Thanksgiving is five weeks from today. If you are traveling and do not yet have your tickets, stop reading this blog this very instant and go buy them. We’ll wait.

Hums quietly while waiting, using the time to make lists.

If you are hosting, here are some things you should be doing:

• Start looking at your cookbooks and at websites or magazines to decide on your menu. The basics may stay the same from year to year, but you may want to experiment with a different stuffing recipe or different vegetables or a homemade cranberry relish or a new dessert. )
• Inventory your china, flatware, serving pieces, and linens. Make sure you have enough for the people you’ll be hosting. If you don’t have what you need, you have time to borrow or purchase it.
• If necessary, polish the silver, unpack the china, and iron the table linens. Ironed linens can be stored on old wrapping paper rolls so there need only be one crease.
• If you want a specialty turkey (fresh, free range, organic, etc.), place your order now to make sure you’ll be able to get what you need.
• Start clearing room in your refrigerator and freezer. Ideally, at least half the capacity of each will be available for the holiday.
• Start decreasing clutter around the rest of the house. If you spend just 15 minutes a day, things will be so much better  by Thanksgiving.

If you are going to someone’s house:

• Feel free to ask if you can bring something. If the host says no, please abide by that decision. They may not have the fridge space, stove space, or serving equipment for what you bring. Do not add to the stress.
• Do buy a nice present for your host: a bottle of wine, some nice chocolate, etc. Do not expect what you bring to be served. It’s a gift, not a contribution to a potluck.
• Make sure you have stationery or a card to send a thank you note when you get home.
• If you are staying with someone over the holiday, you can offer to assist with preparations or provide takeout on Wednesday night or make breakfast or lunch on Friday.