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Last-Minute Thanksgiving Timeline

By:   Mackenzie Schieck

You won't get behind prepping your last-minute thanksgiving with this handy to-do list.

Avoid feeling rushed by getting as much done on Wednesday, leaving only the cooking for Thanksgiving Day.




First Thing in the Morning Wednesday:

Clean

  • If you only have time to deep-clean one room, make it the bathroom; then do other rooms later in the day if there's time. 
  • If you have clutter, simply put it in a box (or two), then stash it in the garage or a room that won’t be in use. 
  • Do a quick straightening of chairs, couch cushions, and pillows, and then vacuum. (Unless you’re house is in desperate need, skip the dusting.)


Make a Grocery List

  • Think about what you are going to make from scratch and what you are buying pre-made.
  • Check recipes to make sure you have all the ingredients you need on the list.
  • Don't forget the extras: flowers, candles, matches (see sidebar for centerpiece ideas), wine, etc.


    Late Wednesday Morning: Shopping

    • Make it your goal to get to the grocery store between 10-11 a.m. so you can be home by the early afternoon.
    • Think about any other stops you might need to make while you're out: A favorite bakery that makes the best pies? Coffee shop for fresh-ground coffee?


      Early Wednesday Afternoon-Evening:

      • Make dips
      • Wash and chop veggies for appetizers and salad.
      • Make cranberry sauce; refrigerate until the next day.
      • Go through recipes to see if there's anything you can do to prep main and side dishes.
      • Pull out serving dishes; rinse if necessary.
      • Set dining table
      • Once you're done in the kitchen for the night, sweep and wipe down counters.


        Thanksgiving Day

        First, arrange your centerpiece and put any finishing touches on your dining room table--then, it's all about the cooking. Do so at your leisure and plan to eat your meal in the evening, giving yourself some well-deserved time to relax and enjoy spending time with your guests.

        You won't miss a thing if you consult the rest of your to-do list:

        • Set out dips, veggies, crackers, etc.
        • Chill or open wine.
        • Prepare main dish.
        • Mash potatoes.
        • Make gravy.
        • Toss salad.
        • Warm dinner rolls.
        • Whip cream for dessert.
        • Heat cider, make coffee.


        Happy Thanksgiving!


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