Ultimate Thanksgiving Checklist and Timeline

We know that Thanksgiving can be overwhelming if you are the host or cook. But, fear not. We have you covered with our ultimate checklist and timeline. A good plan sets you up for success and an enjoyable holiday.

Top Thanksgiving Tips & Your Questions Answered

My Top Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving • We all know that Thanksgiving is an incredibly special holiday but it can also be equally stressful. Whether you are hosting, cooking, attending or just eating, we have a few tips to keep the day stress free, fun and memorable.

Have a Plan • Whether you are making the entire meal for a crowd, enjoying a small family gathering or ordering carry out, a plan is essential. Know what needs to be done the week before and the week of so that you aren’t rushing the day before. Thanksgiving is not a time to just “wing it.” My plan tends to be “by day” leading up to Thanksgiving, knowing what I can make ahead of time and an “hour by hour” schedule for the day of, knowing what needs to be done and when. Any time you spend planning ahead will provide exponential extra time the day of.

Ask for Help • This is the hardest one for me, but it’s important. Have guests coming? Let them bring something. Wine or appetizers are a great idea to outsource. Little hands or teens in the house? Let them fill water glasses, help with chopping / prep, set or clear the table and more. Many hands makes light work for the chef and host! (And, remember, people WANT to help!)

Feed them Early • We don’t typically eat our Thanksgiving meal until 3 or 4PM. With a house full of hungry bellies, I know that I need to have a plan for brunch or snacks so that I don’t get overwhelmed by the repeated question of “when is dinner ready.” I love making a large brunch board that can be prepped ahead and snacked on throughout the morning (see our Instagram or website for ideas). Small and quick appetizers are also great.

Set the Table Ahead of Time • Not only does a beautiful table set the mood for a wonderful meal but it’s great seasonal decor for your home, too. Mix textures and colors for a pleasing aesthetic. Doing it ahead of time also takes one more thing off of your “day of” to do list.

Plan for Serving Dishes • There are many things that I like to plan ahead for but the one that I find most essential are the baking and serving dishes. What food will you cook or serve in what dish? I like to write out my menu and lay out corresponding serve ware for each item. Even better? I sticky note each dish so I remember what I was planning to make in it or serve on it. No game time decisions on the big day!

Extra TLC for Little Hands and Bellies • Most households are likely to have kids present. And, you want the day to feel special for them. Cover your kid table in butcher paper and let them color all over it. Have a kid-friendly dessert or snack that they can help make. Lastly, how about an inexpensive, seasonal plate to serve their meal? Target often has cute options for less than $5 and the kids will love it!

Have a Personal Touch • Take a few extra moments to make the day special for your guests. I love to print up menus for the place setting as an extra touch. Personalized place cards are a fun and easy personal touch, too. No time for that? How about including a guest’s favorite side dish or dessert? Make it personal without making it more work.

Give Yourself Grace • Something will go awry on Thanksgiving Day. It’s important to remember that your family and friends are present, first and foremost, to spend time together. No one is expecting a perfect meal. Plan for a wrinkle in the day and stay calm when it comes. Give yourself grace!

Your Top Thanksgiving Questions Answered! Whether is your first holiday or you are a seasoned veteran in the kitchen, there is always a question that is top of mind. Here are a few of the most commonly asked ones. Hopefully they will help your holiday run a wee bit smoother.

How much turkey do I need per person? A good rule of thumb is 1 pound per person for the actual meal itself. If you want leftovers or have substantial eaters (like all of the teenagers in our house), I’d go with 1.5 pounds per person. Note, if you are doing a boneless breast, it’s usually 1/2 pound per person.

What dishes can I make ahead of time? There are a few dishes that can easily be made ahead and reheated. I make my sweet potatoes, stuffing and most casseroles ahead. When you reheat, have a little extra broth or milk on hand in case they need a little more liquid, ensuring they don’t dry out. In fact, they are almost always better when done ahead. I also make my pies the day before. These can be covered overnight and warmed before serving. If you are using a brine for your turkey, marinade for any meats or serving a gravy, those can all be prepped at least 2-3 days early. Looking to save more time the day of? I like to make salad dressings early and cut or chop and vegetables that will be needed. Place in airtight containers and store in refrigerator.

How far ahead of time do I need to defrost my turkey? Typical rule of thumb for thawing is 1 day per 5 pounds of turkey. So, most will take 4 days. You can start up to 6 days ahead just to be safe and presuming you have room in your fridge. Place turkey in a roasting pan or pan that has edges to catch any liquid (such as a rimmed baking sheet) and keep in refrigerator to safely defrost and thaw.

I don’t like to cook but I’m hosting Thanksgiving. What do I serve? You don’t have to be a trained chef to make it a great holiday. Remember, it’s about our thankfulness for family and friends and time together. The food is the gravy (pun intended!) First, have you thought about carry out from your favorite restaurant or a local grocer? Many have specials for the holiday season that are meant to be picked up and cooked or reheated at home. Second, consider a potluck. Ask each guest to bring one or two items and take the stress off of yourself. Lastly, a formal Thanksgiving meal can feel overwhelming for even the best cook. Is there an easier or less stressful menu that you can make and still enjoy? Pasta is always a hit with a crowd! Serve with a salad, crusty bread and a nice glass of wine.

I never have enough space in my oven for fridge to make the entire meal. Help! Space is always a premium this time of year. A few helpful hints that I like to follow. First, make your gravy early. Store it in a metal or insulated thermos (like the ones you used to take soup to school in) and set aside. It will stay warm inside for at least a few hours. Second, brine your turkey in a cooler. I love using our big Yeti for the bird. Load the cooler with a bag of ice for about an hour before you use it to cool it down. Place bird in a sealed bag in the cooler and you can free up fridge space while brining. Our favorite dry brine goes overnight and the cooler works great. Also, ensure your menu has a variety of items that are served at various temperatures. If everything has to be served hot, it ca be overwhelming. Rolls are fine at room temperature. A salad can be stored in the fridge. Roasted vegetables can also be room temperature. Save oven space for the most important items (hello, Turkey and potatoes). Lastly, think about using other cooking methods such as a smoker or fryer. We’ve done both for our turkeys and they’ve turned out amazing!