Thanksgiving is four weeks from today. If you are travelling and have not yet bought tickets, you must do that immediately.

If you are hosting, you need to start your basic preparations:

• Decide on your guest list and extend invitations.

• Begin deciding your menu. If you are doing the standard turkey, you will need to decide on side dishes, the type of stuffing, and desserts.  If you have an all day gathering, you may need to plan breakfast, appetizers, and snacks as well.

• Unearth your serving ware, silver, and table linens.  You may not have used them since last Christmas, so they could be tough to find.  If you've never hosted before, you may find that you need to purchase some serving pieces or linens. (World Market is a great place for inexpensive, yet attractive, table linens.) Make sure you have enough place settings for the number of people invited.  Expect to need extra glasses.

• If you will be serving wine or other alcohol, you will want to watch specials so you can make a good purchase.