Thanksgiving Planner

Holidays can be stressful, but planning can help.  Use this FREE printable TimeLine and Thanksgiving Planner to help you stay organized this Thanksgiving.

Click to print  The Peaceful Mom Thanksgiving Menu Planner and Grocery List.

Click here for a printable version of the Thanksgiving Cooking Timeline below:

7 DAYS AHEAD

Menu Plan-Will you serve the traditional roast turkey or try something different this year?  Remember to include appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts.

Make a Grocery List-Once you know what you’ll be serving, make a list of the ingredients you need and write them on the Grocery List Printable (here.)


6 DAYS AHEAD

Grocery Shop-The best deals on turkey are usually the week of Thanksgiving.  Stock up on other necessities the week before when prices are at their lowest.

Make Ice-If you will be serving a large crowd and will need extra ice, start storing ice in plastic zipper bags now.

5 DAYS AHEAD

Make Place Cards and Other Decorations-Hopefully you bought all your Thanksgiving decorations last year on clearance.  If not, use some simple items around your house to make place cards and center pieces.  For a simple table decoration, use a long piece of fabric as a table runner and top it with of tiny pumpkins and gourds.

4 DAYS AHEAD

Make Cold Salads-Jello salads, cranberry sauce and other cold salads can be made up to four days ahead.  If your salad contains fresh fruit or vegetables, wait until the day before to prepare them.

Make Dips-If you are having dips as appetizers, make them today and refrigerate them.

3 DAYS AHEAD

Prepare Beverages-Make Iced Tea and/or Lemonade.  Chill soft drinks if you have room.  Make sure that you have enough ice.

Wash Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables-Washing vegetables ahead of time is a big time saver and makes your prep work later go more smoothly.

2 DAYS AHEAD

Decorate and Set Table-Setting the table with plates, glasses, utensils and the center piece ahead of time is a big time saver and helps to get you motivated for all the work ahead.

Prepare Stuffing and Refrigerate

Prepare Desserts

Prepare Cranberry Sauce

1 DAY AHEAD

Prep Turkey

Prepare Salads

Prepare and Cook Casseroles

THANKSGIVING DAY

Put the Turkey in the Oven– Depending on the size, you may need to start 5 hours before dinner time.  Allow at least 30 minutes of resting time for the bird before carving.

Make Bread-If you’re making homemade rolls, start them once the turkey is in and put them in the oven later.  Make sure to allow a little extra cooking time if you are cooking them when the turkey is still in the oven.

Cook Potatoes

Finish Salads-Put the finishing touches on your salads

1 HOUR AHEAD

Check Turkey and Potatoes

Heat Casseroles



30 MINUTES AHEAD

Remove Turkey from Oven-Allow the turkey to rest before carving it.

Warm Bread-If you are using pre-made rolls, heat them last so they will be warm when you are ready to serve dinner.

Prepare Drinks



Enjoy your Day!