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There’s no denying that Martha Stewart is the original influencer – and the queen of entertainment – and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, many will look to the billionaire businesswoman for inspiration.
Martha, who recently released her untitled Netflix documentary, has been sharing her top tips for the November holidays for years and can advise on everything from the best way to cook a turkey to the perfect way to set the table.
The 83-year-old star won’t actually be in the United States for Thanksgiving this year after confirming she’s heading to Italy with her family, but she’ll still be on hand for all things hospitality on November 28.
Although she’ll be away for Thanksgiving, the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder plans to get right back into holiday hosting as soon as she gets back home.
And she even told me People that it is important to have one specific treat for guests who come to your home during the holidays.
“If anyone comes over in the afternoon, you should have homemade Christmas cookies,” Martha said. “You just have to, and you have to have some dinner parties for your family and friends.”
Of course, Martha is the expert when it comes to hosting a dinner party, but she’s aware that preparing a Thanksgiving feast can be stressful, to say the least — and that’s why there needs to be a plan.
Here FEMAIL takes a look Martha’s top tips by the hour to ensure Thanksgiving goes as smoothly as possible.
Martha Stewart is the queen of entertainment and has plenty of tips and tricks to ensure Thanksgiving goes as smoothly as possible
The billionaire businesswoman is no stranger to hosting a dinner party and is pictured here in the kitchen in August 1976
This is the most important thing you need to prepare as soon as you wake up on Thanksgiving Day
After enjoying your morning cup of coffee and some breakfast, Martha suggests preparing the potatoes as quickly as possible.
The mother of a child recommends peeling them, putting them in a jar or other large container of water, covering it with a lid or shawl and leaving them at room temperature until it is time to eat them to cook.
When it comes to potatoes, Martha has a range of recipes to choose from – so if you want to stray from the typical roasted recipes, take your pick.
As well Sour cream and chive mashed potatoesshe also offers recipes including Sweet Potato Fries with Brown Butter Marshmallow Sauce and Muffin-Pan potato gratins – However, it may take longer to prepare.
After you’ve prepped the potatoes, Martha suggests that you next prepare the other vegetables, including trimming and peeling the carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans.
She recommends storing them in a zip-top bag and then chilling the drinks you plan to serve to your guests, such as wine and beer.
Martha knows how to cook a turkey and is pictured here on NBC’s Today show demonstrating how
The 83-year-old statistician recommends preparing the potatoes first thing in the morning and has many recipes to choose from
With four hours to go before your feast, it’s time to turn your attention to the turkey
When it comes to Thanksgiving, it’s all about the big bird in the center of the table — and Martha says to put the turkey in the oven at least four hours before you sit down and eat.
However, there are plenty of things to consider before doing this, like considering how long it takes to thaw a frozen turkey and why you should never wash it in the sink.
Martha also cautions against stuffing the turkey ahead of time and recommends measuring your oven and refrigerator before purchasing your bird to make sure it will fit.
Her website states that “it can take two to six hours to roast a turkey, depending on how large it is.”
According to the USDA, a 15-pound bird (which is the average weight of turkeys purchased on Thanksgiving) will need about three hours and 45 minutes at 325 degrees.
Perhaps Martha’s post-signature recipe for cooking the tastiest turkey is her cheesecloth method, which involves a quadruple blanket of cheesecloth holding the butter-and-wine basting mixture on the skin to keep the meat moist while still allowing it to brown.
However, she has several techniques, including cooking the turkey upside down to prevent it from overcooking, as well as grilling and deep-drying – so take your pick!
The mother of one pictured here on Thanksgiving in 1986 for her series Holiday Entertaining with Martha Stewart
When the three-hour countdown starts, it’s time to think about what’s in the fridge
If there are only three hours to go before you plan to sit down and feast, Martha says you should consider taking certain items out of the refrigerator.
This may include removing cheese and other appetizers that should be served at room temperature.
She also says to take the cranberry sauce and butter that comes with your sandwiches out of the refrigerator.
This rule also applies to ready-made food, so that it is not so cold when you put it in the oven to warm it up later.
This could be canapés served first, or a range of delicious snacks for your guests to nibble on.
Martha has an endless recipe list for such foods, including Sticky Gouda puff pastry snacks, Mini crab cakes with potato chips and pimiento And Pear, walnut and ricotta crostini.
Think about getting your kitchen in order when there are only a few hours left
With only a few hours to go before everyone sits around the table and tucks into your delicious dinner, Martha suggests we clean up a bit.
Your guests may be about to arrive, so this is the perfect opportunity to get your kitchen in order before you have to make a call.
Her website says to “wash any pots piled in the sink; run the dishwasher so you can empty it before dinner, and once you’re done cleaning, set out snacks and snacks for your guests to enjoy.
However, don’t get so caught up in having a sparkling kitchen that you forget to look at the meat in the oven.
Martha emphasizes, “Whatever you do, don’t forget to keep an eye on the turkey because it may cook faster than you expect.”
There are plenty of hour-by-hour tips and tricks you can follow to ensure your Thanksgiving goes according to plan
Martha recommends letting your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it
When there are only 60 minutes left until the show, it is important to let the turkey rest
With only 60 minutes to go before you can enjoy the turkey and all the trimmings, you may want to think about resting the turkey on a meat platter.
Martha recommends letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting it into pieces for everyone’s individual plates.
And now that the bird is out of the oven, you can switch the racks, divide the oven into three parts and warm your sides on 350 degrees.
During this crucial hour before dinner, Martha recommends making your all-important gravy – or if you have already made it, put it in a pan and start heating it up.
Of course, Martha also has several recipes for the sauce and uses a simple four-step process for making basic gravy – and suggests taking it to the next level with fresh herbs or white wine.
Last but not least, consider opening the red wine to allow it to breathe in this final hour and also filling your guests’ water glasses before sitting down with your loved ones to enjoy a epic thanksgiving feast.