Cooking up a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast can be fun, but when you have to work until 7 p.m. the night before, the mere idea of doing it all can make you crazy just thinking about it. Are takeout shortcuts legal? Sure, says Gretchen Paules, VP of marketing for Boston Market. Here’s how to save your sanity—and some time.

45 Minutes
Order heat-and-serve sides from a deli or restaurant. think mashed potatoes, yams and stuffing. Peeling, dicing, slicing, baking and sautéeing—not today.

60 Minutes
Home-baked pie is dreamy, but store-bought desserts can be yummy and fast. Display on festive plates topped with fancy swirls of Reddi-wip.

90 Minutes
Buy a precooked bird. Order it in advance and you won’t have to clean, season, stuff, baste and clean up after. Just heat and serve. Now you’re truly thankful.