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The holiday season is here. The store displays have been stocking up since summertime, but now you need to take it seriously. If you’re planning the holiday feast, Sandlin Homes wants to help you with a few tips to reduce Thanksgiving stress.

Get the right-sized bird.

How much turkey do you need to satisfy the Thanksgiving appetites? On average, 1 to 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person is a fair estimate, not including leftovers. If you’re serving a large crowd, consider buying two smaller turkeys, which also gives you twice the drumsticks and wings to serve up to the crowd.

Give thanks for thawing.

If you’ve ever had to wrestle the partially-frozen gizzards packet from the cavity of a bird, you know that it could take longer than you expected to thaw a turkey. It’s best to thaw your turkey in a refrigerator, not on the counter, because bacteria could grow in the room-temperature environment. Allow 24 hours per 5 pounds of a frozen turkey to thaw in the refrigerator.

Get the turkey on the table on time.

Do you remember your mom getting up extra-early on Thanksgiving day to get the turkey in the oven? The actual time will depend on the size of the turkey and whether it’s stuffed or unstuffed. Allow 14 minutes per pound for a turkey without stuffing and 16 minutes if it’s stuffed. Keep your turkey tented under heavy-duty aluminum. Check the bird periodically by inserting a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 165℉. Take it out of the oven and let the cooked turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving so that the juice redistributed through the turkey.

Cook, freeze, repeat

Save valuable time on Thanksgiving Day by getting as many dishes as possible prepared in advance. Make your mashed potatoes and freeze them in a bag. Place the frozen potatoes in a slow cooker on Thanksgiving morning so you have one less dish to worry about. Make your casseroles and pies ahead of time and freeze them, too.

Know when to say, “Yes!”

Many of your guests will ask, “Can I bring something?” Don’t be too proud to take them up on that offer. Invite people to bring appetizers, desserts, or rolls. If anyone has a personal specialty, let them bring it. It’s one less thing for you to do. Just be sure to confirm two days before Thanksgiving that they are still coming and planning to bring their assigned dish.

Feed the kids first.

Rather than setting up extra tables to feed everyone at once, let the children gobble up their Thanksgiving dinner before the adults. Kids don’t look forward to sitting with the grown-ups any way. Fill them up and let the kids watch a holiday movie or play a game while the adults enjoy their dinner.

We hope you can relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday with the people who matter to you, While you’re filling up your home with guests, think about how your home fits your lifestyle. Is it time to explore the right-sized home? Sandlin Homes would love to show you the new construction homes for sale in our communities throughout the DFW metro area. If you’re ready to make your move before the end of 2019, you could save up to $35,000 and receive a $5,000 bonus to apply to upgrades! Contact us to find yet another reason to give thanks this year!

*Offer valid on available Sandlin Homes contracted between September 19, 2019 and December 31,2019. Some options may not be available at the time of purchase due to construction scheduling. Sandlin Homes has the right to cancel or change the promotion at any time without notice. Offer not valid with any other incentive program.