Tapes--Many families take a cassette player along on trips.  Children can record impressions of the trip, or amuse themselves by recording their voices.  They can also play tapes recorded on previous trips.  (YOU CAN STILL BUY TAPE RECORDERS AND TAPES!!!--They're not obsolete!!!)

Star Spangled Shelf Paper

We used the "Star Spangled Shelf Paper" to edge the table.

I was always impressed with Laura Ingalls Wilder's mama.  No matter how many places that husband of hers drug her out to, she would try to dress it up a little--even a sod house which was normally considered very temporary housing.  In one book, Laura describes her mom making her own shelf edging to make the shelves a little more attractive.  I thought this would make a nice decoration for our dessert table at our Achievement Days Country Fair.  Here's how to do it:
I used packaging paper and taped pieces of paper together as I needed to.  Then you fold the strip of paper into 1/2-inch accordion pleats.  Cut out half a star.  A star cookie cutter or printing off a star from the computer and using it as a pattern by folding it in half would work.  I also gave the according fold a scalloped look so it looked lacy.  Carefully unfold the paper and smooth it out.  Fold the edge with the stars down so that the stars hang down over the edge of the shelf.  Secure the paper on the shelf with pieces of tape if you want to.

Cornhusk Dolls

Landmark Park, Dothan, AL  2002

Members of our Junior Troop included my 9 yr. old daughter, Elise and 11 yr. old daughter Christen and a homeschool friend of Christen's.  Sidekick Bryce is working on his own cornhusk doll while the three girls demonstrate to other visitors of Landmark Park at a special event (probably Heritage or Harvest Days).  Between our homeschool group and Girl Scouts, we visited Landmark Park a lot!--usually free since we were doing some sort of service while there.  The following instructions Cornhusk Dolls can be found at Pioneer Days, by David C. King (ISBN 0439259398).

Cornhusks have a smooth side and a rough side.  Always keep the smooth side facing out.

1. If the cornhusks are green, dry them until they are straw-colored.  Place between sheets of newspaper.  Store in a warm, dry place for 5 or 6 days, or until color turns.  (Can be found in produce section of grocery store or in craft stores).
2. Cover work area with more newspapers (we used a plastic table cloth).  Soak dried husks in water for about 5 minutes before working with them.  This will make them softer and easier to shape.
3. Remove all the husks from the water and shake the water out of them.  Cover the ones you are not working with, with a damp towel.
4. Cut off the pointed tips of all the husks with craft scissors to make the shapes more alike.
5. Form the doll's head by taking a large piece of husk and folding it in half.  Stuff 3 or 4 cotton balls under the fold.  Tie a piece of heavy thread (candle wicking is good) around the husk 1 to 2 inches from the fold to create a head shape (we actually used thin pieces of cornhusks to do this).  The ends of the husks will extend several inches below the neck.
6. For the arms, cut a thin piece of husk about 7 inches long and wrap it around the 6-inch piece of wire or pipe cleaner.  Fold back the tips of the husk at each end of the wire.  Tie them with the thread at the wrists to form hands.  (You can omit the pipe cleaner/wire--they can be made without this).
7. Slide the husk-covered wire between the two halves of the husk below the figure's head to form the arms, one on each side of the body.  Carefully bend the arms into any position you wish.
8. Tie a piece of thread around the doll's waist.  Stuff 2 or 3 cotton balls between the husks to fill out the torso.
9. For a full skirt, place 3 or 4 husks around the doll's waist, but point the husks up, so that they extend above the figure's head.  Tie the husks around the waist with thread, then fold them down over the tied thread to created the skin.
10. If you would like, glue a little corn silk to the head for hair and use felt-tip pens to add facial features--eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth.  (I prefer not to do step 10 and leave them more natural).

making the skirt

how I like to leave the dolls

Here is the simplest version for making Cornhusk Dolls found in the Nov/Dec '98 CopyCat Magazine, p. 11.  See my post for homeschoolers or teachers of K-3rd graders: http://homemakersjournal.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/native-american-culture-activities-for-kids/indian0018/

Flip Over Old Fashioned Games

The instructions for two games we played in my Children's Pioneer Day Event post are given below.  I also included more old-fashioned games and their instructions.  Of course these are games the neighborhood friends and I played as kids and I am not that old--so they have really stood the test of time.  I remember teaching them to my children and anyone else's kids that just happened to be around.

Duck, Duck, Goose Everyone sits in a big circle, with one person standing on the outside of the circle.  That person (the standing person) on the outside walks around the circle touching each person on the head, saying "Duck, duck, duck, etc."
When they decide to, the standing person touches someone's head and says "GOOSE!"  Then the person who has been "goosed" (the sitting person) jumps up and chases the other person around the circle before they get back to the "goosed" position and sits down in the circle.
If the sitting person catches the standing person, the standing person has to go again.  But if the standing person reaches the empty spot in the circle, the sitting person becomes the standing person.
This goes until everyone is tired of playing.

Button-Button, Who's Got the Button? Everyone sits in a circle, with one person standing.  That person puts a button between his/her hands (like they were praying) and you are basically trying to pass the button from the

Achievement Days Country Fair

Blogging has helped me find spelling errors on my scrapbook pages!

This was probably the best event I've ever help to put on.  I found the idea on one of my favorite Mormon websites (don't recall which one).  We used it as a Recognition Night, just as Loralee Kurzius of Goldsboro, NC shared on whatever website this was found.  Everyone was to dress "old-fashioned countryish."  We too had the girls bring a dessert for judging.  They also brought anything they had done or made in Achievement Days so far that year.  We had sixteen girls and two Achievement Day leaders, so we did A LOT!

Loralee said that when the girls arrived, "they were free to wander, play and visit the first 30 minutes or so while

Favorite Fourth of July Traditions

4th of July Traditions:  Shooting Off Fireworks

This 4th of July weekend, we had a Perfect Day!  

It was 100 degrees outside so we went to CheeBurger in Huntsville and had the best cheeseburgers, saw Super 8 at the matinee, and then had a small cup of icecream at Cold Stone Creamery.  

I had never been to Cold Stone before but in lieu of popcorn and candy at the movies, we held out for a scoop of icecream, and in this heat, it was truly satisfying.  

Super 8 is the best movie we've seen in a long time. Each of us loved every thrilling moment!  (Don't bring little kids to this movie-they won't get it and it's super scary--for middle school and up!)  

For once, we were all in a good mood at the same time. They say money can't buy happiness--but it gave us a leg up on a Perfect Day.

Rather than spend a lot of time in traffic after the spectacular fireworks, our family opts to buy our own simpler fireworks and shoot them off for our entertainment, (and our country neighborhood).

Simple 4th of July Menu

For a Relaxing Fourth, Serve The Perfect Hamburger with Sweet Potato Chips, Watermelon Slices, and Build-a-Sunday for Dessert

The Perfect Hamburger
2 lbs. ground lean beef chuck

1/2 c. finely chopped onion

2 t. salt

1 t. hot sauce

Mix beef with onion, salt, hot sauce, and black pepper and shape into patties about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.  Handle mixture gently and avoid packing patties too tight because the hamburgers will not be juicy.  Make the center of the patties thinner and the edges thicker.  Cook as follows:  5 minutes per side for rare, 6 minutes for medium rare and 7 minutes for medium.

Dian Thomas Rules!

My Homemakers Journal would not be complete without a list of Dian Thomas' church magazine articles and books.  Sister Thomas helped to shape my idea of a homemaker, mom, and Scout leader.  She taught preparedness in a clever and interesting way.  Most of the ideas recorded below have been field-tested by my clan and me (and the folks at church and scouts who participated in these activities with us).  I start with great outdoor dinner tips, and then a short sample article.  There's also a list of articles to read, bio articles and her books.

Tacos in a Frito's Bag
I love Dian's Instant Taco idea in "Backyard Dining," (New Era article sourced below).  Southern Living magazine had the same idea and used single-serve Frito's eaten directly in their little pouch--so cute! 

