This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Welch's.
Growing up in Canada, we celebrated Thanksgiving near the beginning of October. Unlike the American version, Canadian Thanksgiving has nothing to do with the arrival of the Pilgrims to the new world. Rather, it is a celebration of a successful harvest. Since Canada is further north than the United States, harvest season takes place at an earlier time, which explains the timing of the holiday. Since moving to the United States 15 years ago, I have come to appreciate the timing of American Thanksgiving. Landing mere weeks before Christmas, Thanksgiving is the window into the joy, chaos and merriment of the holiday season. With a full day of cooking and eating and three days of quiet family time, Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays.
For us, as for many families, Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the big and little gifts in our lives and a time to enjoy the company of family and friends. However, you are reading the words of a food blogger, which means that this holiday also has to be about the food. And a little more food. Oh, and a little more. Preparations start well before feast day - ideas for menus, table settings, and decorations swirl in my head for weeks. Over the years, there have been very successful feasts and some that are, well, less than ideal. However, at the end of the day, when leftovers are wrapped up and guests are sitting in front of the football games in their tryptophan trances, all that really matters is that we did it together.
That being said, there are a few tips and tricks that I have learned over the years to make Thanksgiving day go as smoothly as possible.
Make ahead:
If you leave all of the cooking until Thanksgiving Thursday, you will spend a very long day in the kitchen and emerge with aching feet and a feast that you are too tired to eat. Prepare as many dishes as you can the day before, such as cranberry sauce, pumpkin pies, and even the turkey. Gasp! Yes, the turkey. Years ago, we learned that making the turkey the day ahead for both Thanksgiving and Christmas makes the holiday far less stressful. When the turkey is doused in hot gravy, your guests will never know the difference.
Set the table:
Arrange the table the day before. Put on the tablecloth, lay out the napkins, set out the silverware and glassware, and arrange the centerpiece. Collect all of the serving dishes and utensils you will need so that you are not scrambling at the last minute.
Delegate:
There is no need to be the hero in the kitchen. When your guests ask if there is anything you can bring or if they can help in the kitchen, say "Yes"! Not only does it give your guests warm, fuzzy feelings about contributing to the meal, but also it will take a lot of pressure off of you. Besides, the party always ends up in the kitchen anyways. You might as well put all of those party-goers to work.
Consider rentals:
Most rental places have very reasonable rates for two-day rentals of plates, silverware, and glasses. We have not done this often but, let me tell you, there is nothing better than piling most of the dirty dishes in big containers and sending them back to the rental company to deal with.
Our feast this year will include all of the traditional favorite dishes, along with one of Welch's holiday drink recipes. The choices are all appealing - Holiday Toasting Cup, Sparkling Holiday Punch, Spiced Grape Punch, Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer, and Sparkling Cranberry Punch - and I will likely try all of them over the holiday season, but it will be the Sparkling Holiday Punch that graces our Thanksgiving table this year.
For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comments section:
"Which Welch's holiday drink recipe would you like to try?"
Please, no duplicate comments.
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For more information on Welch's, head to their official site.
Welch's Sparkling Juice cocktails are the perfect choice for happy family celebrations
* Non-alcoholic, so they’re perfect for the entire family.
* Deliciously refreshing with a light, bubbly sensation.
* Upscale package perfect for special celebrations.
313 comments:
1 – 200 of 313 Newer› Newest»I would like to try the Sparkling Holiday Punch. I think my family would really like it.
The sparkling holiday punch sounds really festive. I'd like to try that one.
I'd like to try the spiced grape punch. It sounds interesting.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/4945387219591168
spiced grape would be my choice
truthhole@gmail.com
I'd like to try the sparkling holiday punch
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/5078304390385665
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I think the Spiced Grape Punch sounds good and my son would love it- my daughter might not be old enough for that.
bukaeyes@aol.com
I tweeted this
http://twitter.com/#!/bukaeyes/status/5106151238672384
Sparkling Holiday punch would be great! The boys are so cute!!!Beautiful faces
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
SPARKLING GRAPE PUNCH SOUNDS GOOD TO ME kytah00@yahoo.com
2ND ENTRY TWEET http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/5511206697705473 kytah00@yahoo.com
I'm crazy for punch!
