Thanksgiving Checklist
End of September/Early October:
- Talk with Family and friends about who is hosting and start organizing who wants to do what
Early/Mid October:
- Send invitations if desired
End of October:
- Start thinking about your desired meal and potential food options
Early November:
- Get a guest count and order your turkey
- Decide on your menu
- Clearly delegate items as needed
2 Weeks Before:
- Start tiding the house and getting guest rooms ready if needed
- Make your grocery list
- Make your prep and timing list
1 Week Before:
- Pick up your turkey and do most of your grocery shopping, saving only the fragile product items for a few days before the meal
- Review your prep list to make sure you did not forget anything
5 Days Before:
- Organize the serving dishes and utensils needed
- Make favors if desired
- Confirm with anyone who is helping that they are still on task
3 Days Before:
- Do any last minute shopping
- Prep your beverage area
- Make desserts
2 Days Before:
- Set the tables and arrange centerpieces
- Make brine for the turkey if using
- Prep vegetables for the side dishes
- Vacuum the house
- Clean out the front hall closet and make space for coats and shoes
1 Day Before:
- Prep Stuffing (and any other side dishes and appetizers if using)
- Prep the Gravy
- Wash and prep the turkey
- Spot clean the main areas where guests will be
Day of Event:
- Cook the turkey
- Heat the side dishes
- Finishing touches on the side dishes and/or appetizers
- Spot clean the kitchen
- Relax and enjoy the guests
