If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you’ll want to check out my printable Thanksgiving checklist!
You can print it out and put it in your journal or just use it alone. I like to print the Thanksgiving dinner checklist and keep it with me when I’m planning!
PRINTABLE THANKSGIVING CHECKLIST
There are so many little details to think about when you’re planning a Thanksgiving gathering. This turkey dinner checklist isn’t a menu planner, it’s a planner to help you organize the actual event!
This list covers everything from finalizing your menu and grocery shopping to thinking about linens and dishes! If you’re having guests stay over, they’re covered on this list as well. It will help you get your house ready for the big day too!
The Thanksgiving party planning checklist is organized by weeks and then days. It starts out at a month before and then moves on to three weeks before, two weeks before, the week before, etc. This list will cover leftovers and clean up too!
I’ve found that staying organized makes the holidays more enjoyable. I’m able to get the things I want to do all finished and enjoy myself more.
Thanksgiving is a time for us to be able to focus on all of the good we have in our lives. It’s also when many of us spend time with the important people in our lives. The last thing any of us need to be doing is completely stressing out!
THANKSGIVING DINNER CHECKLIST PRINTABLE
My goal is to help everyone enjoy the time they get to spend with the important people in their lives. That’s why I put together this Thanksgiving checklist. It’s for those of you who work better with a bit more structure or who just don’t feel like you have the time to track it all in your journal this year!
All you have to do is grab your FREE printable checklist from the link below and you’ll be ready to go!
It doesn’t matter how close we are to Thanksgiving either. You can use this list to catch up or just dive in right where we are and get your planning on!
THANKSGIVING TO DO LIST
Here are the items covered on this planning checklist:
ONE MONTH BEFORE
- Send out invitations
- Start planning your menu
THREE WEEKS BEFORE
- Finalize your menu
- Finalize your guest list
- Assign dishes
- Plan the seating arrangement
- Make a grocery list (don’t forget to check your pantry!)
- Watch for Thanksgiving coupons and sales
- Make dinner rolls, pie crusts, and any other items that freeze well and freeze them
- If you’re buying your turkey fresh, order it
- Test new recipes
- Start deep cleaning your house
- Check your china, glassware, linens, and cookware
- Make arrangements to borrow extra tables and chairs, if needed
- Test the special appliances like the carving knife, mixer, etc.
- Stock up on foil, freezer bags, and containers for leftovers
- Plan activities for any kids coming to Thanksgiving
- Plan for any overnight guests you’ll be hosting
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
- Polish silverware
- Finalize Thanksgiving playlist
- Make room in the closet for guests’ coats
A WEEK BEFORE
- Prepare the guest room (don’t forget to provide the WiFi info!)
- Shop for groceries
- Restock any basic supplies you need
- If you’re buying a frozen turkey, make room in the freezer
- Decorate your house
- Clean the special occasion dishes and glasses
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
- Clean the refrigerator to make room for Thanksgiving food
- If using a frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator (allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds)
- Iron table linens
2 DAYS BEFORE
- If serving fresh, pick up your turkey or ham
- Take frozen rolls, pie crusts, and other items out of the freezer
- Baby-proof your home if you have young guests coming
THE DAY BEFORE
- Make the cranberry sauce, side dishes that can be reheated, and pies
- Set the table
- Set up a drink station
- Chill drinks
- Clean the bathrooms
- Put out fresh towels
- Refill soap dispensers and put out extra toilet paper
- Vacuum
- Buy ice
- Charge your camera
THANKSGIVING DAY
- Cook the turkey
- Make the stuffing and gravy
- Reheat/Warm any dishes that were made ahead
- Make anything else still on the menu list
- Stock the drink station
AFTER DINNER
- Put away the leftovers within two hours of the meal
- Pack up leftovers for guests
- Pretreat any stains on linens
THE DAY AFTER
- Wash the table linens
- Put away dishes, serving dishes, etc.
- Put away extra tables and chairs
- Treat any stains on carpet and furniture
A FEW DAYS AFTER
- Make turkey broth
- Freeze any remaining leftovers
- Return anything that you borrowed
- Organize photos and share or order prints
- Email any recipes your guests may have asked about
You’ll have everything covered and be ready to move on and enjoy Christmas once your Thanksgiving celebrations are over!