This is the week where serious planning has to take place for Thanksgiving.

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My friend, Deb, who lives in a small house, has 14 coming to dinner next week. They have 6 adults with 4 kids coming, plus their family of 4.

Deb said: My house is SO cramped. But I hope they all come anyway.

When I asked her how her planning was going, I also asked her what “top 3 things” was she going to do to make it work? She told me that writing out her top 3 would really help her visualize what needed to get done.

Very few of us have the ideal situations, houses big enough, dining tables that stretch out long enough, beds for everybody in the house. We may have tiny living rooms, no family rooms, itsy-bitsy kitchens, no counter space.

Whatever we don’t like about our houses, we still can make it work.

I also told Deb, “I think you can do anything if you are prepared and you plan ahead!”

Isn’t it true that we actually look forward to being cozy with family and friends?

Her biggest problem: Main floor for ALL entertaining is 11 x 18. Currently holds table/chairs for 4 + sectional sofa, flat TV on wall, fireplace.

Deb’s Top 3 things TO DO by the end of this week:

1. Clear out basement. Move sectional and TV down so main floor is 100% for serving & eating. Budget 2 full days for Goodwill runs and consolidating storage down there. Set up outdoor firepit for teens and attic nook for games/crafting.

2. Delegate menu dishes among guests.

3. Plan/count/move/find: chairs/dishes/cloth-napkins.

Have you thought ahead enough to make a list and prioritize the top 3 things that you and your family can do to make the holidays easier? What method works for you for planning?