For A Stress Free Thanksgiving, Experts Say The Time To Prepare Is Right Now

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- With less than two weeks before Thanksgiving, it's time to get a head start on your holiday feast.

CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff spoke to experts who had advice on how you can save time and money.

Elegant Eating of Smithtown suggested coming up with a game plan in advance.

"Post that menu so you don't forget to serve something. How many people leave the cranberry sauce in the fridge because they didn't have it on their list," Myra Naseem said.

Stew Leonard's caterer who has also prepped thousands of Thanksgiving feasts said now is the time to clean.

"Clean your oven well before so you don't go to turn it on in the morning and it starts to smoke," Ila Rabinowitz said.

It's not too soon to set the table - take out and label platters to save time on Thanksgiving Day.

To save money buy your fresh turkey early -- up to 10 days ahead and store it in the fridge.

"The closer you get to the holiday the bigger sizes tend to go and we recommend as a store 2-lbs per person. You gotta have some left for the sandwich on Friday," Rich Dibble said.

Buy baked goods four days in advance and chop veggies two to three days ahead.

And one more trick.

"Roast the turkey a day ahead," Naseem said.

Carve it stress free on Thanksgiving morning by pouring boiled turkey stock or chicken broth over it twice. After carving the cold turkey, pour hot broth over it. This will take the chill off. Then re-heat the broth and pour it over a second time.

"That second will reheat the turkey, keep it nice and juicy, and your oven is empty so you can use it to reheat all the other food you're baking that day," Naseem said.

If you really want to get started immediately you can place a catering order and be thankful to leave the cooking to someone else.