Your Thanksgiving guide to an elegant, and feminine dinner hosted by YOU.
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If you plan to host Thanksgiving this year, you’ve come to the right place! This is the only Thanksgiving guide you’ll ever need! I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you plan, shop, prep, and set the stage for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with just the right feminine touch.
There’s no need to stress about how you’ll get everything ready for the big day. I’ve created lists that will take the guesswork out of planning your special, thankful night. I understand how overwhelming it can be to host a large dinner gathering. When I first started hosting 20 or more guests, I often felt stressed and ran in circles or made last-minute trips to the store for forgotten items. Thankfully, I’ve developed an efficient system over the years that allows for preparation to start one to two weeks in advance.
If you’ve stumbled upon this guide with less than two weeks to prepare, don’t worry! This guide will still be incredibly useful for you. You’ll have everything organized in no time, and it will all come together stylishly with just the right feminine touch!
Let’s begin with an overview of the timeline. I’m eager to delve into more details for you!
Below is why this is the only Thanksgiving guide you’ll need in your pocket…
1. Month Prior
- Finalize the guest list
- Plan out a menu
- Plan for seating
2. 3 Weeks Prior
- Buy Liquor
- Order/buy your turkey
- Create shopping list (see below for an example shopping list)
- Purchase kitchen gadgets
3. 2 Weeks Prior
- Clean the refrigerator & freezer
- Cook dishes that can freeze
- Decide on décor and place setting
4. 1 Week Prior
- Start cleaning your house
- Shop for non-perishables
5. 3 Days Prior
- Shop perishables
- Defrost the Turkey (if extra big, take it out sooner)
6. 1 Day BEFORE
- Cook anything that reheats well
- Finish cleaning
- Defrost frozen dishes
- Set your table and chairs
- Brine the turkey
Thanksgiving Day (T-Day)
- Cook that bad-boy turkey 20 min per LBS
- Chill those beverages
GOBLE ‘TILL YOU WOBBLE
After T-Day Dinner
- Store all the leftovers (if there are any)
If this condensed list is still too broad for your liking, don’t worry! This Thanksgiving guide is simple to follow. Let’s take a closer look at what you should do next.
First, you’ll need to create a shopping list. I’ve included a selection of traditional Thanksgiving dishes, but feel free to personalize your list with your own favorites. We would love to hear about your Thanksgiving dish preferences in the comments section below.
Before diving into the shopping list, let’s talk about how to choose the perfect turkey.
How to choose the perfect turkey
Start by getting a head count of your guest list. Reach out to your guests to confirm their RSVPs if they haven’t done so already. Next, consider how many guests will be attending your dinner when selecting the right turkey. Generally speaking, you’ll want about 1 pound of turkey per guest. For example, if you are expecting 20 guests, you would need a turkey that weighs at least 20 pounds. To be safe, it’s a good idea to aim for a turkey around 23 to 25 pounds. The brand or type of turkey you choose is completely up to you.
If you are purchasing a frozen turkey, remember to take it out of the freezer 5 to 7 days before your dinner.
You’ll want to buy frozen, canned, and non-perishable items ahead of time. For this reason, I will provide two separate grocery lists with different timelines. Don’t worry; I will compile everything into one comprehensive shopping list as well.
Creating a menu is a must before you write that list and head to the store; just another reason why this Thanksgiving guide will be your saving grace.
If this is your first time creating a menu for Thanksgiving and you have no idea where to start, you can take a gander at my menu. I generally keep to a traditional menu, which is what the shopping list I provide follows.
Britt Gal’s Traditional Thanksgiving Menu:
Main Course
Roasted or smoked turkey
Stuffing
Cranberry sauce
Mashed potatoes
Gravy
Sweet potatoes or yams
Green bean casserole
Yeast dinner rolls
Dessert
Pumpkin pie
Pecan Pie
Vanilla Ice cream
Whipped Cream
Egg Nogg
Beverages
Butter Chardonnay
Choice Cocktails
Sparkling Juice
Water
*Side note: you may want a few lite snacks to eat throughout the day if you are serving a Thanksgiving dinner in the evening. We like olive and pickles boards, charcuterie boards, and shrimp cocktails.
