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Discover|Food Spotlight

Countdown to Turkey Day

Your day-by-day guide to the easiest pre-feast week ever.

Holiday hosting for the first time? Yes, there’s a lot to do. But you’ve got this. Ready? Here we go.

(Feeling overwhelmed? Pre-order a delicious Thanksgiving feast from our expanded menu of heat-and-serve-turkey meals, sides, and much more with the link below.)


Saturday
November
23
Saturday
November
23

Planning Day: More planning, less stress.

  • Plan your Thanksgiving menu. Need ideas? Here are a few of our favorite fall feast recipes: traditional Thanksgiving dishes to more modern recipes.

  • Get a head count for your Thanksgiving guest list. How many? And who can bring what? Think about their cooking abilities. Assign easy stuff to those with time constraints, and more complex dishes to those who love to cook.

  • How big does your turkey need to be to feed all your guests? If you need help with your turkey size or just aren't sure how long it take to defrost, check out our sizing guidelines.

  • Make your thanksgiving meal shopping list.

Thaw your bird: If your turkey is frozen, today is the day to move it to the fridge to thaw by Thanksgiving.


Sunday
November
24
Sunday
November
24

Thanksgiving Grocery Shopping, Round 1: Get pantry staples and non-perishable items at T&C or Order Online to schedule delivery or pick up.

  • Thanksgiving essentials you may need: stuffing, boxed broths, turkey seasoning, turkey brine kit, baking supplies, parchment paper, foil, nuts, cranberry sauce, frozen items, and long-lasting produce items like potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery.

  • Give the perfect Thanksgiving toast with our selection of wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Need ideas? Our Beer, Wine & Spirits team has a wealth of knowledge to help you select a great wine pairing for Thanksgiving day. Just ask!

  • Do some tablescaping. Check out our autumn housewares collection for fun and beautiful table setting ideas. Our Flower Shops can also create fun and beautiful floral centerpieces to help you set the perfect holiday table.

Get your fridge ready: Throw out those unfortunate forgotten leftovers because you’re going to need plenty of space before the big meal and leftover Thanksgiving dinner.


Monday
November
25
Monday
November
25

Low-Key Cooking Day: Get things going with a couple of easy recipes like a make-ahead stuffing, gravy, or even desserts. Your future self with thank you for it.

  • Make some dough. Nothing tastes better than homemade. Nothing wrong with getting a head start either. Looking for a recipe? We love this crowd-pleasing butter pie dough.

  • Get into the gravy. Save time later with this make-ahead gravy recipe.

Prepare to plate: Pull out your serving dishes and platters today so you don't have to track them down while juggling a hot pot.


Tuesday
November
26
Tuesday
November
26

Thanksgiving Grocery Shopping, Round 2: Plus a couple more pre-preps.

  • Save time with our selection of freshly diced Fresh Prep veggies. Don’t forget those seasonal ingredients

  • Pick up your fresh groceries, flowers, and last-minute Thanksgiving dinner items today.

  • Make your cranberry sauce. If you like homemade cranberry sauce, this is a good time to get it done and in the serving bowl. It will keep beautifully in the fridge.

  • No-bake desserts such as chocolate mousse or a pumpkin cheesecake can also be made ahead today.

Tuesday Pizza Deal: Pick up a $9.99 take-and-bake pizza and a salad kit while you’re at the market for an easy dinner. Or better yet, enjoy a fire-roasted pizza from Field House, our market-to-table restaurant, after you're done shopping.


Wednesday
November
27
Wednesday
November
27

Get a jump on the big day: Doing these prep steps will make tomorrow a breeze.

  • Start your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes. Peel them, plop them in water, and store them in the fridge for tomorrow.

  • It’s brine time. If you brine your Thanksgiving turkey, get it soaking today.

  • Veg out. Cut up your holiday vegetable, like carrots, turnips and other turkey roasting companions.

  • Cool beans. Prep your green beans for cooking. Need ideas? Here’s one of our faves.

  • Make the stuffing. We actually think it’s better if you make it ahead so the flavors have a chance to mingle. And it reheats beautifully. Want a new recipe to try? Here's a simple one.

  • Start setting the table for Thanksgiving. Make it beautiful now so you don’t have to hurry tomorrow.

Dinner tonight: Make this easy lasagna for dinner tonight with family. Or, even easier, pick up one of our own pre-made lasagnas for entertaining early house guests!


Thursday
November
28
Thursday
November
28

Happy Turkey Day! It’s go time. You’ve got this.

  • Get your turkey timing down. Make sure you plan enough turkey roasting time to allow a little extra time in case your bird isn't cooking quite as quick as you thought. This recipe for Turkey with Citrus-Herb Butter is always a hit.

  • Plate your Thanksgiving appetizers early so they look pretty when guests arrive.

  • Keep your stove burners free and use your crock pot to reheat mashed potatoes.

  • Have fun, spend time with your guests—and enjoy all the incredible food!

Don’t sweat the small stuff: If every little thing isn’t perfect, or if people don’t bring what they said they would bring, or if a new dish doesn’t live up to expectations, it’s okay.


You made it!

Time to relax, and appreciate the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers. Need ideas? Here's a few of our favorites:

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