It's thaw time: If your turkey is frozen, move it to the fridge today.
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.)
FIVE DAYS TO GO
Planning Day
Plan your menu. Need ideas? Here are a few of our favorite fall feast recipes, from classic to modern.
Get a head count. Then, decide who can bring what. Assign easy stuff to your super-busy guests, and more complex dishes to the cooks on your list.
Calculate turkey size. Need help with the math? Not sure how long it takes to defrost? Check out our sizing guidelines.
Make your shopping list.
FOUR DAYS TO GO
Shopping, Round 1
Get any non-perishable items you need at T&C. Think Thanksgiving staples like stuffing, broth, turkey seasoning, baking supplies, cranberry sauce, and long-lasting produce items.
Pick up wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Need recommendations? Our knowledgeable Beer, Wine & Spirits team is here for you. Just ask!
Do some tablescaping. Check out our housewares department 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.
THREE DAYS TO GO
Make some things ahead
Give your future self a favor and make your stuffing, gravy, or even desserts in advance. This crowd-pleasing butter pie dough and this make-ahead gravy recipe are a couple of our favorite make-aheads.
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.
TWO DAYS TO GO
Shopping, Round 2 (plus a couple more pre-preps)
Save time with our freshly diced Fresh Prep veggies.
Pick up your fresh groceries, flowers, and last-minute Thanksgiving dinner items today.
Make your cranberry sauce and store it 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 after shopping.
ONE DAY TO GO
Get a jump on day-of prep, for an easy day tomorrow
Start your mashed potatoes. Peel them, plop them in water, and store them in the fridge.
If you brine your turkey, get it soaking today.
Cut up your carrots, turnips and other turkey roasting companions.
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. Want a new recipe to try? Here's a simple one.
Start setting the table 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!
Happy Turkey Day!
It’s go time. You’ve got this.
Plan extra roasting time in case your bird doesn’t cook as quickly as you thought. This recipe for Turkey with Citrus-Herb Butter is always a hit.
Plate your appetizers early so they look pretty when guests arrive.
Use your crock pot to reheat mashed potatoes, to keep your stove burners free
Have fun, spend time with your guests—and enjoy all the incredible food!
Don’t sweat the small stuff: Every little thing may not be perfect, and that’s okay. It’s all about sharing the experience.
You made it!
Time to relax, and appreciate the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers. Need ideas? Here's a few of our favorites: