How to Create a Thanksgiving Dinner Checklist

Once you've decided to have the family over for Thanksgiving dinner, sit back and relax. It is a lot of work, of course, but if you organize the next couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, your dinner will be a hit.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Guest list
• Menu
• Turkey
• Table settings

2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

1. Make a guest list. If Thanksgiving is a family tradition, you probably already know who will be attending, but a phone call to confirm any additional guests will help you prepare enough food.

2. Create a drink and appetizer menu.

3. Finalize the menu for your main course.

4. Buy or order your turkey. You will want to make sure you do this ahead of time so you can get a turkey big enough for all of your guests.

1 Week Before

1. Determine if your table is big enough to accommodate your guests. If it is too small, consider a kid's table for the children, or borrowing a folding table from family or friends. Once you put a table cloth on it, it will look just fine.

2. Polish up the silverware and wash the china and glasses.

3. Check your menu and make sure you have enough serving and baking dishes.

4. Wash your napkins and tablecloths.

Thanksgiving Week

1. Defrost the turkey in the refrigerator. This will take a few days, so pull it from the freezer on Monday or Tuesday.

2. Buy or make a centerpiece for the table.

3. Do a thorough cleaning of the house. Dust, vacuum and scrub the bathrooms.

4. Create a shopping list and buy all the items needed to prepare your meal.

5. Prepare any desserts or side dishes that can be made ahead of time.

6. Set the table the night before Thanksgiving. This will give you one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day

1. Wipe down the bathrooms and vacuum of the floors.

2. Prepare and cook the turkey.

3. Make the rest of your side dishes and reheat those already prepared.

4. Accept help from your guests.

5. Enjoy your family and friends!

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish