Thanksgiving Checklist

Pick your menu.

Settle the number of guests, and figure out how much of each dish you’ll need.

Ask volunteers to pick their favorite task. Consider suggesting specific recipes to make it easy.

Start making your shopping list, and begin stocking up on supplies.

Order your turkey now, if you’re getting a fresh turkey.

Set up a cleaning schedule.

Check to see if the table linens are clean and ironed.

Make sure you have the right tableware, including plates, silverware, glassware, serving platters, casserole dishes and utensils.

Plan and design the tablescape.

Shop for staple ingredients.

Buy wine, if serving. Try whites like Chardonnay or Riesling and reds like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.

Pick out serving dishes and utensils, and label selected dishes with sticky notes.

Clean out the refrigerator – prepping and leftovers can take up a lot of room.

Shop for perishables.

Start thawing the turkey, if it’s frozen

Get all of the cooking equipment together.

Begin setting the table and setting up the buffet.

Pick up the fresh turkey, if ordered.

Dice onions, celery and other vegetables.

Place turkey in the brine and refrigerate, if brining.

Bake the desserts.

Put white wine and other beverages in the fridge to chill.

Prepare make-ahead recipes.

Put together the centerpiece.

Finish setting the table.

Review the checklist one more time, to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Prep the turkey for roasting.

Put the turkey in the oven.

Prep stuffing to be baked, if the turkey is unstuffed.

Peel and cut the potatoes, then chill them in the broth.

Prep the appetizers.

Finish prepping the casseroles.

Place food that will keep on the table.

Serve cocktails and appetizers.

Remove the turkey from the oven, when it’s done.

Bake the casseroles.

Begin any stove top cooking.

Carve the turkey.

Set out the refrigerated dishes.

Make the gravy.

Mash the potatoes.

Fill glasses with ice.

Call guests to the table and give thanks.