Frozen Turkey –

Keep frozen until you’re ready to thaw it. Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.

How long can you freeze a turkey for before it goes bad?

How Long Can You Keep a Turkey In the Fridge? – pamela_d_mcadams/Getty Images Of course, if you plan to eat your turkey within the next few days it only makes sense to store it in the refrigerator. Store uncooked turkey in the fridge for about two days and store cooked turkey in the fridge for three to four days. : How Long Can You Keep a Frozen Turkey?

How long can you keep a frozen turkey in the freezer UK?

Large frozen meats, such as a turkey, can be safely kept in a home freezer for up to one year before thawing and cooking.

Can I keep a frozen turkey in the fridge for a week?

How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge? – If your turkey has been defrosted properly (meaning all of its parts are completely thawed), it should remain edible for at least four days, according to the USDA. This assumes that no other food items were stored in the same refrigerator space as the turkey.

• That means no other foods that could potentially spoil faster than the turkey.
• If there was, then the turkey would only last three days before becoming unsafe to eat.
• You can also thaw a turkey in a cooler or another refrigerator compartment if your main unit isn’t working properly.
• The USDA recommends that you don’t use an unheated drawer or cabinet to thaw meat.

Instead, put the turkey in a plastic bag with some ice packs or place the turkey in a bowl filled with water.

Can a turkey last 2 years in the freezer?

Frozen Turkey –

Keep frozen until you’re ready to thaw it. Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.

Can you thaw a turkey too early?

Thaw your turkey in the fridge for the best results – Hands down, the best – and safest – way to defrost a turkey is the same method you’d use for any other variety of frozen meat. Put it in the fridge and let it come up to 40 degrees all on its own. While it’s tempting to want to encourage speedier thawing by keeping your bird out at room temperature on the countertop or in your sink, these methods aren’t the most sanitary or safest for preventing potential food borne illnesses.

1. That’s because, as the USDA explains, bacteria begins to grow and multiply rapidly once raw meat reaches temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If you allow your turkey to sit out at room temperature, it’ll speed up bacterial growth and can become unsafe pretty quickly.
3. Plus, who wants to run the risk of leaving Thanksgiving’s most crucial ingredient out on the counter where anything can happen? (I’m looking at you, food-stealing pets!) Instead, keep your turkey safe from rapid bacterial growth and unsafe temperatures by thawing it in your fridge.

The USDA recommends placing your bird in the refrigerator about two to four days before you plan to cook it. When, exactly, will your turkey be completely thawed with this method? It takes about one full day of fridge time to thaw 4 to 5 pounds of meat.

So, if your turkey weighs 10 pounds, you’ll need two days to defrost it. Going bigger? A 16-pound turkey can take three to four days. If you aren’t 100 percent sure when you should pull your bird out of the freezer and move it into your refrigerator, you can consult Butterball’s handy turkey thawing calculator,

Just input your turkey’s weight, and it’ll tell you exactly how much time it needs in the fridge. Want to err on the side of thawing early rather than waiting until it’s too late? That’s a smart idea – and it’s totally safe. The USDA notes that once your turkey is completely defrosted in the refrigerator, it can be kept there safely (without becoming dangerous to consume) for two more days.

How soon after defrosting turkey should it be cooked?

It takes approximately 24 hours for every four to five pounds of whole turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking.

What happens to meat frozen too long?

What happens to meat that’s frozen too long? – Food that is stored in a freezer at zero degrees will be safe to eat indefinitely. However, if meat is frozen too long it may lose quality and taste. If you are unsure if meat is still fresh, you can determine this once it has been thawed.

What do I do if my turkey is not fully thawed?

Cold water thawing – One way is to submerge the turkey in cold water. To do this, leave the turkey in the original package and put it in a properly sanitized sink or container full of cold water under 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the timer for 30 minutes.

What happens if you don’t thaw turkey in the fridge?

How to Defrost a Turkey – There are three ways to safely defrost a turkey. One of the most common ways to achieve a perfectly thawed turkey is in the refrigerator, but plan ahead because it takes the longest (days!) and takes up a lot of space. Another go-to and quick-ish way to defrost a turkey is submerging it in cold water.

• It’s undeniably more hands-on since it requires changing the water every 30 minutes, but it’s the next best option if you missed the window to defrost the turkey in the refrigerator.
• And then comes the microwave,
• Utilizing this handy kitchen appliance is a decent option for smaller turkeys and it’s quick, all things considered.

Whatever you do, don’t panic and try to thaw the turkey in hot water. It will not speed things up and in fact, it’s only a recipe for disaster. Simply put, it can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses and bacteria growth. The same risks apply to thawing a turkey at room temperature on the counter, or letting it sit outside to defrost.

