Everything That Should Be Done the Week Before Thanksgiving

Whether you’re having two guests or 20, hosting Thanksgiving dinner is no easy feat. From battling crowds at the grocery store to trying a new dish for the first time, there’s no denying that holidays can get stressful. Fortunately, the secret to a beautiful Thanksgiving day lies in proper preparation the week before the big day.

Preparing for Thanksgiving

A little prep doesn’t just make Thanksgiving easier, it makes it more enjoyable. And after all, isn’t that what this holiday is all about?

One Week Before Thanksgiving

• Plan your dinner menu. Believe it or not, this is something many people skip because they assume they already know all of the traditional staples. But there’s a lot more to Thanksgiving dinner than turkey and stuffing.
• Reach out to friends and family. No one expects the host to make the entire meal, so reach out to your guests and assign them a dish to bring.
• Clean out your fridge. Your refrigerator is about to become home to a full turkey and an assortment of sides, so you’ll need to make room for everything.

4 Days Before Thanksgiving

• Decorate your home. Cornucopias and foliage and wreaths, oh my! While your home may already be in the fall spirit, Thanksgiving-specific decor adds a nice touch.
• Go grocery shopping. Armed with a detailed list of what you need, this is the time to go grocery shopping. While you may not be able to get everything you need this far in advance (like fresh produce or baked goods) you should be able to get most of the non-perishables on your list.
• Clean your house from top to bottom. When it comes to Thanksgiving, there’s no getting away with just tidying up your living room. With people likely spending time in the basement, den, living room, bathrooms, and guest room, your entire house will need a deep clean.

2 Days Before Thanksgiving

• Wash your tablecloths and place settings. Especially if you’re taking the silverware and china out of storage, everything is going to need a good rinse.
• Check your cooking and serving gear. Because nothing throws off Thanksgiving dinner quite like realizing your mixer doesn’t work.
• Prep your turkey. Turkeys can take up to a day to thaw and hours to prep, making Tuesday a crucial prep day.

The Night Before

• Set your table. A beautifully set table elevates any meal — and what meal is more important than Thanksgiving?
• Prep make-ahead appetizers. The key to a stress-free Thanksgiving? Doing as much cooking as you can the night before. Whether it’s peeling vegetables or making the stuffing, not everything needs to be made the morning of.
• Get a good night’s sleep. You’ve put in the hard work, now it’s time to relax!

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