How to Host the Best Thanksgiving + Free Planner

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, give thanks, and share delicious food with family and friends. But hosting can be quite the feat! By breaking down tasks week by week, you can reduce stress and ensure you’re ready to celebrate. Here are our tips on how to host the best Thanksgiving ever.

Whether you host a large gathering or a dinner for your immediate family, as we do, getting organized ahead of time will make your life much easier!

By planning and preparing week by week, you’ll create a warm, welcoming experience for everyone involved.

And for an even smoother process, use our free Thanksgiving Planner to keep track of tasks, stay organized, and be the best host ever.

First Week of November

Here are our best tips on what to do each week in November!

Look for the blue boxes that will give tips to use the planner!

Plan your Thanksgiving decor

Think about the ambiance you want to create, whether cozy, rustic, elegant, or classic. Decide on colors, themes, and any table settings or centerpieces.

Plan the guest list

Start by creating a list of who you’d like to invite and determining the final number of attendees. This will help you plan seating, tableware, and food quantities.

Use our Guest List Printable to write down names of family or friends you want to invite.

Plan the menu

Consider dietary restrictions and favorite dishes, then craft a menu that balances traditional Thanksgiving staples with any creative dishes you want to try.

Use the Thanksgiving Menu Plan Printable to write down all the foods you want to include.

Contact guests and assign dishes

If guests can bring a dish, assign items like appetizers, sides, or desserts to help ease your cooking load. Make sure everyone is clear on what they’re bringing.

Grab the Guest List Printable you already filled out and contact everyone on it. Write down what each person is bringing, and the number of adults and kids in their group.

Prepare a shopping list

With your menu in mind, create a comprehensive shopping list for food.

Use our Shopping List Printable. Notice that it is divided into perishable and non-perishable food items because you will shop for them at different times.

Shop for or make decor items you need

Get your decorations early to avoid last-minute stress. Whether you buy or DIY, having decor ready in advance is a time-saver.

Test new recipes

Trying out new dishes? Make them now to ensure they’re winners! This helps avoid surprises on Thanksgiving Day.

Start deep cleaning your home

Focus on areas guests will use most, like the living room, dining area, and guest bathroom. Deep cleaning now will make the final pre-party cleanup easier.

If you need help with this, check out our post, 7 Simple Ways to Declutter Before the Holidays Arrive.

At the end of each week, use the Thanksgiving Checklist Printable to mark off each item you completed!

Second Week of November

Plan the seating arrangement

Determine how many tables and chairs you need to seat everyone and borrow or buy extra tables/chairs if needed.  If you’re hosting a large group, determine the best seating arrangement to keep the conversation flowing and ensure everyone feels comfortable. Make or buy place cards.                                        

Take Inventory

Check tableware, utensils, and cookware to confirm you have everything needed. This is also a good time to ensure you have tablecloths, napkins, and serving pieces.

Shop For Needed items

If you’re missing any essentials after taking inventory, buy them now.

Stock up on the following items:

• disposable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils                          
• foil, freezer bags, and left-over containers                                                                 
• alcohol and soft drinks                               
• items needed to prepare turkey depending on baking, smoking, or frying                                                                             

Plan an hour-by-hour itinerary for Thanksgiving Day

Draft a schedule to keep you on track with cooking. Note times for reheating dishes, carving the turkey, and serving.

Use our Cooking Schedule Printable to write down each dish, which day you will prepare it, the appliance to use, and when to begin and end cooking it.

Third Week of November

Clean out the refrigerator

Make space for Thanksgiving ingredients and leftovers. This will also help you quickly see what’s on hand and what you need to buy.

Shop For non-perishable Items

Pick up canned goods, dry spices, frozen foods, and anything else that won’t spoil. This cuts down on shopping time during the week of Thanksgiving.

Use our Shopping List Printable for non-perishable grocery items.                           

Plan for guests

If anyone stays overnight, prepare their sleeping space, clean bedding, and stock the bathroom with essentials. This helps guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Use our Holiday Menu Plan Printable to plan and prepare other meals over the holiday weekend.                     

Thanksgiving week

Clean the house  

Give your home a quick refresh, especially in areas where guests will be. This way, everything feels polished and ready.                                             

Thaw turkey

If you have a frozen turkey, now’s the time to start thawing it in the fridge. A turkey takes about one day per 4-5 pounds to thaw safely.                         

