Our Party Prep Timeline for Hosting Thanksgiving

The height of the hosting season is upon us, and it kicks off with Thanksgiving. While we entertain year-round, the holiday season — from autumn feasts to the new year — brings even more celebrations. 

 To keep us organized and make hosting easier, we use our Party Prep Timeline to stay on top of our festive fêtes. 

 

Why We Love Hosting Thanksgiving 

 

Hosting Thanksgiving is an opportunity to gather our loved ones together, partake in beloved traditions, eat delicious food, and make lasting memories. It’s also a great holiday for polishing up our hosting skills since we’re able to use our creativity and personal style to create a new and unique tablescape, get family-favorite dishes just right, and even try out a new recipe. 

 

We also love hosting Thanksgiving because it gives us a chance to honor traditions every year, from our go-to Thanksgiving menu and our Thanksgiving stuffing rivalry to our Wednesday night Chop Night and our pre-meal round of “what we’re thankful for this year” proclamations. These shared traditions with family and friends foster a sense of connection and tap into nostalgic shared feelings – the perfect way to start the holiday season.  

 

Why Use a Timeline for Hosting Thanksgiving? 

 

We recommend using a timeline for planning a gathering so that you have a timed to-do list. We prefer to start with the day of (in this case, Thanksgiving Day) and work backward. This helps us create a calendar of priorities leading up to the day.  

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Hosting Timeline Checklist 

 

With its large guest list, robust menu, and high tablescape expectations, it’s no wonder hosting Thanksgiving​ can feel​ a bit​ ​intimidating. A timeline can help take some of the day-of pressure off, making the entire process more enjoyable.  

 

For the timeline checklist, we use our No-Fail Party Prep Timeline and tailor it to Thanksgiving. Depending on your guest list, menu, and serving style, you’ll want to adjust the timeline to best suit your needs and gathering. Our Thanksgiving timeline specifically covers planning for the event and day-of duties to minimize your stress and create a seamless experience for you and your guests. 

 

5 Weeks Before 

 

• Decide who is hosting Thanksgiving a little over a month before the holiday. Trust us, it’s going to sneak up on you like it does every year. In our family, we find that a good ol’ group chat gets the job done here. If you’re the chosen host, read on.  

Guest tip: If you’re attending and want to contribute to Thanksgiving, this is also the perfect time to offer to help. Here are a few of our favorite ways to assist the host:  

• Bringing a specific favorite recipe or two 

• Create floral centerpieces (add a festive touch by arranging it in our Turkey Covered Bowl) 

• Coordinate the cocktails and bar 

• Stock containers to send leftovers home with guests (our favorite plastic containers, our favorite glass containers, and our favorite paper containers) 

• Host Chop Night, our family’s tradition of getting a jumpstart on food prep, the night before Thanksgiving 

 

 

 

4 Weeks Before  

 

• Determine the start time for your gathering – We prefer a mid-late afternoon start time, providing plenty of time to enjoy the day and for stomachs to settle following the big meal.  

• Decide on your theme – Consider the vision for your Thanksgiving gathering. Are you going to host a more formal holiday gathering or a casual evening with loved ones? Other considerations are the time and effort you want to invest in preparation for Thanksgiving (more formal events often require some additional planning) and what components you want to include.  

• Compile the guest list – Use the group chat from last week to start. Consider how far out in the family tree you’ll be extending the invite and if you’ll also be including found family or friends.  

• Create and send out invitations – Consider your theme when choosing the invitation for your ​​Thanksgiving gathering. For a more formal Thanksgiving occasion, a paper invite is always appropriate. We love Paperless Post because of its shorter lead time and the ability to choose a beautiful design and set the tone. The most convenient (and perfectly acceptable) option is texting, which also is the recommended option if you are less than four weeks out. 

 

 

 

Pro tip: Add an RSVP date for two weeks before the event. Even with family holiday gatherings, having a head count is necessary. When guests see an RSVP date, it reduces your need to check in with people on their attendance. 

  

3 Weeks Before  

 

• Choose your serving style – If you’re hosting a more formal Thanksgiving, you’ll most likely opt for a plated dinner styleThanksgiving is traditionally a buffet-style occasion in our family as we all have favorite dishes that we like to get an extra helping of. 

• Decide on seating – Depending on the theme and formality of the event, you can choose if guests can pick their own seats or if you’d like to have name cards to designate seats. Now is also the time to consider extra seating spaces. Over the years, we’ve seen hosts not have enough seating when it’s time to sit down for the meal. To ensure everyone has a seat, folding tables are a perfect way to create flexible additional seating, no matter your space. Our favorite folding tables, depending on your space requirements:  Standard 6', Standard 8', Round or Square Bamboo Bistro Tables.