Dian has a great idea for using embroidery hoops and plastic wrap to put over bowls of food and keep the insects out, and to blow a fan on the food to keep insects away and the rest of us cool.  I can totally visualize her Wheel Barrow Salad Bar--I can't wait to try it!  Plus she includes recipes like apples on a stick--tastes like apple pie--great for autumn fires.  And everyone has to try making icecream in a can even if you're not a scout :0)

"When Children Play Indoors," Ensign, Feb. 1981 (scroll down some)
Do children challenge your normal good nature on a stormy day by whining, "What can I do?"  A few well-planned activities will help restore order and good cheer.
Sit-down Scavenger Hunt:  Give each child an old catalog or magazine, a pair of scissors, and an envelope to organize his "finds."  Then give each a list of ten to fifteen specific items to find.
If not all of your children read, divide into teams with a reader on each team, or give the group as a whole o ne list of items that everyone must find, and have the older children read the list aloud.  The first child to cut out pictures of all the items on the list wins.
Front Room Olympics: Hold a series of indoor games.  Some activities might include--
Discus throw, using a paper plate
Shot put, with securely tied, blown-up paper bags or balloons
Javelin throw, using a plastic drinking straw
Fifty-yard dash, blowing a ping-pong or cotton ball a designated distance
Relay, using two foot-sized pieces of cardboard. One person "runs" by hopping from one piece of cardboard to the next, while his partner moves the pieces into place as fast as he can.
Collage Decorating:  Let children cut pictures and words from magazines that express their interests, and arrange and paste the cutouts on pieces of butcher paper.  For a permanent remembrance, shellac or frame the collages and hang them on bedroom doors or walls.

More of Dian's Church Magazine Articles

“Dutch Oven Cooking,” New Era, Jul 1974
"Tall Can Grill," New Era Sep 1974
"Rock Cooking," New Era July 1975
"Non-utensil Cooking," New Era May 1976
“Stick Cooking,” New Era, Jul 1977

“Backyard Barbecue,” New Era, May 1979

“Backyard Dining,” New Era, Jun 1985
“Tin Can Cooking,” Ensign, June 1974

“Tin Can Date,” New Era, Jul 1982

“Tricky Treats,” New Era, Oct 1982

“Make-It-Yourself Christmas,” New Era, Dec 1982

“Pizza with Pizzazz,” New Era, Jun 1984

“Incredible Edible Valentines,” New Era, Jan 1985

“Creative Birthday Cakes,” New Era, Mar 1987

“(Plastic) Bag of Tricks,” Ensign, Feb. 1980
“All-Family Shopping Trip,” Ensign, July 1979

Dian's Bio
"Unusual as Usual," Ensign Dec. 1990
"The Combustion Point," Ensign June 1984

Dian's Books

Backyard Roughing It Easy

Many of those who enjoy the outdoors are already familiar with New Era contributor Dian Thomas’ Roughing It Easy series. Her latest work, however, will open her world of creative cooking to a new crowd—the backyard, back porch, and patio picnickers who can’t always break away to the hills. The volume is full of recipes, ideas for cleaning up, and tons of energy savers (both for the cook and the pocketbook), as well as thoughts on unique party ideas and family activity suggestions. Imagine ironing a burrito or pizza made with pocket bread for your father on family night, or using a wheelbarrow as a charcoal grill! Those are only two of hundreds of ideas in this exciting cookery guide.

Roughing It Easy, II
She’s done it again! Dian Thomas has written another fun, informative, timely book about the art of outdoor living. It’s called Roughing It Easy, II.What the first Roughing It Easy didn’t have (and we thought it had it all), the second has. It includes sections on car camping, recipes for different sources of heat, how to create sanitary living situations, the preparation of TV dinners in the out-of-doors, and the latest method of cooking: solar heat cooking. Dian has collected ideas that are easy, fun, and practical, making out-door-living living rather than constant work. With her suggestions you can spend your time enjoying the scenery instead of fighting to survive. Roughing It Easy, II is written with humor and is easy to read. Even if you have Dian’s first book, you’ll probably want her second, too.  ("FYI," New Era Nov. 1977)

6 Tips To An Organized Christmas

Getting Organized

My holiday planner keeps all of my favorite holiday ideas that are tried and true at my fingertips, which helps me to focus on the reason for the season!  Here's a website to print off holiday planning lists: http://www.mintprintables.com/.

