Thanksgiving Is Almost Here! Are You Ready? Use This Checklist To Get Back On Track
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and there is so much to be done. So you don’t get overwhelmed this Thanksgiving, CoffeeAM has put together the following checklist for a smooth day you can enjoy.
*If not done, check every 15 minutes if baking, 3 minutes if frying
Of course, every family and schedule is different. Adjust this timeline as necessary to sit down to eat at the time you prefer. Above all, enjoy the day and time spent with loved ones.
Three Weeks Out
- Set budget
- Plan menu
- Send out invitations
- Order turkey (for fresh, not frozen, turkey)
- Order CoffeeAM coffee
- Check local grocery store ads
- Pull out decorations (purchase more, if needed)
Two Weeks Out
- Check and clean linens
- Plan table décor
- Order flowers (to deliver the day before Thanksgiving)
- Buy frozen turkey (if you aren’t purchasing fresh)
- Check kitchen supplies and tools
- Finalize guest dishes (if guests are bringing items)
- Check fire extinguisher (for those of you frying your turkey)
One Week Out
- Polish silver
- Buy wine
- Plan activities (especially for any small children)
- Check seating (do you have enough chairs?)
- Finalize shopping list
Weekend Before
- Shop for non-perishables
- Prep anything you can freeze ahead
- Clean the house
- Prep for children (if you have any coming)
- Visit farmer’s market for fresh food items (if one is open near you)
- Move furniture (if needed)
- Finish linens
- Prep entrance area, inside and out
Monday
- Begin defrosting turkey (if using frozen; one full day for every 4 pounds of turkey)
- Set cooking schedule (see below)
- Spot clean
- Finish decorating
Tuesday
- Shop for perishables (if you didn’t get everything at the farmer’s market)
- Buy fresh flowers (if you didn’t order them)
- Chop vegetables
- Make cranberry sauce
Wednesday
- Pick up fresh turkey (if not using frozen)
- Put guest towels in guest bathroom
- Set table
- Make desserts
- Make dough for rolls
- Make stuffing, refrigerate
- Peel potatoes, refrigerate in pot of cold water
- Make side dishes (either bake ahead and reheat or refrigerate and cook day of)
Thanksgiving Day
- 9:30am – Remove turkey from refrigerator
- 11:00am – Preheat the oven to 325℉, stuff turkey (if frying turkey, see below)
- 11:30am – Put turkey in oven
- 12:00pm – Chill white wines
- 1:00pm – Make mashed potatoes
- 2:30pm – Heat oil in turkey fryer (if frying turkey)
- 3:00pm – Put turkey in fryer; whip cream for desserts; prep coffee (don’t brew, yet!)
- 4:00pm – Check turkey temperature – should be 165℉* ; remove from oven (or fryer)
- 4:15pm – Make gravy; put bread, last-minute vegetables, casseroles, and items to reheat in oven; transfer stuffing from turkey to baking pan and bake until it reaches 165℉
- 4:30-5:00pm – Dinner is served; start your CoffeeAM coffee brewing before sitting down