Can I put my frozen turkey in the fridge a week before Thanksgiving?

For a turkey that weighs between 16 and 20 pounds, the Saturday before Thanksgiving is the time to start. Birds weighing 12 to 16 pounds should be in the fridge starting the Sunday of Thanksgiving week. For smaller birds – four to 12 pounds, you should start fridge thawing on Monday.

Is turkey still good after 4 days in fridge?

Most leftovers shouldn’t stay in the fridge for longer than three to four days, federal food and health agencies say.Leftovers that are stored in the freezer can last much longer. The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service pointing three to four months as a good limit.When reheating leftovers, make sure the food reaches 165 degrees.

If you cooked a Thanksgiving feast last week, chances are you have plenty of leftovers. But don’t wait too long to eat or freeze them. Cooked turkey and other leftovers can be kept in the fridge safely for about three to four days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FoodSafety.gov say.

But after that time, “the risk of food poisoning goes up,” the Mayo Clinic notes, pointing to the growth of bacteria in refrigerated leftovers. This means that the Monday after Thanksgiving marks a “‘use or freeze’ deadline,” FoodSafety.gov says. If you don’t eat or freeze your leftovers by then, it’s safest to throw them away.

Here’s what you need to know. USA TODAY Gift Guide: No matter how you holiday, make it iconic. Shop the USA TODAY holiday gift collection, CDC: Food poisoning has slightly dropped. But experts say it’s still a problem. Does your state have a favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Google shares popular holiday searches

Can you cook a turkey from frozen?

Last Updated on December 6, 2022 As the holidays are approaching, it’s an excellent time to brush up on all the different ways you can cook a turkey. Especially knowing how to cook a frozen turkey can come in handy. Yes, You Can Cook a Frozen Turkey! The answer to one of the most common questions in the kitchen during the holidays is “yes.” Yes, it is possible to cook a frozen turkey without thawing it.

Not only can you do it, but also you can do it in a way that yields tasty, moist turkey meat. If you know how to cook a frozen turkey, there’s nothing stopping you from serving a delicious, golden turkey in time for the big meal, With a little prep and some guidelines, anyone can have a completely frozen turkey ready for Thanksgiving dinner.

We’ll walk you through it! How to Cook a Frozen Turkey Believe it or not, the process of cooking a frozen turkey is incredibly simple. Remove the wrapping and place your completely frozen turkey breast side up on a roasting pan. Cook on the middle or bottom rack of the oven at 325 degrees.

• The turkey will take longer to cook (at least 50% longer than thawed).
• But it will be done on time with some simple math.
• Approximate Cook Times for Frozen Turkeys 8-12 pound turkey = 4 to 5 hours 12-14 pound turkey = 5 to 5.5 hours 14- to 18-pound turkey = 5.5 to 6.5 hours 18- to 20-pound turkey = 6.5 to 7 hours 20- to 24-pound turkey = 7 to 8 hours After the first 20-30 minutes of cooking, it’s a good idea to take the turkey out of the oven and remove the giblets,

The giblets are the edible organs of the turkey. These are usually in a bag inside the cavity of the bird. They generally refer to the liver, heart, neck, kidneys, and sometimes the gizzard. Make sure there are no other plastic parts or packaging that may melt during the rest of the cooking time.

• Now is also a good time to apply a basting layer.
• Since the turkey was frozen initially, basting would not have penetrated the turkey’s skin.
• But now, the outermost layer of the turkey will have thawed and a baste can be brushed on.
• Once you put the turkey back in the oven, it’s a good idea to use a remote thermometer or do hourly internal temperature checks.

Make sure to check multiple places on the turkey, especially the meatiest or thickest parts. At these temperature checks, you can also add another basting layer. Bake until all parts of the turkey reach 165 degrees, as measured with a food thermometer.

1. This is the USDA-recommended internal safe temperature for turkey.
2. This is important to make sure the turkey is safe to eat.
3. After the entire turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving and serving.
4. When cooking frozen, the outermost parts (the wings and legs) are going to be done cooking first.

If you want, you can remove the turkey from the oven when the thermometer indicates these are done. And tuck the wings behind the breast meat. This is an optional step, but it will help make sure they don’t overcook and dry out while you’re waiting for the breast meat to finish cooking.

Roasting pan Thermometer Kitchen timer Basting brush or baster

Basting a turkey is something we talk about in other articles. But there are so many different techniques for basting. You can’t go wrong with a prepared baste from butter, herbs, and spices. Especially for the first application, it’s a good idea to baste a buttery layer on the outside of the turkey.

