Hosting Thanksgiving is a big undertaking, but you can make it look easy with some advance planning and organization.

Plan Ahead

A hand holds a pen poised above a lined notebook with "To Do" written on top. A list of numbers is visible under the title. The notebook rests on a wooden surface.
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Start planning your menu and guest list early to avoid last-minute stress. Create a detailed shopping list, considering dietary restrictions and allergies. Don’t forget to account for those unexpected “plus ones” that might pop up!

Advance Preparation Timeline

Colorful letters spelling "EAT" are placed above a chalk-drawn clock face on a green background. The clock hands point to 12 o'clock.
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Create a detailed timeline for your Thanksgiving Day preparations. Start by deciding what time you want to eat and work backward, outlining when each dish needs to be prepared, cooked and served. Include thawing times for frozen items and factor in time for setting the table and preparing the house. This timeline will help you stay organized and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Make-Ahead Magic

Bowl of mashed potatoes with fork.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

One key to a stress-free Thanksgiving is preparing as much as possible in advance. Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and many casseroles can be made and reheated in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. This frees up valuable time on the big day to focus on the turkey and last-minute tasks.

Get the recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Delegate Dishes

A rectangular dish of Mississippi mud cake is cut into squares. The cake is topped with a smooth chocolate frosting and white marshmallows are peeking from underneath. A spatula and plates sit nearby.
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Don’t be afraid to ask guests, especially those known for their culinary talents, to bring a dish to share. This will lighten your workload and allow everyone to contribute, making the meal a collaborative effort. Provide clear instructions on serving sizes and any reheating needs.

Set the Table

A dining table set with white plates, silver utensils in a green napkin, and a vase with pink and white roses.
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Create a festive atmosphere with a beautifully set table. Use your best china, linens, and centerpieces to impress your guests. Go a step further and label each serving dish with a sticky note indicating which food it will hold — this ensures you have everything you need and eliminates last-minute scrambling.

Ambiance is Key

A steaming pot of spiced mulled drink with star anise, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves, accompanied by a wooden spoon and spices on the table.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun (AI).

Set the mood with warm lighting, candles, and seasonal decorations. Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Don’t forget the power of scent! Simmer a pot of cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove for a warm and inviting aroma.

Beverage Station

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Create a designated beverage station with a variety of drinks, ice, and glasses. This will allow guests to serve themselves and free you up to focus on other tasks.

Coffee and Tea

Coffee machine brewing espresso into a white cup, with a basil plant and tablet on the counter.
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Have coffee and tea available for guests to enjoy after dinner. Offer a variety of flavors and sweeteners to cater to different preferences.

Comfortable Seating

A cozy living room with wicker chairs, a white sofa, and a wooden coffee table. A dining table and chairs are in the background, with a country-style kitchen beside them.
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Ensure you have enough comfortable seating for all your guests. Consider using a mix of chairs, sofas, and ottomans to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Warm Up the House

Brick fireplace with a lit fire, decorative logs, and a basket of birch wood and pinecones. A black lantern with white candles stands nearby.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Make sure your home is comfortably warm (but not too hot!) for your guests. If you have one, light a fire in the fireplace and adjust the thermostat accordingly.

Decor from Nature

A decorated dining table with plates, cutlery, candles, autumn fruits, nuts, and a pumpkin centerpiece.
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Embrace the season’s beauty by using natural elements from your yard for decor. Pine cones, branches, and fall leaves can create stunning centerpieces and arrangements. Decorate your home and table a few days in advance to save time on Thanksgiving Day.

Place Settings for Conversation

Elegant fall-themed table setting with decorative pumpkins, colorful leaves, and a blank place card on a patterned plate.
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Use place cards to strategically arrange your guests at the table. Consider their interests and personalities to encourage engaging conversation and foster connections.

Freeze Ahead

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Many Thanksgiving dishes can be made weeks in advance and frozen. This is a great way to save time and reduce stress in the days leading up to the holiday. Soups, stocks, and even some desserts freeze beautifully.

Background Music

Wedding Music
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Curate a playlist of festive music to create a relaxed and enjoyable ambiance. Mix classic tunes with contemporary favorites to please a variety of ages.

Signature Cocktails

A glass of fig-infused pink drink garnished with thyme, with fig halves and a plant in the background.
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Offer a signature Thanksgiving cocktail or mocktail to add a special touch to your celebration. Consider using seasonal ingredients like cranberries, apples, or pumpkin spice.

Pre-Dinner Snacks

A bowl of pimento cheese surrounded by a ring of round crackers on a wooden board, with a blue patterned napkin and a spoon beside it.
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Set out a selection of appetizers to keep guests satisfied while they wait for the main meal. Choose easy-to-eat options that won’t spoil appetites, such as cheese and crackers, crudités, or small bites.

