Thanksgiving Preparation Countdown

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I know some of you have reluctantly volunteered to host. As the day comes closer, let’s figure out a ‘week before prep plan’ so you’re not running around like a turkey with your head cut off 24 hours beforehand.

Day 8: Map It Out

Write a list of what needs to get done before and on Thanksgiving. This doesn’t mean it all needs to happen right now, but it’s helpful to be realistic with what your tasks are and then assign your tasks due dates and who’s responsible for what (delegation is key!). Once you have the list created, send your texts, emails or letters via carrier pigeon to the assignee so they have time to get their task completed. PS – the “notes” and “reminders” app on an iPhone as well as Asana.com are great task management apps!

Day 7: Create a Menu

Arguably the most important part of Thanksgiving is the menu. Make sure you don’t forget to include any hors d'oeuvres or desserts as well as other items on the menu that others are making. That way you won’t question whether or not you have enough side dishes at the last minute. Also reserve a turkey at your local grocery store so you don’t have to fight for the last one on the shelves the day before. 

Divvy up your meal planning by hors d'oeuvres (pigs in a blanket, crudité, french onion dip), first course (soups or salads), second course with sides (turkey (DUH) cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, string beans, sweet potato casserole), desserts (pumpkin pie!) and drinks. Check out our meal planning pads at our Studio made by Rifle Paper Co to help you with your planning!

Map out how long it will take to prep and cook each meal and plan out the order that you’ll need to put each item into the oven as well as what can be done before Thanksgiving Day.

Day 6: Grocery Shopping Day One

Now that you know what you’re making, create two grocery lists – one filled with the perishables, the other with non-perishables. Close to one week before Thanksgiving (or even further out) is the best time to get your non-perishables so that they don’t run out. Pro-tip: never be ashamed to buy boxed stuffing, mashed potatoes or a can of cranberry sauce. Trust me, nobody will know the difference and you’ll be saving yourself hours.

Day 5: Gather Your Décor & Display It

Whether you’re bringing out the fine china, wreath for your front door or relics from your children’s preschool days, make sure you gather all of the décor you’d like to display around the house. This will help relieve the last minute scramble and get you in the festive mood.

Day 4: Grocery Run Part 2:

Pick up any of the perishable foods (eggs, cream, milk, butter, etc) as well as the reserved turkey. Cook any foods that can be refrigerated or frozen in the meantime (stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc).

Day 3: Set The Table and Pick Out Your Outfit

If you plan on hosting dinner in your formal dining room, set the table a few days before. Even though it may seem simple, setting the table and figuring out who is sitting next to who can sometimes cause a headache which should not be left for the last minute. 

Have your outfit picked out and ready to go so there isn’t any last minute ironing, washing or drying.

Day 2: Clean 

If you have multiple people in your house, assign different people to designated spaces. Make sure the kids clean up their rooms and if you’re feeling pressed for time, focus on doing a nice vacuum and cleaning of the bathrooms. Don’t forget to make sure you have enough hanging space in your coat closet for any visitor’s jackets. For more tips on tidying your house in a pinch, check out this blog!

Prepare the smaller ingredients like chopped veggies and cook your pies the day before (you’ll be thanking me the day of). Have all of your recipes for tomorrow in a central place, ready to go for the morning when you start cooking. 

Last step for the day, get a good night’s sleep.

Day 1: GAME DAY

Set your alarm and wake up a bit earlier than you have to so you can take some quiet time for yourself instead of getting wrapped up in your to-do list immediately. First, prepare the items that will take the longest to cook ie: turkey. Don’t forget about what you previously put in the freezer and have your menu handy so all of your dishes are accounted for.

Lastly, take a nice big bite of your hard work and enjoy!