Thanksgiving Day Checklist

I am offering a Thanksgiving Day checklist so you can plan and execute an unforgettable meal for your family and friends. Everyone, including the host, should be able to enjoy the holiday. The end goal is to make it through the day with ease and little stress.

In order for you to accomplish that and partake in the moment you created, a Thanksgiving Day checklist is a priority.

You don’t have to do it all so be sure to delegate. Your main job is to keep calm and take care of you so you can be the best host possible when the day finally arrives. That includes some lists and daily tasks leading up to the holiday.

Thanksgiving Day Checklist

1 Week Out

• Create your menu  – If you haven’t done this already now is the time.
• Write your shopping lists.
• Assign items to guests – You can use the “what to bring” option on Evite if you went paperless.
• Order all non-perishables. – Anything you can buy ahead of time online now is the time!
• Buy wine and beverages.
• Buy your turkey if you haven’t already. Ours came straight from Hasselman Family Farms.
• Clean/clear your refrigerator.
• Purchase leftover containers for your guests.
• Make sure your cleaning ladies are set for the post-holiday cleanup.
• Create a detailed grocery list.

Sunday Before Thanksgiving

• Place your frozen bird in the refrigerator to thaw.
• Shop for all perishable items on your grocery list. Don’t stress if you forget something. This will not be your last trip to the store.

Monday Before Thanksgiving

• If you are using fancy serving ware, this would be a good time to take an inventory on all crystal, china, and silver and rinse and shine anything that needs a once over.
• If you are feeling extra organized, pull your platters, bowls, warming plates, etc. and label them for each dish.

Tuesday Before Thanksgiving

• Make anything that is being served chilled like cranberry sauce.
• Take a final food and item inventory.
• Create a last-minute grocery list for anything you are missing.

Wednesday Before Thanksgiving

• Chop all vegetables, rinse and dry herbs.
• Make the stuffing and refrigerate.
• Start any side dishes that can be made ahead of time.
• Set the table.

Thanksgiving Day

• Depending on the size of the turkey, get it prepped and roasting.
• Cook all sides.

If you play your cards right, you can enjoy the moments surrounding Thanksgiving right there with everyone else. At the end of the day, those moments are the only things that matter anyway. Might as well make them count.

xo,

Michelle