Thanksgiving is a big day with a lot of work, and unfortunately, that usually means a lot of stress.
While Thanksgiving should be a day for spending time with friends and family, it usually ends up with the hosts running around all day like crazy and not being able to sit and enjoy the people they love.
The good news is that there are things you can do to make the day less stressful and more relaxing. The trick is to do a lot of things before Thanksgiving, so you have time on Thanksgiving to relax, enjoy, and eat your yummy food.
Plan the Menu and Shopping List Early
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You can make a Thanksgiving menu weeks in advance. List every dish you’ll serve, including appetizers, sides, desserts, and drinks. Make a detailed shopping list so you can avoid last-minute store trips. Shop for most things as early as you can.
While fresh fruits and vegetables can’t be bought too far in advance, canned goods and dry goods can be bought and stored for when you need them. You can buy the Turkey now and freeze it until you need it. The fewer things you have to do the week and day of Thanksgiving, the more relaxed you will be on Thanksgiving Day.
Prep and Freeze Dishes in Advance
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I love my freezer. I make anything and everything I can in advance and freeze it.
Make and freeze anything that can be prepared ahead—pies, rolls, casseroles, or soups. This will cut down on cooking time on Thanksgiving Day and reduce kitchen stress. Even if an entire recipe can’t be made and frozen, consider whether parts of the recipe can be prepped and stored. For example, marinades, gravies, and sauces can all be made and frozen. Even salad dressing can be made up to a week in advance and put in the fridge.
Plan the Table Settings
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Plan what you are setting the table with, and make sure you have everything you need. Count the silverware and polish it now. Go through your serving pieces and make sure they match up to your menu. Do you have what you need to serve every item? If not, then borrow or go shopping now.
If you really want to be organized, you can create small labels (or a list) that lists exactly what item will go on each plate, bowl, and dish. This way, you won’t be trying to remember when you are trying to serve, and more people can help lay out and serve.
Arrange place settings, polish silverware, and put out any table decor a day ahead. This way, your dining area will be ready to go, and you’ll have more time to relax before guests arrive.
Make a Cooking Schedule
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Decide when you will cook what. Create a cooking schedule that works for you. What can you cook now? Sundays are a great baking day, and you should take advantage of the next few Sundays to do what you can. Make sure to label everything clearly so you can see what it is when you open the freezer. Make a list of what you finished cooking and what still needs to be done.
Write down what can be partially or fully cooked the day before—like chopping veggies, prepping stuffing, or making salad dressings. Plan these tasks out to streamline your kitchen time.
Clean Out the Fridge
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Clear space in your refrigerator a few days before Thanksgiving to make room for ingredients and prepared dishes. It’ll save you time and stress when thawing items in the morning and when cleaning up.
Stock Up on Beverages and Snacks
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Have drinks and some simple snacks (like nuts, cheese, or crackers) ready to go. This way, guests can nibble and mingle without waiting for the main meal, keeping everyone happy.
Make sure you are eating and drinking throughout the days leading up to Thanksgiving. When you take care of yourself, you will have more energy and be less stressed.
Delegate Where You Can
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Don’t hesitate to assign smaller tasks to guests who want to help. Besides preparing food, ask guests or family members if they will be available to help set up, serve, clean up, and pack things away. People are more likely to help when asked in advance instead of being asked in the moment. That way, they can choose what works for them (for example, a mother with young kids might not be able to clean up after when the kids are cranky but would be happy to come early to set up).
Make sure you have everything they need to do this easily. Buy dishwashing soap, sponges, foil, and containers now so you won’t run out.
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