Hosting Thanksgiving dinner doesn't need to be stressful. Some basic planning, list-making, and delicious make-ahead recipes will have you dancing into the big day fully prepared... and mostly relaxed!
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This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been updated.
Hosting a Thanksgiving gathering - large or small - can be daunting. It's one of the biggest food holidays of the year. In addition to menu planning, grocery shopping, and meal prep, there are guests to invite and table decor to plan.
I'm here to help with my Thanksgiving game plan. This three-week timeline will help you get organized and includes a plan for make-ahead dishes. Being well-prepared and organized is the key to hosting a stress-free holiday dinner and enjoying the special day as much as your guests.
Jump to:
Can I Make Thanksgiving Dinner Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Thanksgiving dinner involves countless dishes, but many of these can be made ahead of time. This is the key to taking the stress out of hosting the big day.
Three Weeks in Advance
- Invite your guests. If you would like your guests to bring a dish, specify what they should bring - salad, side dish, rolls, dessert, etc. Assigning dishes helps prevent duplicates and ensures you will not miss a component of the meal.
- Start planning the menu. Note what your guests are bringing and what dishes you will be providing. Stick with familiar recipes. This isn't the time to experiment - that will only add stress! Take into consideration any dietary restrictions your guests may have.
- Start making the grocery shopping list. Go through the recipes for the dishes you plan to make and prepare a thorough grocery list. Keep adding to this list as your menu takes shape.
Two Weeks in Advance
- Finalize the menu.
- Print out or bookmark the recipes you plan to use.
- Finalize the grocery shopping list.
- Make a timeline for food preparation - things to do three days ahead, two days, etc. See below for specific ingredients and dishes that can be prepared in advance.
- Plan the table setting. Iron tablecloths or napkins and clean crystal, if necessary. Purchase any seasonal decor if needed.
One Week in Advance
- Do the grocery shopping for pantry items and any non-perishables.
- If roasting a frozen turkey, buy it now to allow for adequate defrosting time in the refrigerator. Thawing a turkey in the refrigerator is the safest way to defrost a turkey. This method ensures the turkey stays cold to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Plan which serving dishes will be used for each item on your menu. Set these pieces out along with serving utensils. Label each item with a sticky note indicating what it's being used for. This prevents last-minute scrambling and helps you to remember all the dishes.
3 Days in Advance
- Go grocery shopping for perishables like fresh turkey, produce, and anything else you may have overlooked.
- Set the table. I like to keep dessert plates and coffee mugs on a nearby hutch or sideboard for easy access.
2 Days in Advance
- Prepare produce. Dice onions and celery; peel and cut carrots; prep veggies for vegetable platters.
- Bake pies or cookies, like these spice cake mix cookies.
- Make homemade ice cream. Cinnamon ice cream is delicious with apple, pumpkin, or pecan pies.
1 Day in Advance
- Prepare side dishes. Jello salads should be prepared in advance. Many casserole-style sides can be prepared one day and baked the next.
- Prepare appetizers. Dips, cheese balls, and deviled eggs are just some things that can be done ahead of time. These recipes can all be made 1-2 days in advance.
- Prepare other desserts. If not serving pies, icebox cakes are a great alternative that can be made one day in advance.
- Prep the turkey: Remove the neck and giblets and rinse out the turkey. For those who brine, brine the turkey. For non-briners, pat the turkey dry and let it sit, uncovered, in the refrigerator overnight. This helps dry the skin which will make for crispier skin.
- Make the gravy. Yes, this can absolutely be done in advance. Simmer the giblets with aromatics to make giblet broth. Use the giblet broth to make gravy. When the gravy is reheated the next day, add the turkey drippings for additional flavor. No one will know the gravy was made a day early. This is a HUGE timesaver.
Recipes to Make 1 Day in Advance
- Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup or Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Applesauce Cinnamon Jello
- Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese, Loaded Baked Potato Casserole, or Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
- Sausage Cornbread Dressing
- Sour Cream and Onion Dip
- Hedgehog Cheese Ball
- Deviled Eggs with Miracle Whip
- Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Bites
- Gingersnap Icebox Cake
Thanksgiving Morning
- Roast the turkey. Turkey breast or tenderloins are a great option for small gatherings.
- Make remaining side dishes and salad.
- Reheat side dishes prepared in advance like dressing, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
- Reheat the gravy, adding the drippings from the turkey.
- Set out appetizers and beverages.
Recipes to Make on Thanksgiving Day
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Brenda Duncan Personal says
Great ideas
Abbey McDermott says
Thank you, Brenda!