In a season where life can feel a bit overwhelming, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be. With a little prep and a few smart kitchen strategies, you can create a cozy and delicious holiday meal without spending the entire day cooking. This guide walks you through everything you can do in advance from prepping casseroles and desserts to organizing your kitchen to set you up for a stress free gathering!
Start with a Simple Thanksgiving Plan:
Finalize menu
Make a grocery list
Make a prep schedule
Inventory of serving dishes that you need
Prep Ahead Thanksgiving Timeline:
3-4 Days Before
Make and freeze pie dough.
Chop stuffing veggies like onion, celery, and herbs and cook the sausage
Ensure turkey is defrosting if frozen
Prepare the dry rub or brine for your turkey
1-2 Days Before
Make casseroles and refrigerate
Make cranberry sauce
Set the table and lay out serving dishes
Make stock if needed
The Night Before
Bake pies and desserts
Season turkey
Toast bread for stuffing
Gather ingredients
Make salad dressing
Prep Appetizers
Day Of
Roast, grill, or smoke turkey and/or ham
Finish casseroles and bake off
Assemble salads
Warm rolls
Set out appetizers
If you want my full recipe index for all of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes, head here!
Other Tips:
Plan Oven Timeline
Loosely write out a timeline that keeps everything running on schedule
Turkey should go in first as it takes up the most time
Casseroles go in after turkey is done cooking and they will cook as the turkey rests
Plan casseroles starting with which one takes the longest to cook and which ones can go in with the same temperature
Utilize slow cookers, air fryers, grills or smokers, and instant pots to make extra oven room if needed
Pick and Choose a Few Showstoppers
Pick which 2-3 side dishes you want to make from scratch and have friends and family bring the other sides or buy from the store to relieve a little pressure off of you.
Set a Cozy Thanksgiving Ambience
Add candles to the table
Add fresh greenery or flowers to the centerpiece
Play soft music in the background
Have a signature cocktail to serve
I hope these tips will set you up for success this Thanksgiving and just remember to give yourself grace. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect, what matters most is being with the ones you love and making memories! Use this guide to make the holiday easier, cozier, and more meaningful because you aren’t stressed the day of cooking in the kitchen while friends and family are gathering.
