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.

Thanksgiving Checklist: Plan A Low-Fuss Feast

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