Details make the difference!

It's almost here...that time of the year when the family comes together, in your home and when the house is full of giggles, stories and laughter, and the baking goes on for hours and hours.

If you are heading out of town to visit your loved ones or if you are hosting the gang in your home, here are some things that might help you prepare for the perfect Thanksgiving Day.

1. Set the menu: What are you cooking/buying? Who is bringing what and of course, the quantities. You sure don't want to run out of your favorite wine or Nana's secret ingredient for the gravy, so be prepared and make a shopping list! PS: Don't forget to include any decorations and plastic cutlery (if needed). Here is a site, the Drink Calculator, where you can even calculate how many beverages-soft drinks-beer and wine you will need for your event! Yes, thank us later!

2. Do your shopping early: Why not go to the stores this weekend or early next week? Don't procrastinate! Let this year be different and organize yourself to have all your grocery shopping done by at least Monday of Thanksgiving Week.

3. Decorations: What is a delicious dinner without a beautiful centerpiece? Get your game on and Google some great centerpiece ideas. Here are some we loved. Thank Goodness for Martha Stewart!

4. Sleepovers: Any chance people will be too tired or full to drive home? Did you take in a stray or two brought home by the kids? It might be a good idea to make sure you have all the linens, towels and extra toothpaste needed, and add a couple of extra towels, beds or airbeds. You never know if one of your children or siblings will surprise you with an extra friend that will be joining you for the weekend. In this case - return to step 2 and go back to the drink calculator, you might need it!

5. Entertainment: Got people for an extended weekend? Keep them busy! Check local fairs, festivals, holiday events - get them up and moving! The busier they are the less bickering! Family time does have it's limitations! There's only so much football one family can take!

6. Home security: If you are leaving town for a couple of days, make sure you check twice all your windows, doors, and set the alarm or let a neighbor look in on your home for you while you are away. Better safe than sorry!

7. Pets are people too - Well almost! Don't forget to share some love with your four legged friends. How thankful are we for the joy they bring to us each day! Careful to not feed them Thanksgiving foods that they can't digest or that are dangerous, but keep them close!

We hope this little checklist will help you ease your way thru the Thanksgiving madness and remember, it's all about the memories, and the stories you will tell for years to come.

Redefining the Real Estate Experience - Home for the Holiday!