Ten memorable wines ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings Now, if people offer to bring something, I accept,” she adds. “I was notorious for wanting to be in total control of my own dinner. “I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be fancy and I don’t need to spend a lot of money,” adds Stern, who has ditched expensive flowers for her centrepiece and now arranges mason jars filled with sprigs of herbs (rosemary and sage are hardy and won’t wilt) that she grows in her garden. “My daughter Anna would watch me and say, ‘Why are you making this so difficult for yourself?’ ” “I used to turn myself inside out, trying to make everything fresh and from scratch, spending a fortune on flowers, and wanting the house to look perfect,” says Stern, who just released a new cookbook called Don’t Worry, Just Cook: Delicious, Timeless Recipes for Comfort & Connection. She also advocates freezing many of the sides, including appetizers (again, she often sticks with vegetarian options so non-carnivores have more to nibble on) as well as the cranberry sauce and even the gravy. What’s the secret to a perfectly roasted turkey? Take it easy in the kitchen Open this photo in gallery: And to remember to be grateful that the world has opened up again and we’re all together.” “The key to a stress-free Thanksgiving is to focus on what’s working as opposed to what’s not working. “What we are all craving right now is human connection, not judgment and not criticism,” she adds. As much as we want everyone to get along, you just never know what will set some people off.” You’ll only make yourself and your guests more stressed.”Īs host, Sutton adds there are two truths you must accept: Preparing Thanksgiving dinner is a lot of work and not everything will go according to plan. Don’t be a whirling dervish, trying to do everything yourself. “Delegating takes some of the burden off you and it makes your company feel good because they’ve contributed. “Planning a menu, as well as all the other Thanksgiving logistics, can leave you depleted,” Sutton says. To lessen your anxiety and worry, start with keeping the menu simple, invite people who get along and don’t be afraid to ask for help (preferably from those who will encourage you and follow directions). Whether you are cooking your first Thanksgiving dinner or have been the go-to host for years, Claire Sutton, a Vancouver-based life coach and counsellor, says it can be stressful to be at the culinary helm.
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