Thanksgiving Checklist Printable
This checklist includes a chronological timeline to guide you in preparing for and hosting a successful Thanksgiving dinner.
This post is all about how to host Thanksgiving and will provide you with a chronological Thanksgiving checklist.
Thanksgiving, a cherished holiday, brings families and friends together to celebrate the blessings in our lives. While the prospect of gathering around a table laden with delicious food is exciting, the process of planning and hosting Thanksgiving can sometimes feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, because we’re here to help!
In this comprehensive article, we’re thrilled to present you with a Thanksgiving checklist that will transform your holiday preparation into a seamless and enjoyable experience. From menu planning and decorations to timing and post-dinner cleanup, this checklist covers every detail to ensure your Thanksgiving celebration is nothing short of perfection.
Let’s dive in and start planning for a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving gathering!
8 weeks before thanksgiving
Set the atmosphere
- Decorations: Enhance the atmosphere of your home and dinner table with fall-themed decorations. The popular hobby stores start selling Autumn decorations in June or July. Dollar stores often have budget-friendly decor options.
- If you’re on a tight budget, consider completing DIY decor crafts at this time.
4-6 weeks before thanksgiving
plan the menu
- Traditional vs. New: Decide on the dishes you’ll be serving. Decide if you want to stick strictly to a traditional Thanksgiving menu or add new creative dishes to the menu. A mix of both is often a hit and will keep things interesting.
- Potluck Style: Decide if you want to ask guests to bring something to share, such as a beverage, appetizer, dessert or side dish. If you decide to do this, use a digital signup sheet like Signup Genius to streamline the process. List specific categories in the signup sheet to avoid duplicates. If you’re using a digital invitation, add the signup link to the invitation.
- Dietary Accommodations: Consider options for guests who are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
- Test New Recipes: If you’re trying new dishes, it’s a good idea to test them out beforehand to ensure they turn out well. Do not test new recipes on Thanksgiving Day.
Guest List and Invitations
- Create a Guest List: Make a list of family and friends you want to invite.
- Send Invitations: You can send out digital invitations via email or text. For every party, I use Paperless Post because it notes who has or hasn’t opened an invitation. It enables you to easily keep track of responses and the head count. In addition to the date, time, location, be sure to include any potluck signup links or BYOB instructions.
3 weeks before thanksgiving
Finalize Guest Count
- Confirm the number of guests who will be attending.
- If guests will be bringing a dish, create and share a digital signup form if you haven’t already.
- Reach out to guests who haven’t responded to your invitation to confirm their attendance.
Create a Music Playlist
Create the Ambiance: Research and create a playlist of cozy tunes to set the tone for a Thanksgiving gathering. Consider background music or even a themed playlist.
Plan Entertainment Options
- Plan to offer various entertainment choices based on group size, age group, and preferences.
- If children are present, set out a bin of toys, plan an activity station for their age group, or provide age-appropriate games.
- Karaoke: In many cultures, Karaoke is a fun party must-have. If you and your guests enjoy singing, set up a karaoke machine. It’s a fantastic way to add some laughter and entertainment to the evening.
- Board Games and Card Games: Games provide interactive entertainment and are perfect for bringing family and friends together. Select a mix of classics and newer games to keep things interesting.
Create a Shopping List
- Based on your menu and guest count, create a detailed shopping list for the ingredients you’ll need.
- Plan for a few extra servings to accommodate unexpected guests and larger appetites.
Create a Cooking Timeline
- Create a cooking schedule that includes when to start prepping, cooking, and reheating each dish. Map out the sequence of cooking steps leading up to and on Thanksgiving Day.
- Break down the timeline into manageable segments for each day, considering the prep and cooking time required for each dish.
- Consider how all the food will be stored in your refrigerator and freezer.
2 weeks before thanksgiving
Purchase the Turkey
- If you’re ordering a fresh turkey, place an order now to ensure availability and schedule it for delivery to your door. Another option is to purchase a frozen turkey.
- Order the appropriate turkey size for your guest count. If you’re hosting a very large party, considering cooking more than one turkey and offering an additional traditional holiday protein, such as ham.
Shop for Non-Perishable Items
Begin shopping for non-perishable items such as canned goods, spices, and baking ingredients.
Shop for Tabletop and Kitchen Items
- Buy any necessary serveware, tabletop products, and kitchen tools that you need.
- Buy a meat thermometer if you don’t already have one to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection. Opt for one with a meat probe, letting you set a target temperature and providing an alarm alert when that temperature is reached.
- If you are hosting a very large Thanksgiving party, shop for table consumables for easy cleanup, such as disposable plates, utensils, cups, and napkins.
- If you’re using disposable utensils and napkins, start making DIY flatware rollups at this time.
1 week before thanksgiving
Confirm Plans with guests
- Prepare for potential last-minute changes or cancellations.
- Seating: Ensure there is enough space and seating for everyone.
Shop for Perishable Items
- Purchase perishable items like fresh produce, fruits, and herbs.
- Go early in the day to avoid crowded stores and ensure the best selection of fresh produce.
Thaw the Turkey
- If you’re using a frozen turkey, start thawing it in the refrigerator.
- Calculate the thawing time based on the weight of your turkey.
- Refrigerate it in a tray to catch any drips.
6 days before thanksgiving: Friday
Make-Ahead: Traditional Dinner Rolls or Biscuits
Breads keep well in the freezer, and you won’t notice a difference if stored properly in the freezer.
Make Ahead Option 1: Prepare and shape the dough, then freeze (thaw and bake on Thanksgiving day for fresh rolls).
Make Ahead Option 2: Prepare and bake the dinner rolls or biscuits ahead of time, then freeze (thaw and warm through on Thanksgiving day).
5 days before thanksgiving: Saturday
Make-Ahead: Traditional Pie Crust
Make Ahead: Get a head start on your traditional apple pie and pumpkin pie by preparing and rolling out the pie crust in advance, then freeze. Shape and cut optional dough decorations, then freeze. You will thaw these components on the morning of the day you assemble and bake the pie.
4 days before thanksgiving: Sunday
Make-Ahead: Gravy Base
- Get a head start on your traditional turkey gravy by preparing the gravy’s base in advance, then refrigerate (easily incorporate it with pan drippings on Thanksgiving Day).
- Doing the base in advance will avoid any delays or last-minute gravy catastrophes. This will ensure a fast, easy and stress-free experience.
Make Ahead: Traditional Cranberry Sauce
Preparing cranberry sauce in advance before Thanksgiving allows the flavors to develop and ensures you have a delicious, ready-to-serve condiment for your holiday feast.
3 days before thanksgiving: Monday
Prepare Make-Ahead Dishes
Make any dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and stored, such as casseroles, desserts, and certain side dishes.
Choose recipes that hold up well when reheated.
Store make-ahead dishes properly in airtight containers.
Breads and pastries freeze very well.
Make Ahead: Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Thaw the pie crust.
Prepare the pumpkin pie components, assemble the pie, and bake.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
2 days before thanksgiving: Tuesday
Set the Table
- Set your table with plates, flatware, placemats, glassware, napkins, decorations, and linens if using.
- For organized seating, use place cards.
- Finish floral arrangements or centerpieces if using.
Continue Preparing Make-Ahead Dishes
Continue preparing dishes that can be cooked and stored ahead of time.
Make-Ahead: Sweet Potato Casserole
Traditional Menu: Prepare a sweet potato casserole recipe. Make the filling, spread it in the baking dish, and refrigerate. Prepare the topping and store it separately (on Thanksgiving Day, you’ll add the topping just before baking casserole).
Make Ahead: Mashed Potatoes
Traditional Menu: Prepare this classic side dish. It refrigerates well and reheats easily in the microwave on Thanksgiving Day.
Brine the Turkey
- If you’re planning to brine your turkey, start the process today.
- Safely store the brine in a cooler with ice if you’re low on refrigerator space.
1 day before thanksgiving: Wednesday
Ingredient Prep
For dishes that need to be cooked fresh on Thanksgiving day, complete the ingredient prep work in advance, such as:
- washing produce
- chopping vegetables
- pre-measuring ingredients
Preliminary Cooking Steps
For complex recipes that involve multiple steps, start the initial steps today and finish the rest on Thanksgiving Day.
Make Ahead: Traditional Apple Pie
Thaw the pie crust.
Prepare the apple pie components, assemble the pie, and bake.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Prep Ahead: Traditional Stuffing
Prepare the components and properly store the wet and dry components separately (you will combine the components before baking on Thanksgiving Day).
Prep Ahead: Traditional Green Bean Casserole
Prep the ingredients and complete any preliminary cooking steps for the green bean casserole. Get the components (sauce, onion topping, and green beans) ready today and store them separately. You’ll combine the components and bake tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day.
Set up Serving and Beverage Stations
- Set up a well-organized serving and beverage station to streamline meal and drink distribution.
- Stock the stations with extra utensils, napkins, and cups.
- Set out serving utensils and serving platters.
- Create dish labels for clarity.
thanksgiving day: Early Morning
personal grooming
- Before you start cooking, make sure to prioritize your personal grooming, including your hair and makeup. This way, in case there are any cooking delays, you’ve already finished getting yourself ready for company without feeling hurried.
- Guests might show up early or right on time, and it’s important to be ready to greet them. When you’ve taken care of your personal grooming before diving into cooking, you’ll feel more at ease and organized as you handle kitchen duties.
Roast Turkey
- Start roasting the turkey well in advance. Allocate sufficient time for cooking to avoid delays or an undercooked turkey.
