Thanksgiving is six 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 experient with a different stuffing recipe or different vergatables or a homemade cranberry relish or a new dessert.  (I'll post my menu next week.)
• 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 can 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 availablefor the holiday.
• Start decreasing clutter around the rest of the house.  Try to clear an area every day or so.  Less clutter makes it easier to manage a crowd.