Are you preparing a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other meal for your family or friends this year? No matter how many times you've been charged with preparing this type of feast, the thought of being the holiday host is always a little nerve wracking. If you're feeling stressed as the big day approaches, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to sit down and plan out your menu. When you know which items you want to serve, you can make a plan, create a thorough shopping list, and even delegate preparation of some of the items.

Turkey

In most households, serving turkey is a "must" on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and several additional holiday occasions. Consider utilizing the instructions in one of these two hubs to prepare your turkey this year:

Roast Turkey with Creole Seasoning- This easy to follow recipe relies on Reynolds oven bags to guarantee a tender and juicy turkey that everyone is sure to rave about.

How to Make Deep Fried Turkey-- If you'd like to impress your relatives with a delicious deep fried turkey, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that cooking one doesn't have to be difficult. The secret lies with making sure you have the proper equipment and using the correct cooking time.

Side Dishes

Even though turkey may be the centerpiece of your holiday meal, the side dishes are also quite important. It's a good idea to offer a variety of side dishes, so you'll be sure to have something available that everyone will enjoy. When people call and ask if they can help with the meal, consider suggesting that they make a side dish. Let them know what you'd like them to bring, and even offer a recipe if it's a dish the volunteer isn't familiar with.

Consider serving one (or more) of these taste tempting side dishes at your holiday table this year:

Butternut Squash with Apples and Pecans - Nothing says "holiday meal" better than a homemade winter squash recipe that includes fruits and nuts. This delicious recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite that is requested year after year.

Easy Holiday Dressing - Creating holiday dressing doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. Check out this terrific - and simple - way to make delicious dressing that will leave your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.

Fresh Cranberry Recipes - Consider adorning your holiday table with a recipe made from fresh cranberries. These delicious fruits are only available in supermarkets during the fall and winter holiday seasons, so it makes sense to make the most of them when they are available. Visit this hub and learn to make Fresh Cranberry Relish and Holiday Yams with Fresh Cranberries.

Dessert

No holiday meal is complete with out dessert. Most holiday tables offer several sweet treats. Consider adding one (or several) of these delicious holiday pie recipes to your menu this year:

3 Easy No-Bake Holiday Pies - Since you're oven is likely to be filled with turkey, casseroles, and tasty side dishes, why not let your refrigerator help out with your desserts? Consider making Pineapple Refrigerator Pie, Chocolate Pudding Pie, or No Bake Cherry Cheesecake.