Assembling Thanksgiving

This is a personal checklist of how I set up Thanksgiving for my family, generally serving 10-16 people.

Household Preparation

First, check on Halloween if I am hosting.

1 Week Before

• Clean Range
• Clean Oven
• Take out and clean Roaster
• Recyclables
• Tidy Yard
• Chairs/Tables out of Garage
• Check paper/plastic plate count
• Stain clean cups
• Rinse and clean Wine Glasses
• Deep clean fridge & freezer
• Start Thawing Turkey
• Prep Guest Rooms (change bedding, set up inflatable mattress)
• Dust
• Clean Windows
• Deep clean Bathrooms
• Prelim sweep/vacuum whole house
• Wash tablecloths
• Deep clean Countertops
• Defrost Drink Fridge
• Move Drink Fridge to Dining Room

1 Day Before

• Ensure all necessary cooking equipment is clean and available
• Clear countertops as much as possible
• Set up roaster
• Stock Drink Fridge
• Wipe down and set out serving dishes
• Sweep/Vacuum whole house
• Mop bathrooms and Kitchen
• Clean tables/chairs

Day Of

• Set out flatware, plates, cups, and wine glasses on buffet
• Set trivets on dining room table
• Move plants to divider and set out coffee cups on plant table
• Move bulky living room furniture to laundry room
• Set up tables/chairs
• Set table

Things to Purchase aside from Food

• Ice
• Takeaway Storage

Food

Appetizers

• Deviled Eggs
• Charcuterie Plate

Beverages

• Peferred sodas/Seltzers
• Shirley Temples
• Iced Tea
• Wine
• Beer
• Coffee
• Water

Mains

• Turkey(s)
• Ham
• Tri Tip

Sides

• Mashed Potatoes
• Dressing
• Creamed Onions
• Peas
• Rolls
• Grape Salad
• Dinner Salad
• Cabbage Salad
• Yams
• Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

• Cranberry Sauce
• Gravy

Desserts

• Pumpkin Pie
• Pecan Pie
• Apple Pie
• Berry Pie