Thanksgiving Dinner – No Cooking Required

Too busy to cook the Thanksgiving meal?

Have you considered simply not cooking this Thanksgiving? It sounds far fetched and even kind of weird, but in today's world, it isn't really.

Start a new tradition this year that will allow you to enjoy both the meal and the company. Have your Thanksgiving dinner catered in.

IT'S NOT THAT FAR FETCHED – REALLY! 

This idea is not as far-fetched as it may sound. I know you are thinking about losing some of the sentimentality of the season, but really you are gaining what you really want – time with relatives. We all admit that the day wipes us out because of the preparations. So, catering the affair avoids all of that.

Catering can be as simple as going to the grocery store and ordering a meal for the occasion. Order ahead of time so all you have to worry about is picking up your food early on Thanksgiving morning. Depending on the store and your areas, many meals will include a service for four or six for less than seventy dollars. You can choose ham or turkey, two or three sides and enough rolls for everyone.

Some meal deals even include a dessert as well. I know how possessive moms and grandmas can get with age old family recipes, especially when it comes to pies and other after meal treats. If you want, make just the desserts at home. Choose one or two of your family’s favorites. Baking can easily be done in advance without the threat of spoilage that some of the other meal items carry.

For a larger affair, consider hiring a caterer. There are a few things to do to make sure the day goes off without a hitch. Contrary to what many believe, you don’t need a separate venue for a caterer. Your home will be just fine and will help to set the holiday mood unlike a banquet hall, church basement, or other hired out place might.

Call at least a month in advance if you’re choosing to have your dinner catered at your home. You’d be surprised how many other people will have this same idea. Ask about catering your Thanksgiving dinner. Some may not work on Thanksgiving, but I’m sure you will find one who can accommodate your needs as this type of holiday dinner is becoming more and more popular everywhere.

Know how many people to expect. For the cost of catering, the shindig needs at least fifteen to twenty people to be worth the while. Keep the meal uncomplicated. Caterers usually set up and clean up, but ask if you can handle the clean up yourself and store the containers for later pickup. This cuts the caterer’s job short and gives you private time with the family and might just save you money too.

Want to completely cut your headache this Thanksgiving? Cater your meal. Whether you choose your local grocer or a private caterer, it is far easier to let someone else do the cooking than to worry about it yourself. Instead, focus all your time and energy on spending quality time with your precious family.

HINT: Don't want to go full out with a caterer?

Here's what my MIL has done over the years. She cooks the meal but hires here sister to do the goodies. Sound weird? Not really.

Aunt Cath loves to bake, makes awesome stuff that everyone loves. It's like a family tradition to have goodies from Aunt Cath around on holiday occasions.

Do you know someone who could take up some of the Thanksgiving meal slack for you and would welcome the opportunity? With today's economy, you probably could find someone who would be grateful for the income, and you can take a load off of your Thanksgiving meal to do list. Can't afford it? The next best thing is planning and being prepared ahead. Learn how with my free meal planning course – it will come straight to your email.