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The Ultimate Guide for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Celebration

As the leaves fall and the air becomes crisp, the excitement of Thanksgiving begins to fill our hearts and homes. This beloved holiday, centered around gratitude and feasting, can also bring a whirlwind of stress if not approached with a plan. Fear not! With a little organization and a well-crafted timeline, you can glide through your Thanksgiving preparations with ease. 



We’ll help you tackle your holiday planning like a pro. By starting early and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, you will not only save time but also allow yourself to fully embrace the festive spirit. Remember, the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in the love shared among family and friends!

Create a Personalized Timeline

Outline all the tasks you need to accomplish in the weeks and days leading up to Thanksgiving.

  • Two Weeks Before

    ○ Decide on your menu and recipes. 

    ○ Make a grocery list. 

  • One Week Before

    ○ Shop for non-perishable items (canned foods, spices, etc.). 

    ○ Check with guests on any dietary restrictions. 

    ○ Check to see how long your turkey will need to defrost and plan accordingly.

     

    Click here for defrosting information.

  • Three Days Before

    ○ Shop for fresh produce and other perishable items. 

    ○ Start prepping side dishes that can be made in advance like casseroles. 

    ○ Make pie crusts (if not using prepared), and store well-wrapped in the refrigerator. 

  • One Day Before

    ○ Make and bake pies. 

    ○ Prepare any dishes that can be served cold. 

    ○ Measure out dry stuffing ingredients into a mixing bowl, cover, and set aside to mix with the perishable ingredients the next day. 

    ○ Set the table and any serving areas with linens, dishes, flatware and serving pieces and utensils. 


Thanksgiving Day!

The big day is here, and we’ve broken the timeline down to help get you to the finish line stress free!


Early in the day:
  • Remove turkey from the refrigerator, and don’t forget to remove the giblets (refrigerate if using). 
  • Place the unwrapped turkey in the roasting pan, and refrigerate until you’re ready to put in the oven. 


Click here for roasting instructions and times.

 

4 to 6 hours before serving:
  • Peel and cut up potatoes and cover with cold water until ready to cook.
  • Prepare the stuffing.


2 hours before serving:
  • Cook the giblets if you’re using.
  • Plate condiments such as cranberry sauce, olives, carrots, celery and pickles, and refrigerate until dinner.       


1 hour before serving:
  • Remove turkey from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and allow it to rest before carving.
  • Place the stuffing in the oven if baking in a casserole dish as advised.
  • Drain potatoes, add about ½ tsp. salt and fresh water to cover, then cook, drain, and mash.
  • Place in an ovenproof casserole, and keep warm in the oven.
  • Make gravy.


15 minutes before serving:

This is crunch time so enlist help to assist with these last minute tasks! People will be happy to help:

  • Carve the turkey.
  • Reheat any make-ahead dishes.
  • Heat dinner rolls in oven.
  • Pour beverages
  • If serving wine, choose a light-bodied red like a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, and a light-bodied white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. 
  • Place condiments on table.
  • Add any finishing touches to side dishes.


Last but not least:

Sit down and ENJOY!


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