From planning the menu to setting the table, a little prep goes a long way. Our Thanksgiving To-Do List breaks down what to tackle each week so you can stay organized—and actually enjoy the big day.
3 Weeks Out
- Finalize menu & tablescape
- Confirm guest list
- Take stock of servingware + table settings: count plates, flatware, napkins, glasses
- Make your lists! What are you buying and from where? For menu & tablescape
- Order or shop for specialty ingredients (turkey, unique spices, or bakery items that may sell out)
2 Weeks Out
- House projects you’ve been putting off (get that piece of art framed and on the wall!)
- Shop for any special tabletop items you need like place cards, candles (swans) etc.
- Determine which dish will be used for each menu item in case you need to fill any holes
- If hosting overnight guests: wash linens, stock guest essentials
1 Week Out
- Finalize your grocery list (divide into non-perishables and perishables)
- Shop for non-perishables (broth, canned goods, flour, sugar, spices, drinks, wine)
- Buy your turkey and start thawing if frozen (allow 1 day per 4 lbs)
- Make and freeze pie dough, rolls, or casseroles
- Prepare make-ahead dishes like cranberry sauce, gravy base, or soup
- Clean out your fridge and freezer to make room for ingredients
- Check cookware + appliances: roasting pan, thermometer, mixer, pie dish
- Iron table linens (or have them dry cleaned)
- Polish flatware
- Get extra chairs and glassware if needed (you can always rent!)
- Plan cooking timeline + oven schedule
2 Days Before
- Hit the farmers market to get fresh produce and flowers
- Set out serving dishes and label them with sticky notes for each menu item
- Brine your turkey
- Tidy your house, stock the bathrooms etc.
- Make salad dressings, compound butter, and sauces
Day Before
- Arrange flowers
- Set table
- Prep as much food as possible - dice veggies, chop herbs, clean salad greens, batch cocktails, fill ice trays
- Prep appetizers
- Make your desserts
- Assemble casseroles (don’t bake yet)
- Empty the dishwasher to start the big day fresh
Day Of
- Preheat the oven early
- Get the turkey in the oven!
- Cook cook cook
- Set out appetizers
- Set up the beverage station
- Set up the dessert station
- Take a shower
- Pour yourself a refreshing beverage
- Light candles
- Put on your playlist!
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Cheers to a beautiful Thanksgiving!