Here’s a simple, traditional menu. Feel free to create your own traditions or incorporate family recipes that are a must at your table. For instance, I sometimes like to make eggnog fudge or my grandmother’s pumpkin torte for dessert. It’s also not taboo to ask family members to bring a side dish that they make ahead of time and can be reheated or served immediately for dinner.
Here is your non-perishable shopping list (1-3 weeks before T-day)
- Turkey (minimum each pound needs to match the number of guests)
- Canned, frozen, or fresh cranberries (fresh cranberries can be frozen until ready to use)
- Boxed stuffing mixes (loaves of bread can be frozen if making fresh stuffing)
- Fried onion topping (for green bean casserole)
- Lots of butter, (more than you think you need)
- Gravy if not making your own
- Spices/dried herbs (salt & pepper, sage, PSL spice…)
- Dairy: cream, whipping cream, milk, egg nogg (check expiration dates)
- Canned condensed milk and evaporated milk (if used in pies, cakes and fudge)
- Baking items (flour and sugar. Flour is also needed if making your own gravy)
- Brown sugar (for candied yams and some baked goods)
- Canned mushroom soup (for green bean casserole)
- Frozen Pie Crusts (or frozen pies)
- Canned pumpkin
- Pecans and other nuts and dried fruit if using
- Frozen rolls if using
- Wine (a Buttery Chardonnay pairs lovely with turkey)
- Adult beverages (we like Irish coffee while we start our food prep the morning of)
- Sparkling Juice
- Napkins/linens
- Disposable China/utensils if not using China and silverware
- Tupperware
- Tinfoil
- Parchment paper
- Gallon storage bags
- Table décor (Candles if using on the table)
- Supplies for cooking turkey: matches, smoker pellets, oil for fryer, Roasting pan/baster/ meat thermometer
Fresh items to purchase 3-5 days before T-day
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- Celery
- Onions
- Eggs
- Any dairy you don’t already have
- Sweet potatoes
- Potatoes for mashing
- Fresh green beans
- Fresh rolls from the bakery if not making your own
- Fresh flowers (1-2 days before)
At the end of this post, you will find a complete shopping list that can be used as a checklist. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver!
To simplify your preparations, combine the condensed timeline with the provided shopping list. By following these suggestions, you can space out your tasks, helping you avoid last-minute shopping trips, deep cleaning the night before, or, worse, cramming everything on Thanksgiving Day. The goal is to keep things simple and get everything done gracefully while maintaining your sanity. Speaking of grace, now comes my favorite part: decorating and setting the table.
Decorating Your Home and Setting the Table.
This is your opportunity to unleash your creative, feminine energy, and the best part is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. There’s a good chance you already have most of what you need at home, and if not, there are plenty of affordable options available.
*Side note: Consider creating a separate bar area for drinks and adult beverages and a dessert table to avoid overcrowding your main table.
When decorating your table, the first step is to determine how many guests you will have and ensure that you have the appropriate seating arrangements. My biggest tip is to set up the table 1-2 days before Thanksgiving.
The first step in decorating your table is to decide on the type of tableware you will use. Will you use a linen tablecloth or placemats? Are you going to place your dishes on chargers? Perhaps you will use a table runner?
Once you determine the table dressing you will use, you will decide whether to use porcelain plates or opt for a nice disposable set for easier cleanup.
You can find a great set here: https://amzn.to/4i0aJa4
I have a beautiful porcelain dinnerware set in autumn hues that my grandmother gifted to my husband and me for our wedding. It’s my absolute favorite to use, even though everything must be handwashed. I figured I could manage that once a year.
My advice is to practice setting the table well before Thanksgiving Day.
This way, you can see everything come together and bring your ideas to life, making the actual setup a breeze. After selecting your plates, silverware, and glasses, it’s time to choose your napkins. There are some adorable disposable options available.
Napkins
While there are many printed disposable napkins available, nothing compares to the elegance of beautiful linen napkins, both in appearance on the table and in how they feel when used. The great advantage of using real cloth napkins is that you can use them repeatedly! Opting for a neutral color is a timeless choice, but don’t overlook the charm of a patterned option for a fun pop of color. Enjoy the creativity of this selection!
