The Easy Thanksgiving Countdown For A Stress-Free Holiday
With just a little over two weeks to go the Thanksgiving Countdown has officially begin. The secret to a calm, joyful day is a simple method to get a ahead. Here is exactly what to do and when, from today right up to the moment you say grace!
Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26th. That is just a little over two weeks away!
If that makes your heart beat a little faster, take a deep breath, friend. You have plenty of time. You just need a plan.
The definition of frazzled is hosting Thanksgiving without one! But when you break the work into small pieces and spread them over the next two weeks, the day itself becomes something you actually get to enjoy.
So grab a cup of coffee and your Thanksgiving planner, grab it here, and let’s count down together!
After a few years of “Oh my I’m so overwhelmed!” I decided to get way ahead of the day by coming up with a timeline and a real plan for execution. So what that means for me now is that I can actually sit and enjoy the day with loved ones from near and far.
In this post:
- Two Weeks Out: Make Your Plan
- 10 Days Out: Shop Smart And Clear The Decks
- One Week Out: Set The Table
- The Weekend Before: Thaw The Turkey
- Monday And Tuesday: Make Ahead
- Wednesday: The Big Prep Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- How Much Food Per Person
- Answering Your Thanksgiving Questions
- More Ideas You Will Love
Two Weeks Out: Make Your Plan (Right Now!)
Lists are my secret weapon. I mean it! I use graph paper for my timelines, menus, shopping lists and guest list, and I check everything twice.
This week, sit down and decide the big things:
- Your guest list. Count heads now so you know how much to buy and how many chairs you need.
- Your menu. Write down every dish, from the turkey to the rolls to the pie.
- Who brings what. Guests love to help. Give each one a dish so no one shows up with a third green bean casserole!
- Order your turkey. If you want a fresh or heritage turkey, order it this week before they sell out.
- Your serving style. Will you serve at the table or buffet style? Deciding now tells you which serving pieces you need.
The benefit here is that every decision you make today is one less thing rattling around in your head on Thanksgiving week.
🌿 TIP BOX: Put your menu, guest list and timeline all in one place. My Thanksgiving planner keeps it all together so nothing gets lost.
10 Days Out: Shop Smart And Clear The Decks
Around Monday, November 16th, it’s time to shop for everything that won’t spoil.
- Buy the pantry items. Flour, sugar, broth, canned pumpkin, spices, stuffing cubes, coffee and paper goods can all be bought now. The stores get busier every day from here!
- Buy a frozen turkey if you are going that route. You’ll need it in your fridge by the weekend before.
- Clean out your refrigerator. You will need every inch of space! Toss what’s old and make room for the turkey and all those make-ahead dishes.
- Pull out your serving pieces. Gather platters, bowls, the gravy boat and serving spoons. Wash anything dusty.
🌿 TIP BOX: Put a sticky note on each serving dish with the name of the food that will go in it. On Thursday, anyone can help plate dinner without asking you a single question!
One Week Out: Set The Table
By Thursday, November 19th, set your Thanksgiving table. Yes, a whole week early!
I love doing this. It’s the fun part, and having it done takes so much pressure off. If you have a dining room you don’t use every day, simply set it and close the door.
- Shop your home first. Pumpkins, gourds, candlesticks, a pretty throw as a table runner… you probably have more than you think!
- Count chairs, plates, glasses, flatware and napkins against your guest list.
- Iron or steam your napkins and tablecloth.
The benefit is that if something is missing, you still have a whole week to borrow or buy it.
Need ideas? I have more than 60 of them in 60+ Easy And Festive Thanksgiving Table Ideas You’ll Love.
The Weekend Before: Thaw The Turkey
This is the one date you cannot miss!
A frozen turkey thaws slowly in the refrigerator, about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. That means:
| Turkey Size | Days In The Fridge | Put It In The Fridge By |
|---|---|---|
| 12 to 16 lbs | 3 to 4 days | Sunday, Nov. 22 |
| 16 to 20 lbs | 4 to 5 days | Saturday, Nov. 21 |
| 20 to 24 lbs | 5 to 6 days | Friday, Nov. 20 |
Set it on a rimmed tray on the bottom shelf to catch any drips. Done!
This weekend is also the time for your big grocery run. Buy everything except the most delicate items, like fresh herbs and salad greens. Save those for Tuesday or Wednesday.
