ORGANIZE YOUR YEAR NOVEMBER

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS

(first Sunday of November)

Set clocks back one hour

Pack away Halloween decorations

ELECTION DAY*

Cast your ballot!

Cook

Make and freeze pie dough or whole pies (page 76)

Dig up and store spring bulbs, especially dahlias and gladiolus

Plan Thanksgiving menu; make shopping lists; order turkey

Stock home bar for the holidays (buy wine by the case)

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. Change the batteries at least twice a year, or as needed

Check in with your local food bank about their needs for the coming season, and making a donation

Put out all bird feeders (and stop bringing them inside at night)

VETERANS DAY

(November 11)

Inspect trees for loose branches

Stock up on vitamin D supplements

Home

Polish silverware (page 77)

Organize baking spices and replenish as needed

Have ice skates and snow skis sharpened

Wrap boxwoods with burlap; layer compost over cut-back perennials

Home

Assemble a winter car kit (page 77)

Check house for drafts; seal with caulk or weather-stripping

Donate to coat drives

Treat winter footwear with waterproofing spray

Go on a sunrise hike or bike ride

Rub cutting boards with mineral oil to prevent from drying out; sharpen knives

Pick up turkey and other remaining items and ingredients

Choose Thanksgiving table settings

Prepare side dishes; bake pies; make centerpieces

THANKSGIVING

Kids

Make holiday crafts (page 78)

celebrate

Send guests off with leftovers (page 79)

Wash table linens

Play tag football with friends and family

Clean

Deep-clean the oven (page 79)

Schedule holiday manicure/pedicure and hair appointments

*ELECTION DAY Falls on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, on or between November 2 and 8.