A week-by-week planner includes when to buy, what to make ahead, and even easy centerpiece ideas.
Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time can seem like a daunting task, but were here to help.
Preparing for the big feast is achievable when you have a pre-planned shopping list and aclassic holiday menu.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Prepare a Month Early
Our number one suggestion?
Plus, putting up earlyThanksgiving decorationsand arrangingmake-ahead side dishescan cut your Thanksgiving work in half.
If you are ordering a fresh turkey, do it now.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Be sure to determine any special dietary needs for your guests before setting the menu.
That way if you oughta customize the Thanksgiving menu plan, it’s easier to find substitutes in advance.
Distribute Responsibilities
With a finalized guest list, you might begin coordinatingtable decorationsand menu items.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Crafting your ownDIY Thanksgiving centerpiececan take the holiday table to a whole new level.
With all of the time youre saving, why not express your Thanksgiving spirit with a simple centerpiece.
All you need is a large bowl or tray to arrange an abundant pile of miniature pumpkins and gourds.
Credit: Karla Conrad
Intersperse whole artichokes or some jot down of greenery like the tops of red oak lettuce or berry branches.
Your Hosting Thanksgiving Checklist should make note of any food allergies.
Now is a good time to purchase specialty ingredients online or in stores.
Prepare the guest room with fresh linens and other amenities and rake the leaves when you get a chance.
If children will be attending, get out Thanksgiving movies orgames that kids will love.
Will you need a high chair, crib, or booster seat?
Bring them out and clean, or arrange to borrow these items from a friend or the parent.
If you don’t get to everything in the next week, don’t fret.
Family and friends will appreciate your efforts big and small.
Take Inventory
Double-check your home to double-check you have enough of everything for everyone.
Think napkins, plates, serving bowls, name cardseven ice.
This is a good time to wash or dry-clean your table linens, too.
Turkey should be first and foremost if it isn’t already ordered.
it’s possible for you to keep a fullythawed turkeyin the refrigerator for up to four days before cooking.
Make Ice
Save money on ice by making your own ice cubes now.
When they’re frozen, dump them in a freezer bag and begin the next batch.
Plan for Leftovers
Speaking of that delicious Thanksgiving turkeyplan ahead for tasty turkey leftovers.
double-check you have enough containers to hold all the leftovers.
Plan Activities
Kiddos coming?
Simple coloring stations, board games, and cards are sure to keep the little ones entertained.
We’ve gotfree and fun printable games for kidsthat will entertain kids of all ages; print yours now.
Clean the House
Cleanup is quick and painless if you take it in strategic small steps.
Take 10 minutes to tidy up, 10 to dust, and 10 to vacuum.
Your house will be spic-and-span in no time.
Remember to wash your good plates and wine glasses now if they’ve become dusty in storage.
Think soup, like our just-spicy-enoughChicken & Poblano Pepper Soup.
Warm-up soup in a slow cooker or on the stovetop to provide guests a fuss-free, fragrant welcome.
Just add chips and cheese.
Two Days Before Thanksgiving
Prep Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers
The secret to a stress-free feast?
Prepare ingredients in advance and tacklemake-ahead disheswhere you’ve got the option to.
OurMake-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers Menuis filled with dishes that help you save on day-of work.
Whip up a few Thanksgiving appetizers to tide guests until dinner, and fill the salt and pepper shakers.
Don’t forget to launch the dishwasher so it will be empty and ready for party dishes.
Fill pitchers with one or two signature drinks.
We recommendapple ciderstudded with cinnamon sticks.
Leave it up to guests to spike them.
Pour it when guests arrive Wednesday night and let guests help themselves throughout the weekend.
For an even more festive take, try achampagne cocktail; the bubbles are always fun.
Set the Table
Make serving extra-easy with a planned layout.
Fill the dining table with your chosen serving bowls and glasses, placing food labels in the proper dishes.
If you’re buying flowers for your centerpiece, remember to pick those up today.
Set glasses upside down on the table to keep them dust-free before the feast.
Make theThanksgiving piesif they need to refrigerate, and set out theovernight dinner rollsto rise.
Stock with flatware, sugar, creamer, and cups to avoid guests finding themselves underfoot.
Anymashed potato recipecan be made ahead and reheated in a slow cooker.
Distribute the leftovers into labeled bags for guests to take home.
Quickly fill the dishwasher with one load of dinner dishes and glassware, then wipe down counters.
Once the basics are done, organize a family game or turn on a Thanksgiving movie.