🌿 TIP BOX: Set a reminder on your phone for the day the turkey goes in the fridge. I set reminders for everything Thanksgiving week!
Monday And Tuesday: Make Ahead
Now the kitchen starts to smell like Thanksgiving! Here is what you can make two or three days ahead:
- Cranberry sauce (it’s even better after a day or two in the fridge)
- Chopped onions, celery and carrots for the stuffing, stored in zip-top bags
- Pie crusts
- Cakes and quick breads, like my Pumpkin Spice Cake With Maple Glaze
- A coffee bar for overnight guests (here’s how I set one up)
Tuck fresh towels, extra toilet paper and a candle in the guest bath while you’re at it.
Wednesday: The Big Prep Day
Wednesday is the day that makes Thursday easy!
- Bake your pies.
- Assemble casseroles and cover them, ready to pop in the oven.
- Make your timetable for Thursday. Start with the time you want to eat and work backwards: the turkey’s cook time, its rest, and when each side dish goes in the oven.
- Set up your drink station and buffet table, sticky notes and all.
- Make a short list of little jobs for helpers.
Here is the best Thanksgiving tip you will probably ever get. Invest in five or six white plastic dishpans! Pile dirty dishes into them all day long, and your kitchen stays clear. I share more tips like this in How To Host Thanksgiving In A Small Space.
Thanksgiving Day
Follow your timetable, friend, and enjoy your people!
- Morning: Get the turkey in the oven on schedule. Cook it until a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
- While it roasts: Set out appetizers so hungry guests can nibble.
- When it comes out: Let the turkey rest about 30 minutes before carving. That’s the perfect window to bake the side dishes and make the gravy.
- Before you eat: Place five kernels of corn at each plate, and take a moment to give thanks together.
And if someone asks to help… SAY YES!!!!! Many hands make light work. Take that to the bank!
A tradition for us is the guys line up to carve the turkey, but you have to win the first round of 20 questions before you get to take your first jab at it and the reward for the little bit of elbow grease is the first piece of pumpkin pie and sure a little extra homemade whip cream, why not?
And of course make sure to give your furry friends a few little nibbles of the juicy turkey for being such loving and devoted companions all year long.
After dinner, get leftovers into the refrigerator within two hours, and enjoy them within three to four days.
How Much Food Per Person For Thanksgiving
This is the question I get asked the most! Here’s a simple guide for your shopping list:
| Food | How Much Per Person |
|---|---|
| Whole turkey (bone-in) | 1 to 1½ lbs (1½ if you want leftovers) |
| Boneless turkey breast | ½ lb |
| Stuffing | ¾ cup |
| Mashed potatoes | ½ lb of raw potatoes |
| Gravy | ⅓ cup |
| Cranberry sauce | ¼ cup |
| Rolls | 1 to 2 |
| Pie | 1 pie for every 8 guests |
When in doubt, round up. No one ever complained about leftover pie!
Answering Your Thanksgiving Questions
When should I start planning Thanksgiving?
Two to three weeks ahead is perfect. That leaves time to order a turkey, shop early, and set the table without rushing.
How long does it take to thaw a 20 pound turkey?
About 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Put it in the fridge by the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Can I set my Thanksgiving table ahead of time?
Yes! Set it up to a week early. Close the door, or cover the plates and glasses with a clean tablecloth to keep the dust off.
What can I make ahead for Thanksgiving?
Cranberry sauce, pie crusts, cakes, chopped vegetables and assembled casseroles can all be made one to three days ahead.
How much turkey do I need per person?
Plan on 1 to 1½ pounds of bone-in turkey per person. Go with 1½ pounds if you love leftovers.
More Ideas You Will Love
- The Ultimate Idea Guide For A Memory Making Thanksgiving
- How To Host Thanksgiving In A Small Space
- 60+ Easy And Festive Thanksgiving Table Ideas You’ll Love
- 25 Easy And Cozy Thanksgiving Ideas
- 12 Tips For Being The Best Thanksgiving Guest
- Easy Thanksgiving Placemat From A Throw
Thanksgiving is all about being with those we love. A little planning now means you get to be fully present at your table, with a grateful heart.
Happy Thanksgiving planning, friends…