1. As the turkey continues to cook, you can use a baster to collect the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan.
2. You may need to tip the turkey on the roasting rack to drain some of the juices to the bottom of the pan for you to collect more easily.
3. Brush this juice onto the top of the turkey breasts to add moisture back to the meat.

If you want more turkey tips or questions answered, check out our Turkey FAQs post, Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Cook a Frozen Turkey Step 1 – Remove packaging and place frozen turkey breast side up on a roasting pan Step 2 – Place pan on the middle rack of a preheated oven at 325 degrees F Step 3 – Cook for 20-30 minutes Step 4 – Remove the turkey from the oven and remove the giblets and any other plastic pieces Step 5 – Apply a prepared basting layer to the outside of the turkey Step 6 – Cook turkey for the remaining time Step 7 – Remove the turkey from the oven every hour (or so) to check the temperature and baste Step 8 – Once the turkey is done cooking (165 degrees F throughout, as measured with a food thermometer), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes Step 9 – Carve and serve There are many different ways to cook a turkey. The ButcherBox Kitchen Team works hard to give you confidence you need to pull off any kitchen endeavor. Olivia is a Charlotte-based writer and content strategist. Olivia has over 6 years of experience freelance writing for many different companies and publications focused on retail and consumer goods & services. When she’s not writing, she can be found in her garden, growing her own food and flowers.

Are turkeys safe to eat this year?

But your Thanksgiving turkey is still safe to eat, experts say. Published: Nov.13, 2022, 8:31 a.m.

How long can you keep meat in the freezer?

Salad Egg, chicken, ham, tuna, and macaroni salads 3 to 4 days Does not freeze well Hot dogs Opened package 1 week 1 to 2 months Unopened package 2 weeks 1 to 2 months Luncheon meat Opened package or deli sliced 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months Unopened package 2 weeks 1 to 2 months Bacon and sausage Bacon 1 week 1 month Sausage, raw, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef 1 to 2 days 1 to 2 months Sausage, fully cooked, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef 1 week 1 to 2 months Sausage, purchased frozen After cooking, 3-4 days 1-2 months from date of purchase Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork Steaks 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Chops 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Roasts 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Ham Fresh, uncured, uncooked 3 to 5 days 6 months Fresh, uncured, cooked 3 to 4 days 3 to 4 months Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked 5 to 7 days or “use by” date 3 to 4 months Fully-cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened 2 weeks or “use by” date 1 to 2 months Cooked, store-wrapped, whole 1 week 1 to 2 months Cooked, store-wrapped, slices, half, or spiral cut 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months Country ham, cooked 1 week 1 month Canned, labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” unopened 6 to 9 months Do not freeze Canned, shelf-stable, opened Note : An unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at room temperature for 2 years.

3 to 4 days 1 to 2 months Prosciutto, Parma or Serrano ham, dry Italian or Spanish type, cut 2 to 3 months 1 month Fresh poultry Chicken or turkey, whole 1 to 2 days 1 year Chicken or turkey, pieces 1 to 2 days 9 months Fin Fish Fatty Fish (bluefish, catfish, mackerel, mullet, salmon, tuna, etc.) 1 – 3 Days 2 – 3 Months Lean Fish (cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, sole, etc.) 6 – 8 Months Lean Fish (pollock, ocean perch, rockfish, sea trout.) 4 – 8 Months Shellfish Fresh Crab Meat 2 – 4 Days 2 – 4 Months Fresh Lobster 2 – 4 Days 2 – 4 Months Live Crab, Lobster 1 day,

Not recommended Live Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops 5 – 10 Days Not recommended Shrimp, Crayfish 3 – 5 Days 6 – 18 Months Shucked Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops 3 – 10 Days 3 – 4 Months Squid 1 – 3 Days 6 – 18 Months Eggs Raw eggs in shell 3 to 5 weeks Do not freeze in shell.

How long to defrost a 5kg turkey at room temperature?

Defrosting Turkeys – Bernard Matthews Foods Limited It is important that you allow enough time for your turkey to defrost. If it is not fully defrosted at the start of cooking it will not cook properly, and your cooking times will not be accurate. When defrosting in the fridge (recommended), allow 8-12 hours per kg. Alternatively, in a cool room (which must stay below 17.5c) allow 3-4 hours per kg. Make sure to place your turkey in a roasting tray large enough to catch the drip from the thawing meat. This will help avoid cross contamination in your kitchen and help to stop the spread of bacteria. : Defrosting Turkeys – Bernard Matthews Foods Limited

Will a turkey defrost in 24 hours?

