Savor a Hassle-Free Thanksgiving by - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Savor a Hassle-Free Thanksgiving

By ,
November 13, 2015 at 03:06pm. Views: 272

From cooking an extravagant turkey dinner to readying the house for guests, hosting Thanksgiving is a lot of work. This annual day of thanks should be focused on connecting with family and enjoying each other's company, not worrying if the bird will be dry or the kids will be bored. These smart ideas will streamline your Thanksgiving holiday so you can relax and enjoy it to the fullest. * Plan ahead. Start planning Thanksgiving up to a month in advance. Get solid RSVPs so you know how many people to expect. This makes planning meals, organizing activities and rearranging chairs/furniture much easier. Pick up the phone or send out a nicely crafted event email with a RSVP request. * Inspire gratitude. Don't let the reason for the season get lost in the holiday hubbub. Simply get blank stationary or gift tags at the store and hand them out upon your guests' arrival. Have each person write down one thing they are thankful for and add it to a bowl. After dinner, pull them out one by one, reading each out aloud and guessing who wrote it. * Visit a restaurant. Mix things up this year by eating your Thanksgiving meal at a restaurant. You won't be alone; an estimated 15 million people choose to eat at a restaurant for their turkey day feast. * Sleep and exercise. Get a good night's rest the evening before the big day - it will help you stay focused and relaxed. Furthermore, don't interrupt your exercise routine. Workout in the morning to release healthy endorphins that reduce stress levels. (Plus, then you don't have to feel guilty about having a second slice of pie.) * Keep kids busy. Keep kids from bouncing off the walls by planning a few simple activities. Create "busy bags" for each child with fun activities they can do on their own, such as counting cards, puzzles, dominos and memory games. If the weather is nice, create a scavenger hunt list with things that are in the yard. * Create festive table decor. If you do grab a Thanksgiving meal-to-go from a restaurant or cook at home, it's simple to create a memorable tablescape that embraces the feeling of fall. Instead of place cards, write guests' names on miniature pumpkins. Skip tapered candles and instead scoop out the top section of a few apples and add tea lights. Cluster or line them up in a row to create eye-catching ambiance. * Prime the pumpkins. No need to buy extra bowls, just reach for your favorite gourds. Pumpkins add elegance to any setting when used as bowls. All you have to do is carve and line them with tin foil or place a smaller bowl inside. Now you have the perfect way to serve dip and chips or add ice to stylishly chill drinks. * Delegate duties. Trying to do it all makes for a stressful Thanksgiving and almost guarantees something will go wrong. If you're overwhelmed, take up offers to help. * Schedule breaks. Make time to rest and enjoy your family on Thanksgiving. You don't need to slave away for hours in the kitchen only to eat and immediately clean up the entire mess. When you're done, everyone will be heading home! Enjoy the parade, read to little ones, and savor a cup of tea with Grandma.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 383

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 429

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 363

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 242

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 391

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 528

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 512

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 522

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 377

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 305

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 555

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 264

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->