Thanksgiving Planner: The Two-Week Plan

• Plan the menu and finalize your shopping list. Break it down into what can be purchased ahead (canned goods) and what can be picked up closer to the day (produce). Make your first shopping run. Refresh your spices.
• Order your turkey, roast, or ham if there's still time.
• Clean out the freezer.
• Start your make-and-freeze foods: rolls, pie crusts, soups, even casseroles and appetizers.

• Clean out the fridge.
• Start thawing your frozen turkey. 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 you on target with make-ahead dishes?
• You're so together, you might have time to whip up easy appetizers and pop them in the freezer.

• Pick up that fresh turkey you ordered (optional)
• Purchase fresh produce.
• Make pie crusts and refrigerate (if you haven't gone the frozen route).
• Set the table or decorate the buffet.
• Set up the bar.

• 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 and make cranberry sauce.
• Arrange frozen dinner rolls on a sheet pan and thaw overnight in the fridge. (Otherwise, thaw at room temperature on Thanksgiving morning.) 
• 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.
• Reheat frozen dishes.
• 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:

Find tried-and true Thanksgiving recipes.

See step-by-step cooking tips in our Top 10 Thanksgiving videos.

Get menus, ideas, and inspiration from our Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving.

And discover delicious ways to eat up Thanksgiving Leftovers.