Thanksgiving Planning

This is the cuttest Thanksgiving planner ever! I again found it on Tip Junkie, but all the directions for making it are on LW Designs. She also found some great planning ideas on several websites so check it out.

-start planning a month prior

-take pics of what you made so you can remember for next year

-have pic of what you are making this year

-write down # of people (kids and adults), guests names, menu (appitizers, meal, dessert), and grocery list, place settings, place cards, and center pieces.

-Save up Coupons

-Plan grocery list early so you can shop sales.

I love this schedule below that can be found on the hyper homaker. She has great planning ideas.

One Month Before:-Start gathering ideas for decor, themes, serving setup, etc-
Start shopping for table settings and decor-
Decide on time of day you will be hosting-
Send out invitations (formally or informally)-
Start thinking about what you would like to serve/formality of the meal


Two Weeks Before:-
Set guest list-
Make seating cards if using-
Set up mock-table settings and decor to make sure everything fits-
Make sure you have enough serving plates/dishes for all your menu items-
Order correct size turkey/meat from butcher or local market.



One Week Before:-
Nail down menu.-
Go through your recipes to create a detailed shopping list outlining exactly what items and how much of each you need.-
Purchase wines, sparkling waters, mixers, etc for planned drinks.-
Create a time-table spreadsheet with all you have to cook/bake/prep and when you will be doing it for the night before and the day of.-
Make sure you have all necessary cooking equipment for each dish.-
Clean out your fridge and freezer to make room for Thanksgiving items.



Four Days Before:-
Go grocery shopping for all items on your detailed list less fresh items like breads and the turkey.-
Clean the house thoroughly and prepare guest room.

Three Days Before:-
Iron table cloth-
Setup centerpiece (less fresh ingredients)-
Set out fresh candles, ready to be lit-
Set table -
Setup buffet with cards labeling what item goes in each serving plate and serving utensil for that item.-
Setup drink stations and appetizer stations.


Two Days Before:-
Prepare sauces, jellies, gelatin, etc and refrigerate.-
Pick up turkey from butcher and place into brine.-
Make cheesecakes if preparing.-
Prep all cooking items (mise en place) for each individual recipe(washing, chopping, mincing, premaking spice mixes and rubs, making herb bouquets for soups, etc).-
Make pastry dough for pies or appetizers.


The Day Before:-Make all baked goods (pies, tarts, cookies, brownies, cakes, etc) and store.-Start all fresh breads/rolls.-
Make all make-ahead items like par-baking appetizers (to be placed in the freezer and finished baking tomorrow), making dips, soups, appetizer fillings, marinating, making glazes, etc.-
Go back over the house to make sure it is spotless and set for company.


The Day Of:-All you have to do is follow your time-table spreadsheet to prepare the rest of the food and enjoy your company

Remember the etiquette: You can find good reminders on Susan Dunn's Site in case you are having Thanksgiving in someone else's home.