Okay, the pressure is on. There’s just a bit more than a week until Thanksgiving. Here are some tips on what to tackle now.

-     Finalize recipes and make a grocery list. If write your list by hand, organize it by department so you’ll be less likely to miss anything. Bring a pen with you to the store and cross off items as you add them to your cart. You can also use the “My Ukrop’s” portion of our web site to make a grocery list and print it.

-     Get in touch with any guests you don’t know well and ask about special dietary restrictions. You don’t want to add bacon to your green beans and mashed potatoes only to find out your brother’s new girlfriend doesn’t eat meat. If you need a tasty vegetarian entrée, make our stuffed acorn squash recipe, replacing the sausage with tofu crumbles and the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

-     As you’re creating your list, think about garnishes and other special items you can pick up to make your table grand. Maybe a centerpiece from Ukrop’s Floral Department? Or something as simple as a bowl of fresh Fall fruits and vegetables to set the harvest theme? Also remember to pick up lemons, mint leaves, berries or any other items you want to add to your dishes and drinks to make them look elegant.

-     Don’t forget appetizers. Even if you’re planning a heavy meal, you’ll want to have some snacks for people to munch on as you’re putting the final touches on the meal. Pick up some of our new Spinach Artichoke with Pepper Jack Cheese Dip and a veggie tray. Or, make it even easier by putting your favorite variety of Joe’s Market nuts into a festive bowl.

-     Upgrade your after-dinner coffee. Thanksgiving is the time to treat yourself and your guests to a rich, hot beverage. While you’re at the store, pick up some of our Joe’s Market Holiday Blend Coffee (available in select stores) and impress your guests with this special full-bodied blend is spicy with hints of cocoa. Make it even more indulgent by serving ground cinnamon, cloves, cocoa or even mini chocolate chips along with it so guests can enhance the holiday flavor.

-    Minimize the clean up with foil pans. Does the idea of scrubbing dried turkey juice off a roasting pan after the guests depart leave you feeling less than excited? Make your dishes in affordable, disposable handi-foil pans, and then move them to your bowls before serving. You’ve just cut your dishwashing in half.

-    Feeling a little overwhelmed? You’ve still got a few more days to let Ukrop’s do it all by ordering a Ukrop’s Complete Holiday Meal. We’ll gather a turkey or ham and all the sides and have it ready when you come into the store. You can even reserve a pumpkin pie and we’ll have it ready too! Click here to reserve your holiday meal.

-    You can also let Ukrop’s share the work. Reserve the sides, appetizers and desserts you don’t feel like making and then pick them up when you stop in to get the ingredients for your favorite recipes. It’ll make the holiday less stressful because you can focus on the items you enjoy making. Click here to reserve your favorites from our kitchen. Don’t forget our Chef’s Specials case (available only in select stores) will also be packed with delightful holiday dishes.

-    What are your a-week-before tips? Please share them in the “comments” section!