Thanksgiving Timeline

While some home cooks have years of experience preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, there are just as many who are roasting a turkey for the first time. With that in mind, I've compiled this timeline to help you plan and prepare the feast. My tried-and-true timeline has helped many a Thanksgiving cook over the years.

I recommend that you begin planning and shopping a week or two in advance. Then you'll be better able to relax and enjoy the pleasures of cooking for family and friends.

1 to 2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

•     Confirm the number of guests and plan your menu.
•     Order the appropriate-size turkey.
•     Plan your table setting, serving dishes and decorations.
•     Read through all the recipes and make your preliminary shopping lists and "to-do" lists.
•     Shop for any essential cooks' tools, cooking equipment and tableware you'll need.
•     Take table linens to the dry cleaner for cleaning and pressing.

A Few Days Before Thanksgiving

•     Finalize your shopping lists.
•     Shop for staples, produce and other fresh foods.
•     Prepare any food that can be made in advance, such as pie pastry and cranberry sauce.
•     If you purchased a frozen turkey, begin thawing it out in the refrigerator.

The Day Before Thanksgiving

•     If you ordered a fresh turkey, pick it up or have it delivered.
•     Complete your food shopping.
•     Make turkey stock for gravy and dressing.
•     Chop ingredients for the dressing, such as onions and celery; refrigerate in covered bowls or plastic bags.
•     Chop the herbs for various dishes; refrigerate in covered bowls or plastic bags.
•     Bake the pies and tarts.
•     Chill the wines and water.

The Evening Before Thanksgiving

•     Cut fresh bread into chunks for the dressing; leave out overnight to dry.
•     Set the table.
•     Organize the before-dinner drinks.
•     Organize the tea and coffee service.
•     Determine what time the turkey will go into the oven (see our tip for Roasting the Turkey).
•     Organize the serving dishes.
•     Get a good night's sleep!

Thanksgiving Day

Early Morning

•     Have breakfast and organize your day.
•     Confirm the time to remove the turkey from the refrigerator and the time to put it in the oven.
•     Peel and cut the potatoes; set them in cold water.

4 to 5 Hours Before Dinner

•     While the oven preheats, prepare the turkey for roasting.
•     Place the turkey in the oven at the determined time.
•     Prepare the dressing.
•     Check the table setting to make sure all is in order.

1 to 2 Hours Before Dinner

•     Cook the potatoes.
•     Put the cranberry sauce on the table.
•     Serve drinks and hors d'oeuvres to guests.

45 Minutes to 1 Hour Before Dinner

• When the turkey is done, transfer to a warmed platter and cover with aluminum foil.
•      Finish preparing the dressing, then bake the dressing and cook or reheat side dishes.
•  Make the gravy. 
•      Mash the potatoes. 
•      Place the dinner plates in the warm oven.
•      Seat your guests, carve the turkey and serve dinner.