Last minute tips for the Thanksgiving hostess

"Oh, look at me. I'm so fabulous. I cooked a turkey in a red hot dress. And my hair is perfect. And so are my kids." (Image via)

When it comes to the actual cooking of Thanksgiving foods, I don't have that much wisdom to impart on you. I just follow the recipes, cross my fingers, and hope for the best. In all honesty, the only food related tips I have are a. baste your turkey with beer, b. let your cranberry sauce simmer for way longer than most recipes suggest, and c. make these cupcakes for dessert.

I do, however, have some tried-and-true tips for keeping your sanity throughout the day -- and looking (semi) fabulous in the process.

1. Print all your recipes. I know -- printing is SO 1999 but it's much easier to keep track of everything you're doing when it's on paper. Tabs get a little bit out of hand, and since I do spill often and a lot, it's cheaper to recycle a piece of paper than an iPad, laptop, or smartphone.
2. Double check your ingredients TONIGHT.  Very little is open on Thanksgiving day, and there is nothing worse than realizing the morning of that you don't have enough potatoes. Even if you think you're all good, double check. I'm pretty sure you'll think of something (aluminum foil? napkins?), and if you don't -- you're my hero.
3. Prepare as many dishes as possible in advance. I think this is the most common tip people share but it's really worth repeating. Remember you're going to have a turkey in your oven for 3 to 4 hours -- where do you expect to bake that pie? I make all my desserts (this year it's pumpkin-cheesecake cupcakes and apple crumble) as well as a few apps (tomato soup -- ya, random.) the night before.
4. Get outside first thing in the morning. Run, walk, just stand there -- whatever your heart desires. You're going to be in a hot kitchen all day -- 20 minutes or more of fresh air will do you good. 
5. Shower before your start cooking. Yes, you may get gross and sweaty throughout the day -- and you may think you'll have plenty of time to shower later. But you probably won't. And if you do, you probably won't feel like it. So do yourself a favor and get clean while you can. 
6. Don't wear yoga pants in the kitchen. I'm not saying you should wear a red hot dress and heels (though if you do, you're also my hero), just wear something that's comfortable but that in a worst case scenario, won't be embarrassing at the table. While you're at it, wear your hair in a style that will hold up for several hours (High bun is my choice.) -- and waterproof mascara.
7. When someone offers you help, take it. Even if you don't need. This isn't the time to be modest. If they really have zero skills and seem like they'll be a real pain, make them pour water in everyone's glasses. 
8. Drink water. Oh who am I kidding ....
9. Drink wine.
10. Clean up as you go . But don't you dare those final dishes! Once the meal is cooked, you're done. One of your guests will definitely offer to clean up. Thank them, hand them a dish towel, and go sit on the couch with another glass of wine ... or three.

Alright, you fabulous hostesses, what tips do you have for me??