Thanksgiving Checklist: Plan A Low-Fuss Feast

When you're hosting Thanksgiving, the countdown to the big feast can be overwhelming and downright crazy. A step-by-step timeline helps you take care of all the details and have more time to celebrate with family and friends.

Check out these stress-saving tips to make the process easy, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table with ease. Print out the checklist below to get started and enjoy the season of gratitude!

Early November

• Make a guest list and gather contact information. 
• Plan the menu.
• Send holiday themed invitations from SignUpGenius to collect RSVP’s and request items for a potluck.
• Make a shopping list of all the food you need for your party.
• Place your order for a fresh turkey.
• Decide which china, glassware and table linens you’ll use. 
• Iron linens if needed.
• Order a floral centerpiece or buy supplies to create your own.

Two Weeks Ahead

• Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests. 
• Check all serving dishes, flatware and glassware and polish your silver.
• Shop for any paper goods you will need.
• Clean your refrigerator to make room for your Thanksgiving items.
• Shop for nonperishable groceries.
• Make your place cards and table decorations.

One Week Ahead

• Review your recipes and prepare a cooking schedule.
• Buy your frozen turkey and check the thawing time.
• Prepare your guest room with fresh linens and other special touches. 
• Complete any needed outdoor work like raking leaves or cleaning the windows.
• Prepare items to keep the kids busy like arts and crafts, games or movies.
• Print out icebreaker questions and games.
• Make a playlist.

Four Days Ahead

• Begin defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator.
• Do major housecleaning and organizing.
• Put up wreaths and nonperishable decorations like candles.
• Organize containers, bags and wraps so guests can easily bring home leftovers.

Two Days Ahead

• Chill beverages.
• Shop for perishable items. Clean vegetables and refrigerate.
• Complete light housecleaning.

One Day Ahead

• Prepare food that can be made ahead, including any chopping or peeling.
• Check bathrooms for paper goods and hand towels. 
• Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used.
• Set out serving pieces in order on a counter or buffet table.
• Set the table.
• Make a staging area for coffee, desserts and drinks. Stock with flatware, sugar and creamer, etc.
• Pick up floral arrangement or create your own.

Thanksgiving Day

• Fill condiment dishes with pickles, olives, cranberry sauce, etc. Cover and refrigerate.
• Assign family members tasks such as pouring drinks and watching the children.
• Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours.
• Add stuffing to the bird or place into casserole to bake separately. 
• Preheat oven, put turkey in and baste every half hour or according to your recipe.
• Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving.
• Make gravy, heat last-minute vegetables and warm the bread or rolls as needed.
• Carve the turkey.
• Time for dinner! Share icebreaker questions to spark conversation.
• Clear the table and serve dessert.
• Relax or enjoy family games and activities.