Preparing for a Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving Prep Tip: Make a Timeline for a Stress-Free Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and—let's be honest—a lot of cooking! But trying to juggle turkey, sides, desserts, and decor on the big day can turn even the most organized kitchen into chaos. This year, ease the pressure by creating a simple timeline to keep things on track, so you can focus on the fun (and food) instead of feeling frazzled.

1. One Week Before: Plan the Menu & Make a Shopping List

• Decide on your menu and include any family-favorite recipes. Keep it realistic by choosing a few dishes you know well and limiting brand-new experiments.
• Make a comprehensive grocery list. Review your pantry for staples you already have and make a list of any specialty ingredients you’ll need.

2. Five Days Before: Shop & Start Prepping Non-Perishables

• Head to the grocery store for your main ingredients, so you're not caught in a last-minute rush.
• Begin prepping items that can sit for a while, like cranberry sauce, salad dressings, or pie crusts. Store them in the fridge or freezer, marked with a note if they need to be thawed later.

3. Three Days Before: Prep the House and the Fridge

• Clean out your fridge to make space for all the goodies. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to fit a turkey into an already-stuffed fridge!
• Set up your dining area if possible, laying out table settings, serving dishes, and any decorations.

4. Two Days Before: Marinate, Chop, and Assemble

• If you're marinating or brining your turkey, this is the day to start. Brining will help lock in flavor and make the meat extra juicy.
• Prep and chop any veggies for stuffing, casseroles, or salads, and store them in labeled containers. You can even pre-make things like mashed potatoes and store them for reheating on the big day.

5. One Day Before: Bake Desserts & Make Sides

• Bake pies, cakes, or other desserts that store well overnight. Most flavors actually benefit from sitting for a day, so they’ll taste even better!
• Assemble casseroles or stuffing so that all you have to do is pop them in the oven tomorrow.

6. Thanksgiving Morning: Keep Your Cool and Enjoy

• Wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee before diving in. Set your turkey in the oven as your first big task of the day, using a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of timing it by weight alone.
• Warm up any pre-prepared sides and finish off dishes that need a little last-minute love.

Final Tip: Keep it Simple

Staying organized with a timeline is a true lifesaver for Thanksgiving. But don’t be afraid to ask for help or let guests bring a dish. After all, Thanksgiving is about togetherness and gratitude—plus, there’s always room for another dessert! Happy cooking!