1. How to defrost a turkey in the fridge – Pros : it’s the safest and easiest way to defrost a turkey. Cons : it’s also the longest way to defrost a turkey and takes up lots of fridge space. How to do it This is as easy as taking the frozen turkey in its packaging, sitting it in a large roasting tin or dish and putting it in the fridge to defrost slowly.

If you can set the temperature of your fridge, set it to 4C. This is the safest method, as the turkey will stay at a constant low temperature. How long does it take? The size of your turkey will affect how long it takes to defrost completely, but, as a rough guide, allow about 24hrs for every 2kg of turkey.

Most of our turkey recipes call for a 5-6kg turkey, which will take about three full days to defrost in the fridge.

What happens if you put a turkey in too early?

3. You Misjudged Cooking Time and Your Turkey is Done Too Early – If your turkey is done too early, things can get a little complicated, but it’s not the end of the world. If it’s done around an hour early, let it rest uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes.

• Then cover your turkey with some foil and a thick towel or blanket to keep it warm.
• By letting it first rest you release the initial heat.
• That way it won’t overcook once it’s covered.
• If your turkey is done several hours before your meal, let it rest.
• Then carve off the breast meat, the legs and the thighs and arrange them on a serving platter and cover with foil.

Just before you’re ready to serve, reheat the platter in the oven (about 20 minutes at 350°F). It may not be the most dazzling way to serve a turkey, but your meat will be juicy and moist, and you won’t have to worry about food safety. FYI: Knowing how much your turkey weighs is key to getting the timing right.

How long does it take to defrost a 4kg turkey?

And don’t forget the times. – Knowing how long to defrost your turkey for is the most important thing. Standard NHS advice is that, if using a fridge, you should allow 10 to 12 hours per kilogram. For example, if you turkey is 4kg, it would take around 44 hours – or two days – to defrost in the fridge.

1. If defrosting in a cool room (which may be below 17.5C) allow around three to four hours per kilogram.
2. So, if you turkey is 4kg, it would take around 16 hours hours to defrost.
3. Finally, if defrosting at room temperature (which may be around 20C), you should allow around two hours per kilogram.
4. So if that’s a 4kg turkey, that’s eight hours.

Once fully defrosted, remember to put the turkey back in the fridge if you’re not cooking straight away. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

Do you have to cook a turkey immediately after water thawing it?

Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended) – The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes some time, so allow one day for each 4 – 5 pounds of weight.

Should you wash a frozen turkey before cooking?

To Wash or Not to Wash. Your Turkey? Posted by Donna Karlsons, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service in Washing anything makes it cleaner and safer, right? Not necessarily. Wash your hands, but not the turkey! Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer.

• However, it’s virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird.
• Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils.
• This is called cross-contamination, which can make you and your guests very sick.
• Washing your hands before and after handling your turkey and its packaging is crucial to avoid spreading harmful bacteria.

Be sure to wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds. This simple, but important step can help keep you and your guests safe from foodborne illness. If your raw turkey or its juices come in contact with kitchen surfaces, wash the counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water.

• For extra protection, surfaces may be sanitized with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
• Be sure to let those areas dry thoroughly.
• The only way to destroy bacteria on your turkey is to cook it to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

Some chefs prefer to cook to a higher temperature for flavor and texture. Therefore, you don’t need to wash your turkey, but you will need a food thermometer on Thanksgiving Day. Remember to check the turkey’s temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast to be sure it is free of illness-causing bacteria.

• Visit for more information.
• Questions? Ask Karen, the virtual food safety representative, is available 24/7 at AskKaren.gov.
• Weekdays between 10 a.m.
• And 4 p.m.
• ET, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).
• On Thanksgiving Day, the Hotline will be open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Eastern Time.

Happy Thanksgiving! : To Wash or Not to Wash. Your Turkey?

Are turkeys safe to eat this year?

But your Thanksgiving turkey is still safe to eat, experts say. Published: Nov.13, 2022, 8:31 a.m.

How do you know if a turkey is bad?

Final Words – In this article, I’ve shown you in detail how to know if turkey meat has gone bad. You can almost always tell whether a piece or pack of turkey meat has gone bad by observing color. Then, ensure that it’s not smelly or sticky or slimy. If the whole or ground turkey turns greyish, this is a sure sign that you have spoiled meat.

Poultry meat should have a light pink skin if possible. However, the flesh of turkey drumsticks is generally slightly darker. There are rules regarding the storage of white meat such as turkey. Otherwise, the meat can go bad really quick, transmitting bacteria that cause food poisoning every year. The main diseases transferrable to those who eat bad turkey meat are Escherichia coli and salmonella.

