You can make anything into a huge overwhelming, life-draining monster or you can do what we do and beat the living crap out of the thing with laughter, friends and a plan. We are here to help, as usual.

And it is really all about the planning. You simply can’t wait until the day before a huge project like Thanksgiving and expect to execute with authority, aplomb (look it up) and no stress. Ain’t happenin’ friends. Now, of course, you can farm all of this out and have everything catered and planned by someone else. But let’s face it, as we’ve noted before, not all of us have Martha Stewart’s budget or staff.

You don’t have to do the dinner yourself and if you’re one of the younger family members, chances are you’re arriving at the festivities, wine bottle in hand and if so, good for you! If you’re a little older, you could be producing the event yourself.

Get ready because we are.