Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. And though you’re likely not having a crowd, it can still be a challenge. It doesn’t need to be. I’ve created a simple planner that notes everything you should consider so that you enjoy the holiday stress-free.

I’ve noted everything by week and by day. In a year where you’re hosting others, you should invite your guests at least 3 weeks out.

Two Weeks Out

Order Your Turkey: If you’re ordering a turkey from a butcher or local farm, you will want to order your turkey at least two weeks out. If you’re purchasing a frozen turkey, two weeks out is best. As it gets closer to Thanksgiving, only large turkeys remain.

Plan Your Menu: Once you know how many guests you will be having, you can easily craft the menu. Make sure you know if there are food allergies. If you’re having guests, they love to contribute. Think about what you could have guests bring to lighten your load.

Start to Think About Your Table: Be sure to pull out any decorations you may have and candles to ensure they are in good condition. Pull out tablecloths and/or runners, your cloth napkins, napkins rings, everything so you know that you have everything that you need and it’s in good working condition. Need decorations? HomeGoods and Target are great!

Check Your Kitchen Supplies and Tools: Whether you’re using new or old favorites, make sure to check all of your equipment in advance. Make sure you have a pan large enough for your turkey (and make sure your oven will fit it). You don’t want to be running around on Thanksgiving morning trying to find the right pan only to realize you don’t have it. And if you’re frying a turkey, please make sure you have a fire extinguisher!

One Week Out

Buy Wine: You know what you’ll be serving and what others may be bringing. Make sure you have plenty of red and white wine on hand.

Plan Kids Activities: Whether your kids are 3 or 15, make sure you have some fun activities planned for the day so the kids aren’t running through the kitchen. Whether watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, doing puzzles, or your own version of the Turkey Trot, you will want activities to keep everyone occupied and having fun. We frequently will make cupcakes the night prior and have the kids decorate them or create an art activity to do as a group.

Make Your Shopping Plan: Create a detailed shopping plan so you can go once and be done. This year perhaps you’re doing all of your shopping online and will have most of it delivered or will do a drive-up pickup.

Saturday/Sunday

If you’re heading into the grocery store, the weekend before is the right time to go. Even with Covid, expect that the stores will be busy. You might try to go early or else place your online order today for delivery Monday.

Monday

It’s Time to Pre-Make Dishes: Begin prepping any times that can be made in advance. For me, that means I spend today making my make-ahead mashed potatoes, my cream corn, the butter for my turkey, cranberry sauce, and half of the stuffing (everything except adding the bread and liquid). If my Monday is too busy, I will do this Sunday. Do it whenever you have the time.

Prep Your Table: If you need to move tables together, do it now. Go ahead and set the table. Add the centerpieces, chargers/placemats, plates, napkins, and glasses.

Make Your Pies: If you’re making pies, you can prep them today, bake them Wednesday, and warm them on Thursday.

Begin to Defrost Your Turkey: Irrespective of the size of your turkey, start to defrost it on Monday. The rule of thumb is 24 hours for every 4 pounds.

Make A Plan For Thursday: Go over your final cooking plan for Thursday. Know what time your turkey should go in and when your sides will need to be in the oven. Generally, I cook my turkey earlier in the day so that it’s ready by 3:30 pm for a 5:30 pm dinner. This allows some buffer if it needs to cook longer and allows time for it to rest. During the hour or two it’s resting, I put my sides in the oven.

Tuesday

Perishable Shopping: If you haven’t already purchased your perishables, do so today. The store will be very crowded, so go with some patience. If I have to go, I go the minute I wake up (or as late as possible Monday evening).

Make the Cranberry Sauce: Fun fact - cranberry sauce tastes much better if you make it ahead of time and let it sit in your refrigerator. If I have time, I’ll make it Monday, otherwise, I make it Tuesday.

Wednesday

Chill the white wine: Get that wine in the refrigerator. If you’ll be drinking cocktails instead, make sure you have everything.

Stay Away From the Store: They will be incredibly crowded. Stay away. You’ve got this and don’t need anything!

Finish Setting the Table: Add your silverware, salt and pepper shakers, and anything else that is missing. If your table is set Wednesday, you don’t need to do anything on Thanksgiving day.

Make Your Pies: Go ahead and make your pies or whatever you’ll enjoy for dessert. They can be warmed, if applicable, during dinner.

Thursday

I’ve included my hour-by-hour timeline for the day below. No stress. And plenty of time with the family.

Have Breakfast: Make a great pot of coffee. Enjoy something simple for breakfast.

Know Your Timeline: Know what time the turkey needs to be in the oven. And when your sides should be coming to room temperature and going into the oven.

Make Your Salad: Make your salad early in the day. Omit your salad dressing and toss right before dinner.

Make An Appetizer: The brie and cranberry appetizer I shared earlier this week is the perfect treat for your family and friends.

Get Those Sides Into the Oven: Because you’ve pre-made everything you can, sides are as simple as putting them into the oven. Woohoo!

My Day-Of Timeline

8:00 am Turkey Trot with the family followed by breakfast

9:30 am Turkey Prep and Salad Prep

10: 30 am - 2:00 pm Relax and enjoy time with those you love.

2:00 pm Remove all pre-made sides from your refrigerator to bring them up to room temperature. They won’t take as long to cook. Make your appetizer (if applicable)

3:30 pm Remove the turkey (or sooner/later based on the size of your turkey) to let it rest. I then place my sides in the oven.

4:30 pm Carve your turkey and remove all sides from the oven. I make my gravy while someone else carves the turkey.

5:00 pm Dinner is served

5:30 pm Pies into the oven to warm

7:00 pm Coffee and Dessert