Due to these reasons, it is of utmost importance to recognize spoiled turkey, not just based on a bad smell, but on other features as well. : How To Tell If Turkey Is Bad (The Telltale Signs)

How long can you keep meat in the freezer?

Salad Egg, chicken, ham, tuna, and macaroni salads 3 to 4 days Does not freeze well Hot dogs Opened package 1 week 1 to 2 months Unopened package 2 weeks 1 to 2 months Luncheon meat Opened package or deli sliced 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months Unopened package 2 weeks 1 to 2 months Bacon and sausage Bacon 1 week 1 month Sausage, raw, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef 1 to 2 days 1 to 2 months Sausage, fully cooked, from chicken, turkey, pork, or beef 1 week 1 to 2 months Sausage, purchased frozen After cooking, 3-4 days 1-2 months from date of purchase Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork Steaks 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Chops 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Roasts 3 to 5 days 4 to 12 months Ham Fresh, uncured, uncooked 3 to 5 days 6 months Fresh, uncured, cooked 3 to 4 days 3 to 4 months Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked 5 to 7 days or “use by” date 3 to 4 months Fully-cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened 2 weeks or “use by” date 1 to 2 months Cooked, store-wrapped, whole 1 week 1 to 2 months Cooked, store-wrapped, slices, half, or spiral cut 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months Country ham, cooked 1 week 1 month Canned, labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” unopened 6 to 9 months Do not freeze Canned, shelf-stable, opened Note : An unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at room temperature for 2 years.

3 to 4 days 1 to 2 months Prosciutto, Parma or Serrano ham, dry Italian or Spanish type, cut 2 to 3 months 1 month Fresh poultry Chicken or turkey, whole 1 to 2 days 1 year Chicken or turkey, pieces 1 to 2 days 9 months Fin Fish Fatty Fish (bluefish, catfish, mackerel, mullet, salmon, tuna, etc.) 1 – 3 Days 2 – 3 Months Lean Fish (cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, sole, etc.) 6 – 8 Months Lean Fish (pollock, ocean perch, rockfish, sea trout.) 4 – 8 Months Shellfish Fresh Crab Meat 2 – 4 Days 2 – 4 Months Fresh Lobster 2 – 4 Days 2 – 4 Months Live Crab, Lobster 1 day,

Not recommended Live Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops 5 – 10 Days Not recommended Shrimp, Crayfish 3 – 5 Days 6 – 18 Months Shucked Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops 3 – 10 Days 3 – 4 Months Squid 1 – 3 Days 6 – 18 Months Eggs Raw eggs in shell 3 to 5 weeks Do not freeze in shell.

How long can you store a fresh turkey?

Thanksgiving FAQs: When to buy and how to store your turkey From now until Thanksgiving, we’ll be answering some of the most commonly asked holiday meal questions. Have one you’d like us to consider? or join on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. For complete Turkey Day coverage, visit our,

1. Q: When should I buy the turkey, and how do I store and thaw it? A: When you buy the bird depends on whether you’re going with fresh or frozen.
2. A raw, fresh turkey should be stored for no longer than two days in the refrigerator.
3. So if you’re buying fresh and want to keep it that way, you’ll have to make the purchase right before Thanksgiving.

Still looking for a fresh, local bird? Don’t wait to reserve one. Most local farmers have been taking orders for weeks now. Have a look at, In theory, a frozen turkey can last indefinitely. But for the best quality, use a bird on ice within a year. Of course, if you have yet to buy one for this year, you have nothing to worry about in terms of storage time.

1. Thawing a frozen turkey in the refrigerator is the most hands-off approach but also takes the longest.
2. Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4 or 5 pounds of turkey, the USDA advises.
3. Place it on a tray to catch any liquid.
4. After thawing in the fridge, your defrosted turkey can sit there another day or two before cooking.

Assuming you have a big enough container or sink, you can also submerge your turkey in cold water to thaw it. The USDA suggests 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes. With that strategy, though, the agency says you should cook the bird immediately after it’s thawed.

1. The same advice applies if you decide to go the microwave defrosting route.
2. Thanksgiving planning tip of the day Don’t leave anything to chance.
3. In that spirit, deputy Food editor Bonnie Benwick will be offering nuggets of wisdom as we count down the days until the holiday.
4. Today’s advice: If you’re hosting, this is a good time to check your stock of plates, place settings, glassware, linens and extra chairs.

Plates don’t have to match; as long as the colors coordinate, alternating two different sets can look good down a long table. : Thanksgiving FAQs: When to buy and how to store your turkey