Thanksgiving Day Declared In Proclamation of Abe Lincoln Oct 3. 1863

A day of  "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens" by Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving Day would be an annual event celebrated on the last Thursday in November. Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a federal holiday every year since 1864.

It's still a bit early to start planning Thanksgiving but before you know it that time will be here. I realize not everyone reading my blog may celebrate Thanksgiving and that is o.k. as the tips, recipes , etc... I share can be used for other special times as well.

The first steps of planning thanksgiving include:

• creating a list of guest that you plan to invite. This will help others as well. An early invite leaves them open to know where they have been invited for dinner. Many may get a few invitations.
• Know who will be helping you prepare the meal and what dishes they plan to make. Having a Thanksgiving menu to send in your invite will help determine if any special foods will be needed for guest.
• Now that the menu is planned create a shopping list dividing it between non-perishables and perishables. Include on the list those little extras that you will want including anything for taking pictures, batteries, matches or lighter to light candles if you plan to use and dont forget the beverages
• If you plan to go fresh this year you will want to order the turkey at the end of October to beginning of November. 
• Do you have plenty of dishware, silverware and glassware?? If you are not for sure take time and see what you all ready have. 
• Plan on using tablecloth and napkins?? Purchase them ahead of time and have that little chore out of way

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