- When determining the starting time, consider the turkey’s weight and account for the necessary 2 hours of resting time before carving.
Maintain a Tidy Kitchen
- Clean as You Go: Wash dishes promptly after using them or load them into the dishwasher to prevent a buildup of dirty dishes.
- Immediate Counter Cleanup: Keep cleaning cloths or paper towels nearby to swiftly wipe down countertops and stovetops while cooking. Addressing spills promptly makes cleanup much easier.
- Trash Management: Designate an area for trash and recycling, emptying it regularly. Consider placing a small trash bin near your workspace for easy disposal as you cook.
- Enlist Help: Delegate dishwashing and cleaning tasks to a family member or spouse. Having extra hands makes the workload lighter and ensures a tidy kitchen.
Finish Cooking
- Finish cooking side dishes, desserts, or appetizers that need to be freshly cooked or prepared on the day of Thanksgiving.
Traditional Menu:
- Dinner Rolls: if you’ve got them in the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature in the early morning.
- Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole: If you washed, prepped, and premeasured the ingredients in advance and completed any preliminary cooking steps yesterday, now is the time to finally assemble and bake the stuffing and green bean casserole. Allow the components to come to room temperature before baking.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: If you prepared and refrigerated the components in advance, allow the ingredients to come to room temperature before baking. Add the topping to the casserole, then bake.
2 hours before guests arrive
Manage household Odors
Odor Check: Identify and address any lingering odors in your home, such as pet smells, trash odors, or musty areas. Keep “Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go” Toilet Spray in the powder room for your guests.
Open Windows: Weather permitting, crack open windows while preparing to let fresh air circulate and eliminate any lingering smells.
Kitchen Ventilation: Vent cooking smells by using an exhaust fan or opening a window in the kitchen.
Aromas: Be considerate of guests with sensitivities by avoiding air fresheners. Instead, opt for a natural approach: simmer a small saucepan of water with cinnamon powder and citrus slices to impart a delightful, natural fragrance.
Quick Cleanup: Do a swift sweep or vacuum to catch any food bits that may have fallen on the floor.
Start Playing Background Music
Create a welcoming ambiance and set the the tone for the gathering with some background music. If you don’t have a playlist, consider using Pandora, Spotify, or YouTube for a carefully curated music list. Need inspiration? Check out this safe sample playlist here.
Turkey needs to Rest
Tent the turkey with aluminum foil to keep it warm. Give it plenty of time to rest! Reserve the pan drippings for the gravy.
Gravy
- Make your gravy immediately after tenting your turkey.
Traditional Menu:
- Reheat your make-ahead gravy base.
- Finish the gravy by adding the Turkey’s pan drippings.
Bake Dinner Rolls or Biscuits
- If you made and froze homemade bread dough in advance, bake them now after they finish thawing.
- If your dinner rolls are already fully baked and thawed, you will warm them through later, just before dinnertime.
1 hour before guests arrive
Set out Beverages
Keep beverage station ready for guests with a variety of drinks.
Set out Appetizers
Keep appetizers ready for guests as they arrive.
Reheat Side Dishes
Reheat your make-ahead dishes, and once warmed, move them to where they’ll stay warm until dinnertime. If a dish was previously in the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature before re-heating. This will ensure even reheating.
Traditional Menu:
- Reheat in ovens: green bean casserole, stuffing, and sweet potatoes.
- Reheat on stovetop: gravy.
- Reheat in microwave: mashed potatoes.
Keep Dishes Warm
Keep dishes warm in ovens, stove-top, slow cookers, chaffing dishes or instant pots. Keep the turkey tented in aluminum foil.
Guests Arrive
Enjoy Company
Enjoy the company of your guests, and allow some time for socializing before the meal. As guests arrive, encourage them to start with appetizers and drinks. If guests are bringing their own side dishes, make sure to help keep them warm and covered until it's time for dinner.
Dinnertime
Present Food
After all guests arrive:
- Warm or toast the dinner rolls (or biscuits) in the oven, if serving.
- Carve the turkey.
- Set out and uncover side dishes.
Serve Main Course Dishes
Serve the meal buffet-style or plated, depending on your preference.
After Dinner
Reheat Make-Ahead Desserts
In the oven, reheat make-ahead desserts that are served warm, such as apple pie. Keep these desserts warm in an oven until ready to serve.
Enjoy Desserts
Clear the table and enjoy desserts and beverages.
Entertainment
Provide some entertainment options, especially for kids if they are present. Age appropriate games are great options.
Leftovers
Send leftovers home with guests or store leftovers in airtight containers.
Clean-Up
Wash dishes, clean the kitchen, and store any remaining food properly.
After Thanksgiving
Eat Leftovers
Use Thanksgiving leftovers in creative ways.
