Have you put off planning for Thanksgiving? Not to worry! We’re here with some last-minute tips to help your holiday go smoothly.

Use Your Own Herbs

Want your own seasoning to use on the turkey and stuffing? Use your own herbs!  All you’ve got to do is bake herbs at 250 degrees for 30 minutes, then crumble them as they come out of the oven.  Add salt, pepper and any other spices — and voila! You’ve got just the right amount to season your dishes with.

Try out Alternatives to Roasting

There’s more than one way to cook your holiday bird.  Instead of going the traditional route – roasting – why not try smoking, grilling or spatch-cocking? These cooking methods will not only give your turkey a unique flavor, but also will free up much-needed oven space for other dishes!

Make Your Own Place Cards

Want a unique way to direct guests where to sit but don’t want to spend a small fortune on place settings?  Use what you have around the house!

Set the Mood

Looking for a quick way to get your dining room in the holiday spirit?  Try unscented candles! The warm glow of votives or short pillar candles will create a festive ambiance and be much more welcoming than overhead lights.

Use What’s Around the House

At a loss for what to use as a centerpiece? Arrange pumpkins of all sizes down the center.  This looks especially chic with decorative greenery and pinecones.

Try Dry Brining

Soaking a turkey overnight in water ensures moist results, but it also takes a lot of time and creates unnecessary mess.  Dry brining, on the other hand, avoids all the cleanup and captures the same moist flavor.  To do this, simply make a rub of your choice using herbs, salt and spices.  Then, put a small amount of oil to coat the entire turkey, and add the dry rub under the skin, inside the cavity and around the entire turkey.  Put the bird in a roasting bag, refrigerate anywhere from 24-48 hours and then cook your turkey according to its weight.

Happy Thanksgiving!