Four Days Ahead
- As appropriate, begin defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator.
- Save money on ice — start making your own ice cubes now. When they’re frozen, dump them in a freezer bag.
- Do major housecleaning and organizing. (of course you can call Absolute Shine Cleaning Services for this)
- Put up wreaths and nonperishable decorations like candles.
- Phone guests regarding menu plans and find out what oven space they may need. Also inquire if they are bringing serving pieces or if you should furnish these.
- Plan ahead for leftovers. Organize containers, bags, and wraps so guests can take home the meal’s bounty.
Two Days Ahead
- Chill beverages.
- Have centerpiece delivered or buy flowers for the table.
- Shop for perishable items.
- Clean vegetables and refrigerate.
- Set out bread for homemade stuffing.
- Make cranberry sauce.
- Fill salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.
- Complete light housecleaning.
- Lay a fire in the fireplace, ready to light later.
- Put up decorations.
One Day Ahead
- Peel potatoes, place in a pot of cold water. Keep in refrigerator.
- Clean vegetables and refrigerate.
- Make all dishes that can be prepared ahead. Don’t forget the pies and any chopping, peeling, or toasting that can be done ahead.
- Check your bathrooms. Be sure to have extra paper goods and hand towels available.
- Prepare stuffing.
- Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used.
- Let your family set the table in the evening.
- Make the side dishes that can be baked ahead of time.
- Make a staging area for coffee, desserts, and drinks. Stock with flatware, sugar and creamer, cups and saucers, etc. This could even be set up on a tray stashed in the pantry until needed.
Thanksgiving Day
- Get out all serving pieces. Set out in order on a counter or buffet table.
- Fill condiment dishes with your choice of pickles, olives, cranberry sauce, etc. Cover each dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Lay serving spoons on top.
- Assign specific family members or relatives to be in charge of tending the fire, pouring drinks, answering the door, hanging up coats, and watching the children.
- Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours. Add stuffing to the bird or place into casseroles to bake separately.
- Preheat oven.
- Put turkey in oven and baste every half hour or according to your recipe.
- Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving.
- Remove stuffing from turkey and let it rest, covered, for about 20 minutes before slicing.
- Microwave food to quickly reheat if all the burners of the stove are occupied.
- Make gravy and last-minute vegetables.
- Set out refrigerated dishes including condiments, cranberries, and salads.
- Heat bread or rolls as needed.
- Pour drinks.
- Carve turkey.
- Keep the oven on the lowest setting to keep foods warm until the meal is over.
- Enjoy the dinner! Clear the table and serve dessert.
Cleanup
- Before leaving the table, blow out candles. Collect used cloth napkins and place them in the laundry.
- Quickly fill the dishwasher with one load of dinner dishes and glassware. Add soap and run a cycle.
- Fill the sink with hot soapy water and drop in silverware and any items to be hand-washed.
- Put away leftover food in containers, foil packs, or plastic bags. Distribute into labeled bags for guests to take home. Refrigerate everything.
- Wash items in the sink, then refill with hot water to soak pots and pans.
- Clear and wash kitchen counters.
- Wash serving pieces belonging to guests. Set labeled bags in a mudroom or hall, ready to take home.
- Organize games or other entertainment.
- Finish dishes as time allows, or after guests depart.
- Launder tablecloth and napkins.
- Put away dishes, serving pieces, and glassware.
- Return any borrowed tables, chairs, games, etc.
- Make notes on what worked — and what didn’t — and keep in your recipe box by the “Thanksgiving” tab.
- Write and mail thank-you notes.
