When I think of Thanksgiving appetizers, I think of tasty little morsels my guests can nibble on before they sit down at the table. Something to pick at while they socialize and wait for the real meal to begin.

When you are in the middle of basting your turkey, or making your Thanksgiving side dishes, it can be impossible to fit in the time needed to prepare your appetizers.

So, I've put together some suggestions that can be made ahead of time.

When planning your Thanksgiving appetizers, make sure you allow around 5 items per person. Remember, these are just something to pick at with drinks, not a meal.

Choose a mix of hot, cold, heavy, and light items that can be picked up with one hand.

Here's a suggestion:

Mini sausage rolls - Simply make up a savory sausage mix and wrap it in ready made puff pastry. Brush with butter and sprinkle with herbs or seeds. Cut the long rolls into delicate morsels. Make ahead 1 month and freeze. When you are ready, just put straight from freezer to hot oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cheesy Sticks - delicious twists of cheesy pastry. Make ahead 2 or 3 months and freeze. As above, take straight from the freezer and reheat in a hot oven.

Tuna Dip - Make a day or two ahead and store in the fridge. Crudites can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge.

Canapes of Smoked Salmon - Use ready made canape shells and good mayonnaise or sour cream. On the day, fill a tray with the canape shells and drop in your mayonnaise, salmon slivers and pre-chopped herbs. Easy and very elegant.

Spicy mixed nuts - can be made ahead and stored in a cool, dark place for some weeks ahead. Or just give yourself a break and buy some.

When you are collecting together your Thanksgiving dinner ideas, take a moment to note which recipes can be prepared ahead of time and start making them for your freezer weeks ahead.

You'll find you enjoy the day all the more if you can have at least half your dishes made in advance.

Remember to delegate the job of finishing off and handing around your Thanksgiving appetizers. Thanksgiving should be a relaxed and sociable day. Let others help out and be part of it too.

For more Thanksgiving dinner recipes visit my website.