I would love to try the cranberry spritzer!
The sparkling cranberry punch!
meganbomba14atgmail
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/megans_madness/status/5699000976019458
meganbomba14atgmail
I'd like to try the spiced grape punch.
melduke26 at gmail dot com
sparkling cranberry spritzer for me birdson@roadrunner.com
I'd love to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer.
thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
All the reviewers are raving about the Cranberry Spritzer, so I am going to have to go with that!
Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds delicious!
s2s2 at comcast dot net
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/6022877648265216
s2s2 at comcast dot net
spiced grape punch, yum! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/6025755628670976 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
The Cranberry Spritzer is going to be our favorite this year.
marybug2@yhoo.com
I tweeted
http://pointsofreview.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-memories-tips-plus.html
marybug2 at yahoo.com
The Cran Spritzer sounds great, i'd try it!
I think that it's a toss up between the Spiced Grape Punch and the Holiday Cup. They both sound so good. I may just have to make both of them!
I would like to try the Sparking Holiday Punch but they all sound delish!
The Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds really good but they all sound really good. Going to be hard to choose.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted here too
http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/6149653372346368
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
The Sparkling Holiday Punch would be the hit with my family.
msgb245 at gmail dot com
I really want to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer, just love how these are alcohol free and kid friendly with 5 kids this is great
sweokgrl@gmail.com
I tweeted on twitter
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/6196297602174976
I want to try the Sparkling Holiday Punch.
Because I hail from cranberry country, the sparkling cranberry spritzer calls my name.
sparkling holiday punch
Karla_schade (at) hotmail
I would try the sparkling holiday punch....
Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds just delicious!
elderberry44 AT yahoo.com
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/doughgirlbakes/status/6849654822010880
Sparkling Cranberry punch...with the rum!
The Sparkling Cranberry Punch sounds amazing (and I think adding rum to it would enhance it immensely!)
Sparkling holiday punch sounds really good.
I'd love to try the sparkling holiday punch. I think it would go perfect with my Christmas brunch.
Tweet: http://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/7279933973860352
I'd love to try Sparkling Cranberry Punch
Sparkling Holiday Punch!!!
--Meagan
cheercfa07 at aol dot com
Tweeted http://twitter.com/vivalameaganx3/status/7619503286394880
--Meagan
cheercfa07 at aol dot com
I'd like to try the White Grape Melon-Mint Dazzler with Sparkling White Grape Juice, it would be like having a bit of summer in winter.
shel704 at aol dot com
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/7639829680496640
shel704 at aol dot com
I'd really like to try the Spiced Grape Punch recipe. The selection of spices sound perfect for the holidays.
chainmail(at) iwon(dot) com
I tweeted this
http://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/7696363693277184
Ruby Mulled Cider sounds good to me! So does the holiday punch. Yummy!
alaskawildrose at gmail dot com
Sparkling Cranberry Punch
posted http://pointsofreview.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-memories-tips-plus.html
Sparkling Holiday Punch!
ckbarker at gmail cot com
I would like to make the sparkling grape punch!
kmancas@bellsouth.net
Spiced Grape Punch sounds great to try.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/8392781831602176
i'd like to try the sparkling cranberry punch
nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
spiced grape punch
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
I don't think anyone has said the Red Grape Waltz yet
tweet http://twitter.com/vlbsweeps/status/9053459311493120
Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds delicious!!!
gina.m.maddox@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/#!/TheCraveToSave/status/9339710967123968
tweet!
Mmmm... the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer might be making an appearance at my house this holiday!
The Sparkling Cranberry Sprizter looks simple and delicious! I may just try that one!
The sparkling cranberry punch!
tewwted here
http://twitter.com/#!/molliemam87/status/10134570947059712
molliemam87@gmail.com
I think some Spiced Grape Punch would hit the spot--it sounds very interesting.
My email is: jennaseverythingblog@gmail.com
Happy holidays to everyone!
I would like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer.