After trying to simplify and streamline the whole Christmas season, and trying to remember the Reason for the Season, it's time to dig in and get organized.  Keep a notebook with a copy of your family's holiday calendar, lists like the ones that can be printed from the above websites, and a place to keep receipts and recipes.  Plan for travel arrangements, if necessary, and start the gift list.  Decide what your holiday budget will be.  Don't forget to include the cost of food served at parties and on Christmas.  

Keep your notebook with you always and refer to it often so you can buy a little at a time.  You might want to develop a plan of action so that you use the least amount of gas and energy.  For instance, look at your lists and calendar to see if you will be near certain stores when picking up the kids or going on every-day errands. 

1. Christmas Greetings: Today, many folks are saying to give up on the Christmas cards, but I think it is still important to send cards to people who would really appreciate them, such as the widows in our church. I try to keep a list in my planner and I limit the number of cards I send out, say 20 or so. Then I review last years list and update. It usually changes from year to year. I usually send cards that I got for 80% off the year before, and I always pick a Christmas Card that depicts Christ's birth. I don't send more cards than I can sign by hand. Our family will watch a holiday movie like White Christmas and take turns signing each card with a little message. This means soooo much to the people we send cards to. 
2. Gift Giving:  The first thing I do when planning gifts is look through my Gooseberry Patch Christmas books for homemade ideas. Also the many websites and blogs on the internet are great sources for unique ideas. It can be as simple as a plate of cookies. In fact, our family always tries to make goodies to give each year. I buy the tins and boxes the year before for about 80% off and fill them with all the good recipes we make each year, such as mocha fudge. These have been the most meaningful gifts to my dad who lives 3000 miles away. (Be sure to mail by Dec. 10th). The postage was expensive, but his response was priceless. (See my October Traditions post for sending goodies in the mail--coming Oct. 2011). I also like to tuck a Subway card in his gift because his wife is very ill and this is a useful gift for them to use. I've also given CVS pharmacy gift cards to family members who live near one and get their prescriptions there. We usually set a limit on how much to spend on gifts given to extended family. If you organize yourself early on, you will be surprised at how thoughtful your gifts will be. Be sure to include on your list where you have stored the presents. I recommend wrapping them right away. This can actually be done year-round for the best deals (especially right after Christmas).
3. Traditions:  I like to put an ornament in the stockings each year. I just read an article in Martha Stewart Living where a family does this. They choose an ornament that has something to do with the past year, such as a child's graduation or wedding. An example they used was someone's visit to New York City was marked by giving them a "Big Apple" ornament. It can be as subtle or specific as you need. They also mentioned giving new pajamas as Christmas presents opened on Christmas Eve to make picture-taking easier the next day.  For more traditions visit 8 Christmas Traditions.
4. Parties:  For parties, decide on what you can handle, whether it's a cookie exchange (cookie swap) or a dinner party. Set a budget and see what little things that really add up, could be brought by friends who will ask to bring something anyway. Be sure to ask guests at least two weeks in advance. Use only recipes that are tried and true. Keep decorations simple: few festive throw pillows, light-smelling candles, soft music, etc. Susan Branch has the cute idea of grouping all her pictures of "sitting on Santa's lap." Others have a collection of crèches to display. Have the music ready to go. Tried and true, I have a favorite CD that has tons of holiday music and I press the repeat button and forget about it. 
5. The Food:  You can plan your menu in advance and MAKE A SHOPPING LIST! Allow 1-1/2 lb. per person (which will include leftovers). Shop for nonperishables two weeks in advance. Dressings, desserts, and yeast rolls can be made and frozen up to three months in advance. Place turkey on a tray in the refrigerator to thaw. Allow 24 hours for every 4 lb. of turkey. Place your frozen dressing, dessert, and rolls in the refrigerator to thaw 24 hours before you plan to serve them. Allow any of the unbaked items to stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking. An island makes an ideal serving bar. 
6. The House:  One week before the party, clean the house. Focus on public areas, the kitchen and bathrooms. Two days before the party, begin preparing food. Decorate the house and set any tables ahead of time. Block out several hours on the day of the party to relax and prepare. Enjoy your event! Clean up after the party--and enjoy the "thank you!" phone calls from your guests. After the party, debrief. Note successes and shortfalls in your party planner. It'll guide your next event.

