Thanksgiving Dinner – Step By Step Planning

Thanksgiving dinner should be a joyous occasion, full of family and friends, relaxing and having a good time. But preparing a large holiday meal can be very stressful. Advance planning, laying out a plan-of-attack, is crucial to an enjoyable meal with a large group of guests. You want your day to be as stress-free as possible so that both you and your guests can enjoy the day. These tips for planning your Thanksgiving meal should help you create a memorable day for everyone:

10 Days Before Thanksgiving:

Begin planning your guest list at least one week to 10 days before Thanksgiving day. Call anyone on your guest list that you haven't contacted yet to invite them. You'll be able to plan for the serving sizes now as well as the place settings. Don't forget to add any special dishes that anyone will be bringing next to their name on the guest list. Also, make notation of any dietary needs next to any guests name who require certain foods.

If you will be cooking turkey, decide upon fresh, frozen, or smoked. Make sure you have room in your refrigerator and oven. You should plan on one to one 1/2 pounds per person and even a bit larger if you want plenty of leftovers.

Deciding upon your final menu should be completed at least a week before the big day. Consider the number of people you will be entertaining and if you have children on your guest list, try to plan a couple of special dishes or treats especially for them.

Week of Thanksgiving:

During the start of Thanksgiving week you want to start stocking your non-perishable foods and pantry items. Be sure you have all the paper products, serving pieces, cutlery, chairs, and other items on hand that you will need for dinner. You may want to bake your rolls and bread now and freeze them ahead of time.

The Days Leading Up To Thanksgiving:

A couple of days prior to Thanksgiving you can prepare a few items in advance to save time on the big day.

Foods that can be prepared in advance are things like cranberry relish. You can also clean and dice the vegetables you need for your stuffing, like onions and celery. If you are preparing a vegetable tray for an appetizer, wash and trim those vegetables as well. Store everything in tightly sealed plastic zip lock bags or containers. Some side dishes may be prepared the night before Thanksgiving. Some folks prepare their stuffing and store it overnight so it is ready to go in the morning. It's also time to make your pies and cakes. If you have frozen rolls or side dishes that need to thaw, get them out the night before.

Make sure you have everything on your shopping list in your kitchen at least 2-3 days before Thanksgiving morning.

Time to plan the day's games. If you have children in the house, be sure to include them in deciding what games to play. Get out the decorations for the table and the house. If there are any special Thanksgiving serving pieces, now is the time to get those out onto the kitchen counter. Don't forget to take care of your special linens now, too. Wash and iron them if necessary now to prevent having to do that at the last minute!

If you have purchased a frozen turkey, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator 3 days prior to cooking to give it plenty of time to thaw. Following the thawing instructions on the turkey to the letter.

The Morning of Thanksgiving:

It's Thanksgiving morning and you are all set! Your turkey is thawed and ready to stuff. Figure out the timing to roast your turkey using the time table on the packaging. Prepare your bird, stuff it, and get it ready for the oven in your roasting pan. Plan your side dish cooking schedule. Prepare any side dishes and desserts that you were unable to prepare overnight; peeling potatoes, etc. Wash dishes as you go to prevent a pile up during dinner.

Now it's time to set the table, and take a break! Enjoy the aromas already wafting through your house… that is the smell of a wonderfully planned and prepared Thanksgiving dinner. Good for you! You have successfully created a memorable Thanksgiving without all the stress. Go light the candles and relax with your guests!

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