Thanksgiving Entertaining Timeline

The month of November elicits thoughts of friends, family, gratitude and celebrations. No doubt, thoughts instantly turn to the turkey dinner. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time to host the meal, planning and executing the feat can be stressful.  To make Thanksgiving preparation easier this year, follow this timeline to keep you on task. Read on for my day-by-day tips.

 

November 5 – Make a Guest List and Mail Invitations

Don’t forget to ask for an RSVP. If you don’t plan to send a card by snail mail, make the call to your family to invite and confirm a head count today. You need to quickly determine what size of turkey you will need to order and purchase.

 

November 6 – Order Your Turkey

It’s always best to reserve a turkey in advance to ensure you get exactly the size of bird you want. It would be a disaster to host a meal for 10 and have only enough turkey to feed 6 people.  A good rule of thumb is to plan for a pound to a pound and a half per each person. For a large group you may need a couple of birds to accomplish your feat!

 

November 7 – Research Recipes

Select a few tried and true family recipes. Now, feel free to branch out and include a few more.

Keep in mind details such as cook time, and the time it will take to reheat, sauté and bake. You want to have enough oven space and burners on the stove to accommodate your cooking needs.

 

November 8 – Count Your Chairs

Determine how much room you will have at the table for seating. You may need to add extra space by setting up additional card tables or designate a kids table.

 

November 9 – Make Your List and Check it Twice

Do an inventory of your cabinets. Check for expired spices, empty seasoning bottles and what you need to add to your shopping list.

 

November 10 – Pull Out Your Serving Pieces

Place all of the dishes out to do a mock setup. Check to see if you have enough serving platters, a large roaster, cookie sheets and anything else you will need to prep, bake and serve your meal.

 

November 11 – Clean Out Your Freezer

This is the perfect time to toss old items and do a thorough cleaning.  Empty the ice drawer and make fresh ice. Toss anything that has freezer burn,  you don’t recognize or can’t identify.

 

November 12 – Make the Dough

Make cookie dough and freeze it. All you have to do in a few days is thaw and bake.

 

November 13 – Do a Kitchen Tool Check

Buy a meat thermometer if you don’t have one. Test your old one to see if it works. Buy any twine or basters as needed.

 

November 14 – Make Personalized Place Cards

This task is a perfect project for the kids in your life. Using decorative pumpkins and gourds, have the kids write each person’s name on the gourd and place at each table setting.

 

November 15 – Check Linens for Stains

It would be embarrassing to give a guest a stained table napkin or set the table with a dirty tablecloth. Do a spot check and wash any linens that need attention.

 

November 16 – Catalog Your Bar Cart

Make a list of what liquor and wine you have on hand, and what you need to purchase: cocktail mix, gin, tonic, champagne, wine and bottled waters. Pick up several cans of soda for guests who prefer something carbonated, sans the liquor.

 

November 17 – Bake Casseroles and Freeze

Cooking a few recipes ahead of time will save precious minutes you will use attending to last minute details on Thanksgiving day.

 

November 18 – Thaw and Bake Cookies

Store your sweets in an air-tight container.

 

November 19 – Set Your Table and Bake Your Pies

When you are finished putting out your plates and glasses, close the door to the dining room (if you have one), so no one disrupts your perfectly appointed table. Here is a diagram to help you.

Start the oven, put on an apron and get to work. Bake your pies today and don’t feel one shred of guilt for using pre-baked pie crusts. Canned fillings are a great substitute for when you are in a pinch.

 

November 20 – Pick Up Your Turkey and Perishables

Visit the grocer and retrieve your turkey. While you are there, buy your fruits and vegetables along with any last minute items on your shopping list.

 

November 21 –Take Care of the Details

It’s go time. Take the casseroles out of the freezer.  Thaw all of your frozen food safely. Make space in your refrigerator for tomorrow’s leftovers.

Also, check that the guest bathroom has plenty of toilet paper and hand soap.

Chill the wine, soda and water. Check to ensure you have enough ice for your drinks.

 

November 22 – Thanksgiving Day

Wake up. Have a cup of coffee. Put your turkey in the oven if you are serving lunch, toss your salad, heat your casseroles, boil and mash your potatoes. Set up the bar, light the candles. Relax and welcome your guests.

At the end of the day, send guests home with a to-go box or special treat.

 

Sincerely,
Diane

You may also like Thanksgiving Entertaining Includes Choosing the Right Bird. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.