Plan Thanksgiving Dinner – A Step By Step Guide

Planning Thanksgiving dinner and preparing it can be very stressful, especially if you have a large family or are expecting a number of guests. In order to make Thanksgiving more enjoyable for yourself as well as your guests, some advance planning and preparation will work wonders. Use these tips to make your holiday a stress-free, memorable occasion:

10 Days Before Thanksgiving:

Begin planning your guest list at least one week to 10 days before Thanksgiving day. Call anyone on your guest list that you haven’t contacted yet to invite them. You’ll be able to plan for the serving sizes now as well as the place settings. Don’t forget to add any special dishes that anyone will be bringing next to their name on the guest list. Also, make notation of any dietary needs next to any guests name who require certain foods.

Plan the size of your turkey once you have your guest list made. You will want about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of turkey for each guest. Choose a bit larger turkey if you want a lot of leftovers. Decide now whether you want to buy a fresh turkey or a frozen turkey. You may want to order a deep fried or smoked turkey from a market or club.

A final menu should be ready at least a week before Thanksgiving. Look at your guest list and adjust your menu to take into consideration the younger children, big eaters, or anyone with a special dietary need. Offering the children onion-less stuffing in a separate casserole might make their meal a bit more special.

The Week of Thanksgiving:

The week of Thanksgiving is the time to stock up on necessary items from the grocery store. You can make certain items in advance such as bread or rolls, and freeze them until Thanksgiving morning. Also make sure you have supplies such a napkins, cups, etc.

The Countdown To Thanksgiving Day:

Two or three days before Thanksgiving is the time to get some items prepared so they are ready and waiting for you on Thanksgiving day.

Wash and cut up onion and celery for your stuffing or other dishes now. Prepare your cranberry relish or other hors d’oeuvres and store in zip lock containers. If you have food items that can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, now is the time to get those foods ready. Certain side dishes do just fine prepared the night before Thanksgiving. Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole are two items that can be put together and stored in the refrigerator overnight, all ready and waiting for you in the morning. Now is a good time to make your desserts, like pies. Food items that need to thaw before cooking, like frozen side dishes, should come out the night before Thanksgiving and placed in the refrigerator.

Make sure you have everything on your shopping list in your kitchen at least 2-3 days before Thanksgiving morning.

Time to plan the day’s games. If you have children in the house, be sure to include them in deciding what games to play. Get out the decorations for the table and the house. If there are any special Thanksgiving serving pieces, now is the time to get those out onto the kitchen counter. Don’t forget to take care of your special linens now, too. Wash and iron them if necessary now to prevent having to do that at the last minute!

Thawing your frozen turkey correctly is very important. Three days before Thanksgiving morning should be sufficient when you thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. Be sure to following the thawing instructions on the bird itself.

Thanksgiving Morning:

It’s Thanksgiving morning and you are all set! Your turkey is thawed and ready to stuff. Figure out the timing to roast your turkey using the time table on the packaging. Prepare your bird, stuff it, and get it ready for the oven in your roasting pan. Plan your side dish cooking schedule. Prepare any side dishes and desserts that you were unable to prepare overnight; peeling potatoes, etc. Wash dishes as you go to prevent a pile up during dinner.

Now, set the table, sit back, and relax for a few minutes before the guests arrive. Congratulations! You have successfully planned and carried out your Thanksgiving dinner! Less stress and more time to enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration.

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