With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I wanted to give you all some "easy preparation" tips to get ready for the feast.

If you are running around like a chicken with its head cut off during Thanksgiving, you are more than likely not giving yourself enough time to prepare.

Following these 10 tips will lower your stress levels and allow you to actually enjoy the special day.

1. Make desserts the day before Thanksgiving.
It’s so hard to bake everything at the same time because everything seems to bake at different temperatures. Even if you aren’t baking this easy preparation tip comes in handy. Having your pies, candy, etc already made will give you more time to work on preparing the turkey, vegetables, etc.

2. Peel potatoes the day before Thanksgiving.
This easy preparation tip may not seem to save a lot of time, but it really does. Once your potates are peeled, place them ina bowl of water and then put them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook your potatoes, simply drain off the water and cook them like normal.

3. Make cornbread for homemade dressing the day before Thanksgiving.
 Instead of baking your cornbread while your turkey is baking, do the day before so all you have to do is mix up the ingredients and bake the dressing.

4. Cut up vegetables the day before Thanksgiving.
 This also saves a lot of time. Whether you need vegetables for homemade dressing or you’re putting out a vegetable platter, this is an easy preparation tip that will make your Thanksgiving more enjoyable.

5. Thaw turkey well ahead of time.
 Nothing is worse than going to fix your turkey on Thanksgiving and it’s still partially frozen. By following this easy preparation tip, this Thanksgiving, you will be able to get everything finished on time rather than having to wait longer because you turkey still isn’t done.

6. Purchase rolls rather than making them from scratch.
 You may be completely against this easy preparation tip, but believe me you can buy rolls that will be just as good as homemade. There are rolls in the freezer section that you thaw and then let rise. There’s also wonderful crescent rolls found in the dairy section next to the biscuits. If you honestly cannot do this, prepare you dough in advance and freeze it before it rises. Then remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw and rise before baking.

7. Buy desserts from a local bakery.
 If you think making desserts from scratch will drive you over the edge this Thanksgiving, use this easy preparation tip. Go to a local bakery and choose desserts that you can pass off as homemade.

8. Have someone else do the little things.
 Whether it’s buying precut vegetables from the produce section or buying pre-made mashed potatoes, this is an easy preparation tip that just makes sense. Why should you waste your time this Thanksgiving cutting vegetables or baking rolls?

9. Share the responsibility.
 This Thanksgiving ask your friends and family to bring different dishes and then all you have to do is cook the turkey. This is an easy preparation tip that will truly allow you to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

10. Order a Thanksgiving dinner from the store.
 In this day and time you can get wonderful Thanksgiving dinners from your local grocery store. If you aren’t comfortable with having the whole dinner catered, only buy the items you dread making the most.

I hope these easy preparation tips will help you easily get through Thanksgiving this year and many years to come.

Happy Preparing and Happy Thanksgiving!

-Orly