Deep clean
Perform a thorough post-Thanksgiving deep clean of the house to restore tidiness and freshness. Pay special attention to areas with high foot traffic and food preparation zones.
Transition to Winter
Pack and store Thanksgiving and fall decorations to declutter and transition to a new season. Use labeled containers to easily locate decorations next year, inspect items for any damage or repairs needed before storing, and consider donating or discarding items that no longer align with your decor preferences.
Faux Pumpkins and Leaves
Thanksgiving Challenges: Solutions for Stress-Free Hosting
Helpful Tips for Success
When the anticipation of Thanksgiving gathers us around the table, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of preparations and hosting responsibilities. From timing the turkey to keeping all the dishes warm and ensuring everyone’s dietary preferences are satisfied, hosting
Thanksgiving can pose a series of challenges that might leave any host feeling overwhelmed. However, we’ve gathered solutions to address the top ten hurdles that often arise during Thanksgiving festivities. Whether it’s managing time, juggling cooking duties, or even the post-feast exhaustion, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in and uncover how you can overcome these obstacles, ensuring a joyous and memorable holiday for you and your loved ones.
Problem 1: Time Management and Stress
Problem: Juggling various tasks and managing time can lead to stress and feeling overwhelmed.
Solution: Create a detailed schedule and timeline for the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Assign specific tasks to different time slots and delegate responsibilities to family members or guests who offer to help. Prioritize tasks and be realistic about what can be accomplished.
Problem 2: Cooking and Oven Space
Problem: Limited oven space can be challenging when trying to cook multiple dishes that require baking or roasting.
Solution: Plan a mix of stovetop, oven, and slow cooker dishes. Prepare as many dishes as possible in advance to reduce the cooking load on the day of. Use chafing dishes, an oven, slow cookers, or an instant pot to keep dishes warm.
Problem 3: Turkey Timing and Temperature
Problem: Roasting a turkey can be tricky, as it requires precise timing and achieving the correct internal temperature.
Solution: Use a meat thermometer with a probe that monitors the turkey's internal temperature and alerts you when it reaches the target temperature. Estimate cooking time based on the turkey's weight and preparation (with or without stuffing). Start roasting the turkey early enough to allow for unexpected delays and time for the meat to rest.
Problem 4: Overcooking or Undercooking Dishes
Problem: Balancing multiple dishes and timings can lead to some dishes being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Solution: Make use of multiple timers and food thermometers to ensure dishes are cooked to perfection. Keep a close eye on dishes during the final cooking stages.
Problem 5: Clean-Up After the Meal
Problem: The aftermath of a large meal can result in a chaotic and overwhelming mess.
Solution: Enlist the help of family members to tackle the clean-up together. For large parties, use disposable plates, cutlery, and napkins to minimize the number of dishes to wash. Have trash bags readily available for easy disposal.
Problem 6: Satisfying Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
Problem: Catering to various dietary restrictions and preferences can be challenging.
Solution: When sending out invitations, ask guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. Plan for a variety of side dishes and options that can accommodate different diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
Problem 7: Keeping Food Warm and Fresh
Problem: Ensuring that all dishes remain warm and fresh until serving can be difficult, especially with a large spread.
Solution: Invest in chafing dishes, warming trays, instant pots, or slow cookers to keep dishes at the right temperature. Use oven-safe serving dishes that can be heated in the oven just before serving.
Problem 8: Socializing and Hosting
Problem: Hosts can feel torn between hosting duties and spending quality time with their guests.
Solution: Don't be afraid to ask for help from family members or close friends ahead of time. Assign desserts, fresh side dishes, or appetizers to others. Plan moments throughout the day when you can step away from the kitchen and enjoy socializing with your guests.
Problem 9: Running Out of Essentials
Problem: Running out of crucial ingredients or items can disrupt the cooking process and cause stress.
Solution: Double-check your shopping list against your recipes and menus. Purchase extra amounts of staples like butter and broth to have on hand.
Problem 10: Post-Thanksgiving Fatigue
Problem: The exhaustion that follows Thanksgiving Day can leave hosts feeling drained and unable to fully enjoy the holiday.
Solution: Plan for a day of relaxation or fun activities after Thanksgiving to recharge. Consider having leftovers for the next day to minimize cooking demands. Allow yourself to take a break.
Summary
As you embark on your Thanksgiving preparations, armed with this thorough checklist, take a moment to reflect on the true essence of the holiday. With a well-organized plan in hand, you'll be able to focus more on the joy of spending time with loved ones and less on the stress of last-minute tasks. Whether you're a seasoned host or a first-timer, remember that the magic of Thanksgiving lies in the smiles shared, stories told, and memories created. We hope this checklist serves as your trusted companion, guiding you through the journey of hosting a warm and unforgettable Thanksgiving gathering. Wishing you a wonderful celebration filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments. Happy Thanksgiving!