I would love to try the Sparkling Holiday Punch.
MCantu1019@aol.com
The Ruby Mulled Cider sounds really good.
sparkling cranberry spritzer
rmartinclarke at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/rsmc1/status/11837711195312128
rmartinclarke at gmail dot com
I'd like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Punch. rhisomers(at)gmail(dot)com
The Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds wonderful!
toddjesslabrum@gmail.com
I'd really like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/peg42/status/12266285056401408
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I’d like to try the Spiced Grape Punch. It sounds delicious.
THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!
Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com
I would make the Sparkling Cranberry Punch.
I WOULD ACTUALLY LIKE TO TAKE THE "Holiday Toasting Cup" & SPICE IT UP SOMEHOW... kytah00@yahoo.com
2ND ENTRY TWITTER twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/12316955109236736 kytah00@yahoo.com
the spiced grape punch looks awesome, this is my favorite time of year, i love spiced drinks, and this looks like an easy one
http://twitter.com/saphyress/status/12347070950146048
I'd like to try the Sparkling Holiday Punch. I love sparkling apple cider, so this might be a new favorite!
I tweeted too:
http://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/12369426192015360
I'd like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer!
Dove056 at aol dot com
Tweet - http://twitter.com/Dove056/status/12398567402512384
Dove056 at aol dot com
Sparkling holiday punch
I would like to try the spiced grape punch.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/12435008941719552
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
I'd try the Cranberry Spritzer .
I would like to try the White Grape Melon-Mint Dazzler
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/12559419963346944
I'd like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer
dogsrock at insightbb dot com
I really want to try the Florida Sunshine Fizz recipe
The Sparkling Cranberry Punch sounds delicious!
bbentry [at] aol [dot] com
A Sparkling Cranberry Punch sounds yummy
annashoshina at yahoo dot com
I would like to try the cranberry spritzer
sparkling cranberry spritzer sounds good
tweet
http://twitter.com/buzz8/status/12685566671851520
Spiced grape punch is my choice
I think my family would like the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer.
I would like to try the Sparkling Holiday Punch.
monster6236 at gmail dot com
tweet http://twitter.com/5memb/status/12869038069784576
monster6236 at gmail dot com
They all sound wonderful. I think my family would enjoy the Festive Holiday Punch Bowl.
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/clc408/status/12951225527959552
spiced grape!
I'd like to try the Spiced Grape Punch. It seems so much more Christmas-y than our usual orange sherbet in 7-Up that we usually have on Christmas Eve!
krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com
I would love to try the White Grape Melon-Mint Dazzler, even tho it isn't super Christmasy - it sounds delicious!
sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
I would love to try the Spiced Grape Punch! I love any kind of spiced drink around the holidays.
i'd like to try the sparkling holiday punch
Spiced Grape Punch would be wonderful!
sparkling holiday punch!
Merry Xmas! Thanks!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
janna@feedyourpigblog.com
www.feedyourpigblog.com
sparkling holiday punch.
sparkling grape!!! PLEASE!!! myanjim@yahoo.com
The Cherry Smash has bourbon in it. I'm game!
shutterboo at gmail dot com
I'd go with the Spiced Grape Punch basically because it's easy and I'm lazy ;) A perfect match!
I just tweeted this giveaway here :D
http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/13588219614461952
sparkling holiday punch sounds yummy!
ape2016(at)aol(dot)com
I want spiced grape punch.
I would love to try the sparkling cranberry spritzer
misaacmom at gmail dot com
i'd love to try the Welch's Grape- Apple Holiday Punch
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
i tweeted about this giveaway
http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/14153792161320960
debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com
Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer sounds great!
I would like the sparkling holiday punch
Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
The Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds delicious!
marcia.goss@gmail.com
Tweet.
http://twitter.com/mgoss123/status/14455384534163456
marcia.goss@gmail.com
I like idea of the Holiday Toasting Cup.
I'd like to try the Holiday Toasting Cup.
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14493031809949696
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
I'd like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer... I just LOVE anything Cranberry- especially around the holidays!
