Which means it's time to get organized. Past time, really, but what else to do except get started? Ready or not, your hungry guests will arrive on your doorstep next Thursday.

But you will be ready, because we went all the way to Texas to find some experts: Lupe Ayala, owner of La Playa Maya in Fort Worth, who makes two turkeys - one Mexican-style, one traditional - at home every year to feed 25 to 40 family members; Sandee Larkin, another Texas restaurateur (Harrison House in Waxahachie), who is planning dinner for 42 family members at her bed-and-breakfast this year; and B.K. McCollum, who runs B.K.'s Creative Catering in Fort Worth.

They've got lots of practical advice and wonderful touches that will leave your guests feeling welcome and you feeling calm and, well, thankful.

Isn't that what Thanksgiving is really all about?

Start now

1.We assume that you know who's coming, but if not, call everyone and confirm their attendance. Make note of dietary restrictions, number of children attending (will you need booster seats? high chairs?) and any older folks who might need extra help.

2. If Thanksgiving dinner is potluck, get the dishes assigned.

3. Sit down with your menus and "start building a game plan," Ayala said. Make a shopping list, divided into perishables and nonperishables. Buy the nonperishables now, and if you plan to order a fresh turkey, get that done, too. If you're planning on a frozen bird, figure out the poundage and time required to thaw it in the refrigerator, the safe way to do it.

4. Don't forget to include guest-room items on the shopping list, if some folks are sleeping over.

5. Ayala suggests you calibrate your oven. Get a meat thermometer you know is accurate, set the oven temperature, and after it's heated, check to see that the two match. If not, adjust your oven dial accordingly when you cook this year.

6. If you're using a new recipe this year, try it out this week, McCollum said.

7. Iron the tablecloth and napkins. If you want new ones, get them now.

8. Consider seating. Do you have enough? If not, do you want to have dinner in two seatings? Is there room somewhere for an extra table? If you need to rent or borrow tables, chairs and child seats, take care of that.

9. Get out the silver for polishing, and make sure you have enough place settings. If you don't, put the everyday cutlery on the kids' tables. Make sure you have enough serving pieces.

10. Wipe down or wash any crystal you plan to use, and fill the good salt and pepper shakers.

11. Decide on a table centerpiece. If you're using a dried arrangement, get what you need and make it, or buy one.

12. Clean out the refrigerator, especially if you're having overnight guests, Larkin said, and check the dates on condiments. Throw out anything that's expired.

13. If you're using candles, check your supply and add them to the shopping list if needed. Add firewood to the list, if you have a fireplace and plan to use it.

14. Decide on background music, if you're using it, and get something new if necessary.

15. Locate any kids' games you want to share with guests. Rent or borrow some age-appropriate movies. Get new boxes of crayons and drawing paper or appropriate coloring books.

This weekend

1. Review your recipes to see what could be made ahead. Consider dividing cooking tasks over several days. For example, toast the bread in advance for the Simple Stuffing recipe.

2. Saturday is the big work day. Clean any part of the house where guests will be. And don't forget the fireplace.

3. Menu in hand, decide what goes in each serving dish. Get out your serving pieces and clean them, checking for cracks or chips. Drop a note in each dish so you'll know what goes where. This makes it easier if guests are helping you serve.

4. Larkin embroiders aprons for everyone who'll be in the kitchen, "even the grandbabies," but we don't expect you to do that. However, it's not a bad idea to buy a few aprons. This is a functional move: People may be dressed up and still want to help out.

TIP: You need to clean your house, yes, but keep in mind that guests aren't there to check behind the sofa for dust bunnies. A wise party-giver once noted that the only place guests have time to examine closely is the bathroom. Make sure that's spotless but go easy elsewhere. Save your energy for cooking.

Next week

1. McCollum said you can get fresh flowers for the table and the guest room as early as two days before Thanksgiving, as long as they're not going to be in a hot room.

2. She also suggests fully setting the table and placing the centerpiece two days early (cover it all with another tablecloth to keep dust off and discourage fingerprints).

3. Relishes can also go in crystal bowls (covered) two days before, McCollum said.

4. If you're having guests stay over, make sure you have fresh milk and other perishables for breakfast.

TIP: McCollum said to post your dinner menu somewhere in the kitchen, so you can check it quickly when the meal is ready, to make sure you haven't forgotten to serve anything. *