Get the recipe: Pimento Cheese

Brine Time

A stainless steel pot containing garlic, onions, carrots, celery, herbs, and spices on a wooden countertop.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Brining your turkey adds flavor and moisture, ensuring a juicy and delicious centerpiece for your meal. This can be done a day or two in advance, freeing up time on Thanksgiving Day. Remember to keep your brining turkey properly refrigerated.

Get the recipe: Turkey Brine

Turkey Talk

A whole roast turkey on a platter.
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Decide on your turkey cooking method early. Whether you’re roasting, frying, or smoking – ensure you have the necessary equipment and knowledge. If you’re trying something new, do a practice run beforehand to build your confidence.

Get the recipe: The Best Roast Turkey

Stuffing Strategy

A plate of stuffing with chopped herbs and bits of apple, served in front of a full baking dish.
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For food safety, cook stuffing separately in a casserole dish. This allows for even cooking and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Or skip the stuffing altogether and make Southern Cornbread Dressing.

Get the recipe: Apple Sausage Stuffing

Side Dish Stars

A spoonful of macaroni and cheese with cheese dripping down.
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Choose a variety of side dishes that complement your main course and offer diverse flavors and textures. Consider classic favorites and some unique options to please everyone’s palate. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes or add your twist to traditional dishes.

Get the recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

Cranberry Sauce Creativity

A bowl of cranberry sauce garnished with orange zest, surrounded by orange slices, pineapple pieces, whole cranberries, and cloves.
Cranberry Relish

Offer both homemade and canned cranberry sauce to satisfy different preferences. Get creative with homemade versions by adding different fruits, such as oranges or apples, or spices, such as ginger and cinnamon.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Pineapple

Gravy Mastery

A gravy boat filled with creamy gravy garnished with a sprig of rosemary, placed on a wooden trivet.
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Gravy is an underrated star of the Thanksgiving dinner. To make a delicious gravy, start with a flavorful stock and use a roux to thicken it to the desired consistency. Keep your gravy warm on the stovetop over low heat or in a chafing dish, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Get the recipe: Southern Giblet Gravy

Pie Perfection

A slice of chocolate pie on a white plate topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
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No Thanksgiving is complete without pie! Bake your pies the day before to free up oven space and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day. This also allows the flavors to meld and develop.

Get the recipe: Easy Fudge Pie

Dessert Diversity

Overhead view of a whole sweet potato pie with white plates and forks on the table.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

To cater to different tastes and dietary needs, offer a selection of desserts beyond pie, such as cookies, cakes, or fruit platters. Consider a light and refreshing option like sorbet or fruit salad.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Wine Pairings

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Select a variety of wines that pair well with your Thanksgiving menu. Consider both red and white options to cater to different preferences. Don’t be afraid to ask your local wine shop for recommendations.

Kid-Friendly Zone

Three children are crafting with autumn leaves and pinecones indoors. The background shows a window with a soft focus of fall foliage outside.
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Create a designated space for kids with games, activities, and crafts to entertain them. This allows the adults to relax and enjoy conversation while the kids have their own space to play.

Outdoor Fun

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If weather permits, set up outdoor games or activities like cornhole or a scavenger hunt to encourage guests to enjoy the fresh air. A post-meal walk is a great way to aid digestion and enjoy the company of your guests.

Capture the Memories

A person takes a photo of a smiling group seated at a table with a roast turkey and autumn decorations.
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Designate someone to take photos or videos throughout the day to capture the special moments. Consider setting up a photo booth with fun props for guests to enjoy.

Guest Book Gratitude

A festive autumn table setting with pumpkins, candles, and fall leaves. A guest book with a pen is open in the center.
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Have a guest book where people can write what they are thankful for, creating a lasting memento of the day. This is a wonderful way to reflect on the year’s blessings and foster a sense of gratitude.

Leftovers Plan

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Have plenty of containers on hand for guests to take home leftovers. This reduces food waste and gives guests a tasty reminder of your celebration. Label the containers with the date to ensure food safety.

Write Gratitude on Tablecloth

Dining room table covered with a tablecloth.
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Keep a lovely record of your family’s gratitude on a thankfulness tablecloth.

Get the instructions: Thanksgiving Tablecloth

Happy Thanksgiving!

A family gathers around a dining table, sharing a meal. Plates with food are in front of them. There are adults and children, and decorations include a centerpiece with white pumpkins.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Enjoy the day and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Remember that the true meaning of Thanksgiving lies in gratitude and connection.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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