November & December are the busiest months for hosting… at least in my house. All of the holiday soirees can feel overwhelming especially if you’re hosting. My cure for hosting anxiety: a checklist. A smooth holiday starts long before the turkey meets the oven and having a clear plan makes all the difference. I crafted a weeklong checklist so you can prepare for the big day little by little. Cheers to having time (and sanity) to spare!
7 days out:
* Plan your full menu
* Assign dishes if others are contributing
* Order your turkey
* Check your serving platters, cookware & tableware
* Stock up on pantry items: flour, spices, sugar, broth, canned goods
* Make a bar plan: wine, spirits, mixers, sparkling water, garnishes
* Clean out fridge to make space
* Create a cooking timeline for the big day
5-6 days out:
* Buy all non-perishables, wine + last minute decor
* Pick up any special-order items
* Check your linens: wash, press or steam
* Finalize tablescape (I love using Canva)
* Make sure you have necessary items for tablescape (i.e. candles, votives, vases etc)
3-4 days out:
* Grocery trip for produce, dairy, herbs, fresh ingredients
* Begin thawing turkey in fridge (if frozen)
* Make any freezable desserts (doughs, cookies etc)
2 days out:
* Purchase florals for table
* Make pie fillings to bake tomorrow
* Prepare the stuffing components (bread cubes dried, aromatics chopped)
* Brine the turkey (if wet brining)
The day before:
* Bake pies
* Assemble & refridgerate stuffing
* Chill wine & sparkling drinks
* Clear counters, tidy kitchen, empty dishwasher
* Lay out serving dishes and label with sticky notes for tomorrow
Thanksgiving morning:
* Set the table
* Prepare appetizers
* Make & refridgerate salad dressing
* Vacuum + wipe down counters
* Secure seasonal playlist
* Roast the turkey early enough to let it rest 30-45 minutes
Right before guests arrive:
* Fluff pillows, dim lights, light candles
* Put out drinks & ice buckets
* Do a quick trash/recycling run
* Add any finishing touches to table
* Turn on music
* Make yourself something to sip on
* Enjoy all of your hard work…Happy hosting!
Stay tuned for more holiday posts, recipes and recaps & let me know if there are any specific posts you want to see!