Set the table(s) 

Set up tables and chairs. Decorate and place linens, plates, glassware, and silverware to avoid last-minute rushing.                          

Shop for perishable grocery items

Finish your shopping by picking up fresh produce, dairy, and other perishable ingredients. Purchase ice and fresh flowers if needed.

Use the Shopping List Printable for perishable items.                                                                   

Prepare food ahead

Prepare anything that can be made a day or two ahead. This might include pies, casseroles, or chopping vegetables for stuffing.

Refer to the Cooking Schedule Printable so you don’t forget anything!                   

Set up stations

Create stations for drinks, appetizers, and desserts to streamline the flow of guests and reduce kitchen congestion.

Thanksgiving Day

Cook the turkey

Start early, allowing for cooking and resting time. Be sure to check for doneness before serving.                                           

Prepare side dishes

Coordinate oven and stove times for sides, so they’re ready when the turkey is done.                                        

Reheat dishes prepared ahead of time

Reheat dishes you made earlier in the week, making sure everything is at the right temperature before serving.

Use the Thanksgiving Cooking Schedule Printable to stay on time!

After Thanksgiving Dinner

Put away food

Provide containers so guests can take some food home. Store remaining leftovers promptly to keep them fresh.                 

Address extra tables and chairs 

Remove any extra seating and tables to help you regain space and start the post-dinner cleanup.

Pretreat table linen stains   

Get out tough stains by pre-treating them before washing them. This can save your favorite linens for future holidays.

Wash and put away dishes

It’s time to clean! Make the cleanup easier by asking for help if anyone’s willing.

The Following Day

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done

You did it! Being the host for Thanksgiving is a big task, and you pulled it off beautifully.

Clean up anything left unattended from the day before

If there’s any lingering cleanup, tackle it now so you can enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Shop for Black Friday

If you’re planning to catch any Black Friday deals, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on holiday shopping.

Eat yummy left-overs 

There’s no better reward than a leftover Thanksgiving sandwich or pie for breakfast!

Start preparing for Christmas

Are you as excited for Christmas as we are?

If so, here are some posts that might interest you!

• Our Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition That Kicks Off The Holidays          
• 25 Traditions You Can Start Now To Make Meaningful Christmas Memories
• How to Get Organized For Holiday Entertaining

Print our free Thanksgiving planner

Get ready to host your best Thanksgiving yet with our free printable Thanksgiving Planner!

By signing up for our email list here, you’ll receive this handy guide packed with checklists and tips to keep you organized every step of the way.

From planning the menu to creating a cooking schedule, our planner makes it easy to stay on top of each task so you can relax and enjoy the holiday.

Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll be the first to get seasonal tips to organize, decorate, and DIY your way to a home you’ll love!

Sign up today and make Thanksgiving stress-free and memorable!

If you crave more inspiration for Thanksgiving today is your lucky day!

Amazing Creators Blog Hop

Fourteen of my friends, who are amazing creators, are joining me for a blog hop to share more Thanksgiving inspiration.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to “hop” over to see what each of them is sharing!

Click on the links below to see all of the inspiring posts!

• Shop at Blu
• Cloches & Lavender
• Sweet Valley Acres
• Birdz of a Feather
• Exquisitely Unremarkable
• Gathered In The Kitchen
• An Organized Season -You are here
• Everyday Edits
• My Home and Travels
• Now Choose Life
• From Farmhouse to Florida
• At Home With Kristy 
• The Stylish Maker 
• Houzewize
• Bushel and a Pickle

Conclusion

Being the host for Thanksgiving can feel like a big responsibility, but with a little preparation and our step-by-step guide, you’ll be ready to create an unforgettable holiday.

Remember, the key to a successful Thanksgiving is planning ahead so you can enjoy the day as much as your guests.

From setting the table to serving delicious food, each detail will come together beautifully with the help of our Thanksgiving Planner.

We hope you’ll sign up for our email today and let our planner help you feel confident to host the best Thanksgiving ever!

Here’s to making memories, sharing gratitude, and having a stress-free, joy-filled celebration!

Blessings, Donna and Rich

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