Thanksgiving Planner

It's hard to believe that the holidays are upon us already and that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Are you thinking about Thanksgiving yet? Do you know where you'll be spending the holiday and what you'll be making?

I've shared this Thanksgiving planner based on my own past experiences before and, although it isn't all encompassing, it is a good guide to help you think things out as you make your way through the days and weeks ahead leading up to the big day! 

This photo was taken at our youngest daughter's Thanksgiving

2020. If you look closely, you can see my husband lurking in

the background. I sure miss him...especially with the holidays approaching.

WEEK ONE OF NOVEMBER:

- Begin holiday organization.
- Invite your guests for Thanksgiving dinner. A cheery phone invitation or a written invitation is always welcome.
- If you’re ordering a fresh turkey, do it now; if you’re buying a frozen turkey you have time, but don’t wait until the last minute. Start watching those sale ads now.

WEEK TWO OF NOVEMBER:

- Make up Thanksgiving dinner menu; at the same time compile your grocery list. You can pick up the dry goods and staples for your meal now. It’s easier on the budget and makes shopping faster later. Check off items on the marketing list as you purchase them.

- Plan your Thanksgiving table setting and centerpiece early. Check your silverware, plates, and serving dishes to be sure you have enough for the number of guests you are inviting.
- Name cards can also be completed ahead of time. As a family sit down and find verses with a thanksgiving theme. Take a blank 3” x 5” index card, fold it in half, and stand it on the table. On the front write the name of the person who will sit at that place and inside write a Thanksgiving scripture. When everyone is seated, each person then reads his or her verse.

WEEK THREE OF NOVEMBER:

- Make any last-minute arrangements for Thanksgiving. If you’ll be going out of town, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers. If you are cooking, finalize your menu and entertainment plans.

WEEK FOUR OF NOVEMBER:

- Special holiday events will be happening Thanksgiving week. Decide which event you want to attend as a family, then schedule one special event for each child individually.

FOUR DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING:

- Start defrosting a large (15 to 20 lbs.) frozen turkey in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

TWO DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING:

- Prepare the serving pieces, plates, flatware, glasses, etc.
- If using cloth napkins or tablecloths, iron them now.
- Make the cranberry sauce; a couple of days in the refrigerator will give the flavors time to develop.
- Cut and cube bread for the stuffing now, and set the cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet to dry.

ONE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING:

- Pick up the fresh turkey and purchase perishables.
- Prepare the stuffing. Refrigerate overnight.
- Make the giblet stock for gravy.
- Assemble and bake pies.
- Peel the potatoes; refrigerate in a pot of cold water.
- Make side dishes that require baking and reheat them tomorrow; or assemble them today and cook them right before dinner tomorrow.
- Set the table tonight or first thing in the morning.

THANKSGIVING DAY:

- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and cook as desired. (Some people...like me...even prefer to slow cook the turkey overnight.)

- Make mashed potatoes and bake or reheat side dishes.
- Prepare coffee, but do not brew until about twenty minutes before it is to be served.
- Prepare iced tea and other beverages early and refrigerate.

Until next time...

~Rebecca

(#52 on Grammy's Grid's Unlimited Link Party #136)

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