Company's Coming: Organization

Just because you have four chairs, six plates, and three cups is no reason why you can't invite twelve to dinner. ~Alice May Brock

About a month ahead of my holiday celebration, I write a list of everything on my menu including snacks and appetizers.  I prepare what I can in advance. I take my list every time I go to the store so I can buy a little at a time.

Next I survey the furniture situation such as chairs for seating.  I just bought a couple of charming, smallish, sturdy chairs from an antique shop for $10 each!  That was for less than the nearby "thrift" shop was selling miscellaneous chairs.  They are perfect for a tight fit in my small dining room, and I have future plans to use one in a corner of a daughter's room and the other to hold a stack of pretty towels in my bathroom--so they serve double duty.  (Coming from a large extended family, I also learned that it is okay to use the piano bench and dressing table stools for seating as well--just tuck them on the side of the table that won't show up in photographs).  I have an enclosed front porch that will serve as overflow for my living room.  Investing in a nice patio set pays off during times like these.  I'll throw a few extra cushions and pillows as well as warm throws.  If it's chilly, I can heat up the porch with a small space heater I use for camping.

I've also been doing major house cleaning which I usually do every spring and fall.  This helps me get ready for the holidays.  Not only did I find a ton of stuff inside to take to the Jimmy Hale Mission thrift store, but outside as well!  I did part of my holiday baking all day Saturday, had a daughter make a huge pot of chili, and kept the menfolk well-fed as they cleaned up the clutter in the shed and around the house removing a boat, a 24-ft. above-ground pool, and leftover construction materials!

This is a good time to have a honey-do list prepared so my honey knows exactly what needs doing.  Some repairs require professionals like the Whirlpool repairman I've got to call tomorrow to fix the weird sound in the dishwasher and the ice maker in the fridge that's gone kaput.  If your husband isn't so handy around the house, ask friends if they know someone who is, that does this professionally.

I want to enjoy my Thanksgiving and I'm not real fond of turkey (I'm a chicken gal), so I plan on ordering a turkey.  Bojangles does a fried turkey, and the local BBQ joint has smoked turkeys.  The deli my eldest works at makes huge pans of dressing with chicken meat.  Turkey and dressing are the two things I really stress over.  Mrs. Smith's will take care of desserts, served with Cool Whip. I love Knorr turkey or chicken gravy.  I have a recipe that adds herbs to this packet and it is the best, easiest, no-fail gravy!

"Tastes Like Boston Market" Gravy

1 (1.2-oz.) pkg. Knorr Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix

1/2 t. chopped fresh sage

1/2 t. chopped fresh thyme

1/4 t. pepper

Prepare gravy mix according to pkg. directions, stirring in 1/2 t. chopped fresh sage, 1/2 t. chopped fresh thyme, and 1/4 t. pepper before bringing to a boil.  Proceed as directed on the package.  Yield:  1-1/4 cups.

I've recently discovered Stone Mountain canned vegetables, and the peas are way better than Le Seur and way cheaper too!  A tradition from my own growing up is the brown and serve rolls and plenty of jellied cranberry sauce--what could be easier?  And if I'm feeling up to it, I'll make some candied yams and a vinegar slaw that's to-die-for.  Mashed potatoes and green casseroles are stand bys as well.

For a small gathering, I plan on using real dishes so I've had to made sure I have enough silverware, cups, plates, etc.  The day before is a good time to plan on doing some light cleaning and dusting in places where guests gather and in the bathroom.  I recently spruced up the bathroom with new rugs, a shower curtain, and pretty towels.

For entertaining, we'll have the video game system ready in one of the bedrooms, and fun DVDs to watch.  I also like to keep some autumn inspired magazines and small books around.  My favorite autumn book is by the artist Susan Branch.

Festive background music, scented candles, something cool to drink (or cocoa in a crock pot if it's really cold), and a few light snacks such as homemade Snack Mix are perfect for guests as they filter in.