Thanksgiving Planner: The One-Week Plan

• Draw up a guest list, and then invite each via phone or email.
• Plan the menu. It's easiest if the host (you) handles the main dish or anything else that doesn't travel well (i.e. turkey and mashed potatoes) and willing cooks supply the rest--especially since you have just a week to go.
• Create a shopping list and make your first shopping run, picking up the bulk of your items including a frozen turkey. Don't forget the candles and firewood. 
• If you find a fresh turkey in your size, snap it up! But if you have to go with a frozen bird, note that thawing in the fridge will take one day for every 5 pounds of meat. A 15-pound turkey will require three days to thaw thoroughly. 
• Are kids on the guest list? Think about age-appropriate ways of getting them involved or keeping them entertained. 
• Start downloading dinner music. 
• Clean out your refrigerator.

Thanksgiving Advice:

• Call to confirm "maybes" from your guest list so you can establish a final head-count.
• Assess tables and chairs, table linens, etcetera. Do you need to borrow anything? Make arrangements now. 
• Polish silver and wash glassware. 
• Clean house and make sure you have what you need for houseguests.

• Clean and press table linens, set the table or decorate the buffet, lay out serving pieces and utensils, and set up the bar.
• Double-check food. Go though the meal in your mind to help you think of smaller items that might have escaped you: whipping cream for pie, half-and-half for coffee, butter for mashed potatoes and rolls--what else? Make a list.
• Head to the store for fresh produce and your last-minute items. 
• If you decided to be ambitious and bake a pie yourself, make pie crusts now, then refrigerate.

• Wash and prep produce. 
• Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity and make turkey stock for gravy. 
• If you're brining your turkey, give it no more than a 24-hour soak. 
• Assemble stuffing but do not put it in the turkey until just before roasting. Better yet, put it in a separate pan, moisten with your homemade turkey stock, refrigerate, and bake it on Thanksgiving Day. 
• Bake pies. 
• Arrange frozen dinner rolls on a sheet pan and thaw overnight in the fridge. (Otherwise, thaw at room temperature on Thanksgiving morning.) 
• Make one more quick run with the vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth. 
• Purchase and arrange fresh flowers. 
• Make sure your camera is charged and ready.

This is when all your advance work pays off and you look like a genius. Yes, there might be dishes to be prepared on the day, but you won't be in a panic. Do remember to map out oven and stove time for items brought by guests. Here's what you might have to plan for:

• Stuff and roast turkey (or bake dressing).
• Mash potatoes. 
• Make gravy. 
• Toss salad. 
• Warm or bake bread and rolls. 
• Arrange appetizer platters. 
• Whip cream for desserts. 
• Chill or open wine. 
• Heat cider, make coffee.

Congratulations! Now give yourself a solid hour or more to relax and get yourself ready to greet your guests. And just in case things go sideways:

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