Once you have arranged your linens, plates, cups, napkins, and silverware, take a moment to step back and assess your table setting. This is the perfect time to decide on additional decorations. Would you like to add a stunning fall bouquet? Perhaps some elegant candlestick holders with candles? Or maybe a table runner adorned with small gourds, pumpkins, flower petals, and various fall vines? The idea is to either get as crafty as you want or keep it simple, depending on your preference.
One of my favorite and affordable ways to decorate a table is to use large wine glasses placed upside down on a beautiful table runner. I like to trap an entire rose head beneath each glass, add a leaf on the upside-down stem, and top the whole display with a tealight candle. This arrangement doesn’t take up much space, looks elegant, and creates a cozy ambiance.
I would love to hear your favorite ways to set your Thanksgiving table in the comments section below!
When planning for guests, consider whether you will need a children’s table. If you’ll be entertaining many young kids, decide if they will sit at the main table with the adults or if there isn’t enough space for that. In such cases, setting up a kids’ table that matches the main table or is specifically designed for children are both good options. When we create a separate table for the kids, I like to use a tablecloth that they can color on or provide a fun Thanksgiving-themed craft for them to work on. This keeps the children entertained and creates an environment that feels tailored just for them.
There you have it. Come T-day, you’ll be in a Zen-state because the guesswork has been taken out of it, your house is cleaned, and your table is set. Now go watch that parade, have an Irish coffee or mimosa, if that’s your thing, and have a peaceful, elegantly feminine Thanksgiving dinner!
Full Shopping List that you can use as a checklist:
- Turkey (minimum each pound needs to match the number of guests)
- Canned, frozen, or fresh cranberries (fresh cranberries can be frozen until ready to use)
- Boxed stuffing mixes (loaves of bread can be frozen if making fresh stuffing)
- Fried onion topping (for green bean casserole)
- Lots of butter, (more than you think you need)
- Gravy if not making your own
- Spices/dried herbs (salt & pepper, sage, PSL spice…)
- Dairy: half n half, whipping cream, milk, egg nogg (check expiration dates)
- Canned condensed milk and evaporated milk (if used in pies, cakes and fudge)
- Baking items (flour and sugar. Flour is also needed if making your own gravy)
- Brown sugar (for candied yams and some baked goods)
- Canned mushroom soup (for green bean casserole)
- Frozen Pie Crusts (or frozen pies)
- Canned pumpkin
- Pecans and other nuts and dried fruit if using
- Frozen rolls if using
- Wine (a Buttery Chardonnay pairs lovely with turkey)
- Adult beverages (we like Irish coffee while we start our food prep the morning of)
- Sparkling Juice
- Napkins/linens
- Disposable China/utensils if not using China and silverware
- Tupperware
- Tinfoil
- Parchment paper
- Gallon storage bags
- Table décor (Candles if using on the table)
- Supplies for cooking turkey: matches, smoker pellets, oil for fryer, Roasting pan/baster/ meat thermometer
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- Celery
- Onions
- Eggs
- Any dairy you don’t already have
- Sweet potatoes
- Potatoes for mashing
- Fresh green beans
- Fresh rolls from the bakery if not making your own
- Fresh flowers (1-2 days before)
Shop
Here is a list from Amazon of all my favorite finds to help your Thanksgiving be as elegant and beautiful as you are.
Disposable dinnerware: https://amzn.to/4i0aJa4
Lenox Autumn Dinnerware (I’m gorgeous): https://amzn.to/4eJJNZb
Chargers: https://amzn.to/4eIZy2C
White Linen napkins: https://amzn.to/3V2rSGi
Fun patterned cloth napkins: https://amzn.to/414ZxTc
Beautiful Autumn tablecloth: https://amzn.to/3AJc58m
Kids coloring Tablecloth: https://amzn.to/4i2H7sn
Modern Wine Glasses: https://amzn.to/3Z1VaWn
Table Decor Item: https://amzn.to/3Onjttb
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!!!
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