Buzz
Photo credit: Getty ImagesA Thanksgiving checklist is a must-have when balancing the responsibilities of hosting the most anticipated feast of the year. It will help keep you organized, ticking off tasks before the big day, so you can relax and enjoy the company of your guests (and a perfectly cooked turkey).
Three Weeks Prior to Thanksgiving
- Plan your recipe menu. Choose the dishes you want to make, but remember there’s only so much one person—and one kitchen—can handle. If you're aiming for 10 side dishes, opt for recipes that require the same oven temperature, so they can cook at once.
- Identify what can be prepped in advance. Once you've finalized your menu, go through each recipe to identify which steps (or entire dishes) can be prepared ahead of time. Then create a schedule for what you’ll complete on the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The more you mentally rehearse the steps, the more calm and organized you'll feel.
- Communicate with guests bringing dishes. If your Thanksgiving meal is partly potluck, make sure to coordinate so you're not overwhelmed with duplicate dishes—like five types of stuffing and no veggie sides. Know who's bringing what!
Two Weeks Ahead
- Purchase your turkey. Determine the size turkey you'll need. For the freshest option, we suggest buying a fresh turkey, which you can pick up closer to the holiday (be sure to reserve it with your grocery store), sparing your fridge from days of defrosting a frozen bird.
- Review your dish and plate stock. Ensure you have enough serving dishes for all the menu items. (Label them now so you’ll easily know which bowl holds mashed potatoes and which one is for Brussels sprouts on Thanksgiving day.) Don't forget to check your plates and cutlery to ensure you have enough for all your guests.
- Design your table decor. There are lots of beautiful DIY Thanksgiving table decor ideas to explore (or you could order something spectacular from a florist). Now’s the time to plan your decor and figure out what supplies you'll need.
- Inspect your table linens. If it’s been a while since you last used your tablecloths and napkins, take them out, check for stains, rips, or other issues, and wash them to ensure they’re fresh and ready for the big day.
The Weekend Prior
- Make a detailed shopping list—and check it twice! Don’t try to do all your shopping in one go. Split your list into two sections: items you can buy in advance or store until needed, and items that need to be picked up closer to the big day. A second shopping trip will save space in your fridge and prevent you from forgetting last-minute items like butter.
- Decide when to begin thawing your turkey. If you have a frozen turkey, start thawing it 5–6 days before Thanksgiving to allow enough time for the process.
- Prepare your bar area. This is the perfect time to stock up on wine that pairs well with your meal and anything you'll need to serve cocktails to your guests before dinner.
Tuesday
- Prepare any dishes that need to be chilled. Make and cover all items that will be served cold (like cranberry sauce), then refrigerate them until it’s time to serve.
- Buy any remaining table decor items. Flowers, in particular, need time to bloom to their full beauty, so this is the ideal day to get your flowers, fruit, or any other centerpiece essentials.
Wednesday
- Pick up your turkey. If you haven’t already gotten your turkey, today is the latest day to do so.
- Make your final grocery trip. Before heading out, take stock of what you already have (Heavy cream? Tin foil?), then grab any last-minute items you may have forgotten. Tip: Don’t shy away from store-bought gravy or other shortcuts!
- Prep vegetables and herbs. Chop onions and celery, wash your herbs, and prepare the rest of the veggies. Dry them off, cover, and refrigerate.
- Assemble the stuffing. Place it into a baking dish and refrigerate.
- Get a head start on dessert. Either complete the dessert or prepare as much as you can—then refrigerate or bake.
- Start on side dishes. Begin any side dishes that can be fully or partially prepped ahead of time.
- Calculate your turkey's cooking time. Avoid any last-minute confusion about timing by calculating exactly how long to roast your turkey the night before. This way, you’ll know exactly when to put it in the oven based on the time you want to eat.
- Set the table. If the table won’t be used for prep, set it the night before so it’s ready when the guests arrive.
- Prepare the bar. Set out any ingredients that can stay overnight, and slice any garnishes (like limes, lemons) so they’re ready to go when needed.
Thanksgiving Day
- Make any final trips to the store. If, like most people, you remember something you forgot on the big morning, call a reliable guest and ask if they can swing by the store—or perhaps they have that missing stick of butter you need.
- Unload the dishwasher. This way, you can easily load in dirty dishes as you prep and cook, minimizing the pile-up after the feast.
- Prep the turkey for roasting. Clean and prepare your turkey before placing it in the oven.
- Prepare the sides. As your turkey roasts, work on cooking the side dishes.
- Make the gravy. While your turkey rests, prepare the gravy, finish any last-minute side dishes, and reheat the ones you prepared earlier.
- Finish dessert. Reheat your dessert in the oven while everyone enjoys dinner.