The Cranberry Spritzer sounds so good!!!! I would try that one!!
shelleymikey at gmail dot com
I'll try the Sparkling Holiday Punch please.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
Tweet:http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/14844761361874944
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
red grape sparkling juice for Christmas sounds like fun for the whole family
Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer
I think the spiced grape punch is a recipe I wnat to try.
Mmmmm! The Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds festive!
Thanks for the chance to enter!
dawn.det (at) gmail.com
I would love to try the Spiced Grape Punch. It sounds great!
hebert024 at aoldot com
I would like to try the Sparkling Holiday Punch.
hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com
I have retweeted.
http://twitter.com/mrcheapo/status/16097690530095105
hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com
Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer sounds good to me
I would like to try the Purple Cow recipe.
Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/josephvh1982/status/16239625961996288
Jeanette Huston
jeanette_huston@yahoo.com
I'll give the spiced grape punch a try.
bluedragon51@comcast.net
I thin I would try the Holiday Toasting Cup first.
pestkaj(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer.
ksgillmore at yahoo dot com
id like the spice grape punch
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
The Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds like the perfect addition to a holiday meal!
paigewiley16 AT gmail DOT com
Sparkling cranberry spritzer looks yummy!
Although we enjoy our Welch's Sparkling plain the Sparkling Holiday Punch would be a welcomed change
I would like to try the Sparkling Holiday Punch
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/Grandma3710/status/16988159183159297
id like the sparkling cranberry spritzer
I would love to try the sparkling cranberry spritzers! I'm sure my family would love it too! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer. Thanks.
Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds delicious and refreshing. I'd love to try it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/17106693422850048
eswright18 at gmail dot com
I would love to try the Sparkling Cranberry Punch.
kport207 at gmail dot com
I've loved Welch's Grape Juice since at least the Dark Ages. So it's a natural leap for me to try their recipe for Spiced Grape Punch.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
Tweeted you!
http://twitter.com/Ida_Sessions/status/17398641178189825
I bet my family would love the spiced grape punch!
cranberry spritzer
mjf926 At gmail. com
I want to try the wedding punch
artisticbaker (at) gmail (dot) com
Holiday punch sounds delish
bluegirl1423 at gmail dot com
The Spiced Grape Punch sounds yummy! I love anything grape flavored!
Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer sounds festive and yummy.
I would try the Sparkling Holiday Punch. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
Sparkling Cranberry Punch sounds delish!
tweet http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/18013361237135360
Id love to try the spiced grape punch, thanks! sbcashortie at hotmail dot com
tweet http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/18013361237135360
blog http://sodahoney.blogspot.com/2010/12/1231-add-some-sparkle-to-your-holiday. html
I love anything cranberry; juice, canned sauce, homemade sauce you name it. I want to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer. Doesn't it sound yummy??
rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com
Cranberry spritzer sounds delicious!
kaleidoscopequeen at gmail dot com
Would have to be the sparking cranberry spritzer - sounds delicious
The Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer sounds so yummy.
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com
Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/18291349333737472
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'd like to try the Golden Punch
bepoia(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer.
dawns_horizen@yahoo.com
The Holiday Toasting Cup please!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
the sparkling holiday punch
holiday sparkling punch sounds good :)
I'd like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer!
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
tweet! http://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/19141469952544768
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
The Sparkling Holiday Punch would be great for New Years
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
sparkling holiday punch! yum
Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer
emilynwins[at]gmail dot com
Sparkling Cranberr Spritzer sounds yummy!
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
I want to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer. I am queenesperfect at yahoo.com
I'd love to try the sparkling cranberry spritzer.
patrice@everydayruralty.com
The Sparkling Holiday Punch sounds yummy!
The spiced grape punch sounds good.
I'd love to try the Spiced Grape Punch. honeypie411 at yahoo dot com
I would like to try the Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer
Dancehottie1621@aol.com
I like the spiced grape punch.
theolotto@yahoo.com.au
I'd most like to try the Spiced Grape Punch - the combination of grape, cloves, and lemon sounds terrific. Thanks!
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/19643142521233408
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I'd like to try the sparkling holiday punch.
dgoodridge84@yahoo.com
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