TWO WEEKS BEFORE
- Plan your menu (including the snacks/appetizer items)
- Plan guest sleeping arrangements
- Stock up on items such as paper towels, aluminum foil, tupperware containers for leftovers, etc.
ONE WEEK BEFORE
- Finalize guest list
- Make room in the refrigerator
- Shop, shop, shop! – the earlier you can do your shopping, the better, plus you avoid crowds and ensure your items are in-stock AND remember the wine
- Deep clean your house – hire a professional service for this part (and have them change all guest bed linens)
3 DAYS BEFORE
- Prepare guest rooms
- Stock all bathrooms – make sure each one is properly outfitted with a full hand soap, lotion, hand towels, toilet paper and other essentials. Include extra items in guest baths, like shampoo/conditioner, washcloths, bath towels
- Wash all serving dishes or anything that may have been gathering dust
2 DAYS BEFORE
- Place turkey in refrigerator to begin thawing
- Make all pies and desserts
- Arrange seasonal florals or have centerpieces delivered
- Make any breakfast items for Thanksgiving Day
THE DAY BEFORE
- Make cranberry sauce and refrigerate
- Prepare and bake casseroles/sides (green bean, sweet potato, etc.)
- Refresh the house – you’ve already had your deep clean, this is a spot clean and last minute touch up job
- Set the table
- Soak your turkey in brine overnight
THANKSGIVING DAY | MORNING
- Wake up early and brew a pot of coffee – this should be refreshed all day
- Rinse your turnkey of brine and pat dry
- Let sit at room temperature for one hour
- Place turkey in oven to begin cooking – if your turkey takes 3 hours to roast, allow yourself at least 1 extra hour of cooking and cooling time
THANKSGIVING DAY | AFTERNOON
- Check temperature of turkey – begin checking after 2 hours of cooking
- Make and arrange appetizers
- Make mashed potatoes
- Prepare all side dishes to be warmed in the oven
- Once internal temperature of turkey is reached (180 degrees F in thigh and 165 degrees F in breast), remove from oven and let rest
1 HOUR BEFORE DINNER
- Let turkey rest for 30 minutes
- Place side dishes in oven to be warmed
- Make the gravy
- Warm all side dishes in the oven, including rolls
- Carve the turkey
- Arrange all dishes on table or buffet-style
- Enjoy!
