Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Do you host every year? Does no one else in your family understand the undertaking of hosting during the holidays? No reason to let them in on that now. Keep the magic alive! With the following do-ahead list, you can kiss those frantic, last-minute meltdowns goodbye. Here are 20 steps you need to take to make sure your large gathering goes off without a hitch!
Draw Out a Timeline
This is going to sound oh-so-Type-A, but if you’ve done this before, you know that a little prep can save the day. You’ll need to know things like when to invite your guests, when to expect RSVPs, when to do your shopping, when to batch cook throughout the week, and finally when people will arrive, and when dinner will be served.
Invite Your Guests
The big variable you need to determine for all of your plans is how many mouths there are to feed. Always plan at least a little extra in case of unexpected guests. Generally you should get this part figured out as far in advance as possible.
Add in Some Safety Measures
We might not be in 2020 anymore, but COVID is still a thing, and so is flu season. Make sure people have access to hand sanitizer, that no one is expected to grab food with their bare hands, and that the room is well ventilated. No one wants to get Great Aunt Betty sick!
Ask About Allergies/Preferences
Before you plan your dream menu, it’s important to establish who’s gluten free, who’s vegan, who’s Paleo, and who’s picky. Once you have all the restrictions out in the open, you can work up a menu that includes everyone. (Don’t shy away from asking people with a lot of restrictions to bring a dish with them, though.)
Plan Out Your Menu
Yes, the turkey (or tofurkey) might be the star of the show, but really what people love about Thanksgiving are the sides. There are standards like stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, yams, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. But the sky’s the limit! Have fun with it. You might start a new tradition!
Start Thinking Turkey
Now that you’ve got your head count, start calculating just how big of a bird you’re going to need. The standard rule is 1 1/2 lbs of turkey per guest if you want leftovers. That sounds like a lot, but remember, a lot of the weight of a turkey is the bone. Once you’ve decided on how big it needs to be, make sure you put in an order (or pick it up) with plenty of time to spare.
Do a Roasting Pan Inventory
The size of that bird is going to determine the size of that roasting pan. But go ahead and plan out which sides will be in which dishes. Nothing worse than finding out you never got that casserole dish back from your friend’s sister when you’re trying to schedule out oven time. In fact, do yourself a favor and just grab some of those disposable aluminum roasting pans in a variety of sizes. Also make sure you have enough serving dishes and utensils, and plan for extras if people are bringing dishes with them.
Create Your Shopping List
Write this out down to the most minute detail you can think of. Include recipe measurements if you need to. Think of which stores stock which items, and how many of them you’ll need to hit. This very likely will turn in to one trip, but with a little extra prep you might just pull it off in one!
Decide on Decor
Beyond making your house feel festive for the holidays, you’ll want to plot out your tablescape. (I feel so Sandra Lee right now!) Flowers (not too fragrant!) and unscented taper candles are lovely if you have the room. Pull out the good china, the cloth napkins, and the napkin rings, too!
Create a Seating Chart
Ok, this might sound a bit formal and stuffy, but if you’re inviting a bunch of people over who only see each other once a year or so, they’ll never be able to decide where to sit on their own. Make things easy by setting out sweet little personalized place cards. And make sure you separate any bickering usual offenders. (We all have them.)
Pull Out Your Place Settings
More inventory! Make sure you have enough place settings — that includes dishes (salad, dinner, and dessert plates), flatware, drinkware, and napkins to accommodate everyone. If you use silver for special occasions, go ahead and polish it now.
Count Your Chairs
Are you prepared if you have a couple of extra guests show up? No one wants to pull an office chair into the dining room, or set up a picnic on the floor. (Unless you do, in which case, fun!) Take stock of dining room chairs, kitchen chairs, and folding chairs to make sure you’ll have enough.
Set Up Your Table
Ok, it’s dry run time. Set up your place settings on your table. Pull the leaf out for the dining table if you need to. Find the card table in the garage that will serve as the kids’ table. Is there enough room for everyone?
Order Extras
If the answer to the previous question is no, consider contacting a rental service for extra tables, chairs, and linens. This will likely only apply if you’re planning a very large and formal soiree, but better safe than sorry!
Clean Out the Fridge and Freezer
Do yourself a favor and clear out room for that giant bird before you bring it home. And make some room in the freezer as well. More on that in a minute.
Decide on Beverages
If you’re going to have a full house, make sure you have plenty of variety on hand. Beer, wine, and maybe some seasonal cocktails for those who wish to imbibe. Sodas, seltzers, and mocktails for those who don’t. And don’t forget the kiddos!
Prepare Pie Crusts
Pie crusts freeze amazingly well, and getting this step out of the way will be a load off your mind. Also, no one’s saying you can’t buy pre-made crusts and pop them in the freezer. I won’t tell.
Meal Prep
Your fridge is going to fill up in the week before Turkey Day, so for your own sanity, plan your family’s meals for that week ahead and freeze them. This is the time for lasagna, chili, and casseroles. And hopefully it’ll keep people from nibbling away at the good stuff.
Read More: No One Can Agree When It Comes to These 20 Controversial Food Takes
Stock Up on To-Go Containers
You’re going to be serving enough food for an army, so make sure you send leftovers home with guests! Grab some plastic containers you’re ok parting with, and grab some quart and gallon sized zip bags.
Read More: Uncovering the Real History of Thanksgiving
Plan Kids’ Activities
If you’re hosting a large gathering, the kids will likely have their own table. You (and their parents) can decide whether to serve them traditional Thanksgiving food, or have things like grilled cheese and PB&J made up for them. Also, they’re not going to want to sit at that table all night. Set up a designated area with video games, movies, coloring books, and other activities they can expend their energy on before they show back up for pie.
Read More: Ranking Each Thanksgiving Dish from Worst to Best