• Create your Thanksgiving menu – Start with your family’s traditional recipes to make sure those are covered. Then, fill in the rest of the menu, considering all parts of the meal, from appetizers and drinks to side dishes and desserts. If you prepare the whole menu, this is your chance to add in a few new recipes you’ve been wanting to try. If you opt for a potluck, follow up with texts so everyone can sign up for dishes. For our family, we stick to our same Go-To Thanksgiving Menu each year {we don’t want to cause riots, after all}. When sticking to our tried-and-true recipes, everyone signs up for their respective dishes even though the responsibility is already on their radar. We like to create a shared note to collaborate on details for ingredients, new menu items {if we dare}, or anything else we want to discuss or share. 

Pro tip: Now’s the time to start your shopping list. A detailed shopping list will ensure you have everything you need. We recommend splitting the list up into categories based on shopping trips you plan on making.  

•  Assess any rental needs and determine and schedule vendors – Hopefully, you’ve started receiving RSVPs at this point and can decide if you need any additional tables, chairs, or entertaining essentials. Depending on where you’re setting up entertaining spaces throughout your home and your local climate, you could even consider tents to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner outside.  

Other rental needs can include: 

• Florist for centerpieces or décor 

• Local restaurant for a signature hors d’oeuvre or favorite side dish 

• Bakery for fresh rolls to save space in your oven 

 

 

 

2 Weeks Before  

 

• Track RSVPs – Check your guest list and see who hasn’t RSVP’d yet so you can reach out to them directly. Paperless Post makes this an easy process since RSVPs are easily accessible on your phone. If you’re doing a potluck, once you have your final attendee list, let those bringing a dish know the count. 

• Design your dining table – The first step is to choose your dining table (or tables, depending on the size of your gathering). For your table setting, consider your linens, dinnerware, glassware, and flatware. Add a festive touch to your place setting when you add our Turkey Stripes Ruffle Plate with a neutral charger, or pair the Dusk Give Thanks Salad Plate with your everyday dishes. If you’re unsure of how to blend your table linens with your dinnerware, get inspired for your place settings and consider bringing in textures and colors of the autumn season.  

• Plan your centerpieces and any table accessories – For your centerpiece, consider vases to add a seasonal floral arrangement or candlelight for additional ambiance. If you’re planning a family-style dinner, our Turkey Stripes Ruffle Spoon Rest can add style and function to your tablescape. As you design your table, pull out each element so you can make sure they coordinate, double-check quantities, and confirm the condition of your tableware and serveware.  

• Choose your serveware – After your table settings and table accessories are decided on, you can plan your serving table or the serveware to incorporate into your tablescape. For serving vegetables, we recommend using our hand-sculpted Covered Turkey Bowl. Other serveware to consider if your menu includes stuffings, macaroni and cheeses, or pies are casserole dishes, loaf pans, and pie dishes.   

• Assess your Thanksgiving dinnerware – If you’re using themed Thanksgiving dishes or serveware, now’s the time to pull out your collection. You’ll want to make sure everything is washed and dusted. Then, store them in your cabinets so they’re easy to locate and ready to use in two weeks. Some of our favorite Thanksgiving designs include: 

• Turkey Toothpick Holder – stylish and functional on your tablescape 

• Dusk God is Great Platter – {a bestseller for a reason!} perfect for the turkey or ham 

• Turkey Shaped Salt and Pepper Shakers – a darling addition to your themed Thanksgiving table 

• Feathered Turkey Platter – featuring the holiday icon illustrated in metallic gold, this turkey-shaped platter adds a glam glow that’s perfect for serving up appetizers 

 

 

 

1 Week Before   

 

• Buy non-perishable items and beverages – Head to the store a week before the holiday to stock up on canned items, dessert ingredients, liquor, drinks, cocktail ingredients, and anything else you can think of. Make sure to double {then triple} check the ingredients needed for your recipes so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.  

Pro tip: Expect the stores to be packed (and running low on Thanksgiving essentials) the last few days leading up to the day. Plan ahead.  

• Choose or curate a music playlist – Whether you’re using a pre-made and curated playlist or making your own, choose music that best reflects the mood you are trying to capture. From a lively dinner party playlist to a selection for easy entertaining, music can contribute significantly to the atmosphere of your gathering.  

• Confirm the final number of guests – It is essential that you are prepared to host and entertain the correct number of guests. To be safe, feel free to reach out to your group chat with a gentle reminder about the upcoming gathering.   

