Thanksgiving Checklist

3-4 Weeks Prior

• Determine your dinner menu.
• Create a list of everything you'll need to purchase and gather.
• Send invitations.
• If you need to place a special order for a smoked turkey or honey-baked ham, place it now.
• Map out roles for event helpers and delegate by asking for their assistance before your dinner.
• Start making holiday decorations for your home, if you desire.

2 Weeks Prior

• Finalize your shopping list.
• Make or purchase your centerpieceBuy candles, if needed.
• Verify dinner guests and what they are bringing (if anything).
• Place an order with your local bakery for rolls, pumpkin or other varieties of pies.
• Check your equipment, confirm you have enough for all your guests.

1 Week Prior

• Do your grocery shopping a week ahead of time to help avoid the rush.
• Defrost your turkey (if it's frozen).
• Call any guests who have not responded.
• Make party costume or select outfit.

1 Day Prior

• Clean your house.
• Decorate your house with holiday decorations.
• Settle on a seating arrangement and make place cards.
• Make and refrigerate any dishes that you can.

Morning of Dinner

• Eat breakfast.
• Plan out and coordinate timing of dinner items so all are completed at the same time.
• Be sure to put the turkey in the oven early.
• Set the table.
• Dress in party outfit.

When Dinner Begins

• Greet guests and invite them into your home.
• Lay out the food and beverages.
• Light candles.