•  Finalize and confirm any vendor needs – If you are using any vendors for your Thanksgiving festivities, confirm and finalize your expected services with them to avoid last-minute mishaps.  

  

2 Days Before   

 

Use this time to take care of essential tasks that can be completed before Thanksgiving Day. The more you check off your list before Thanksgiving, the more enjoyable the day will be as a host. Always, always play it safe and assume you won’t have any time on Thanksgiving Day.  

 

• Buy flowers or preferred décor pieces – If you don’t have this task delegated, now’s the time to purchase the cut flowers or bouquets for your centerpieces. For live plants or pre-made arrangements that you don’t have at home, today is the day to grab them.  

• Purchase any perishable items – Now it’s time to buy perishable food products for your recipes. You’ll want to have a detailed list so you don’t forget anything at this crucial time. Think salads, veggies, dairy products, and even pies and baked goods if you’re not baking them yourself.  

• Clean and prep all tabletop pieces – Wash and prepare all the serveware and settings that will be used during your holiday. Organize them into piles so you can set your table quickly when the time comes.   

  

1 Day Before  

 

• Arrange tables – One of the most exciting parts of hosting is setting up your table. Cut down on your day-of tasks and arrange and set your tables the day before. You should also set up your serving area and gather your utensils, platters, and other supplies.  

• Prep any food that can be ahead of time – Usually, a family member who isn’t hosting Thanksgiving that year will host our annual Chop Night, one of our favorite evenings of the year. We gather to prepare the food that will be served the next day. We love to throw on some music or a festive movie in the background, drink wine, and eat something simple with drastically different flavors than will be served the following day, like our beloved sausage and corn chowder.  

• Clean your house – Clean and tidy your home so that it’s ready for visitors. Check off the vacuuming, dusting, mopping, bathroom scrubbing, and whatever else you do as part of your cleaning ritual. A clean house means a decluttered mind so you can focus on family and friends on the day of Thanksgiving.  

 

 

Thanksgiving Day-Of Timeline  

 

With so much to do on Thanksgiving Day, we recommend creating a day-of timeline for Thanksgiving dinner. This added timeline will help you clearly organize the flow of the final outstanding items and allow you to check them off as you complete them. The day-of timeline also ensures you've set aside enough time for prep—maybe a bit of scheduled relaxation, too.  

 

When considering meal preparation for the day of, take into account oven space and plan out times for various recipes. In our family, to curb this issue, our menu has evolved to match our lack of oven space – one of the reasons we have our Chop Night tradition.  

 

Pro tip: Use your phone to set alarms or create events to keep things on schedule. When setting times for your day-of timeline, keep in mind that prep often takes longer than expected. To avoid feeling rushed, add an extra 15 minutes to each task on your list – you’ll be glad you did.  

 

To get your Thanksgiving Day started, wake up, take a moment to focus on what you’re grateful for, go for a quick walk outside {a turkey trot, if you will}, and turn on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Then, it’s time to dive into your final Thanksgiving preparations. 

 

10 – 6 Hours Before   

 

• Start the oven (it’s got a big day of warming ahead of it). 

• Cook and prep any remaining food.  

• Check your tablescape again; this is the last chance to make any final adjustments to serveware, table settings, or centerpieces. 

  

3 Hours Before   

 

• Arrange the bar with glassware, Thanksgiving cocktail napkins, and cocktail ingredients.   

• Run your dishwasher and set a reminder alarm to empty it. (You’ll be glad this is done at the end of the evening so you can easily re-load after the meal.) 

  

1 Hour Before 

 

• Put drinks that need to be chilled in an ice bucket. 

• Get dressed to feel your best – now’s the time! 

  

30 Minutes Before   

 

• Open the wine so you’re ready to start pouring when the guests arrive. 

• Adjust the lighting to add to the ambiance. 

  

10 Minutes Before   

 

• Light the candles. 

• Fill any water glasses at the table. 

• Turn on your music playlist. 

• Set out the appetizers at the serving station or on the table. 

• Take care of any final touch-ups (wipe the counter one last time, ensure your place settings are all straight, etc.). 

 

 

 

 

Pro Tip: Delegate tasks – Everything doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders as the host. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra help, and reach out to friends and family for anything you might need a little assistance with. This can help lighten your load and make your guests feel more involved in the celebration.   

Now that you’ve planned your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner timeline and have your to-do list done, your group chat created, and a menu with who’s bringing what in place, you are well on your way to planning the perfect holiday. Don’t forget to use your Celebrate Book to reminisce on the amazing memories from the year and capture new ones made this holiday season. We hope your gathering goes off without a hitch and that you truly