To-Do List For Thanksgiving 2009

November 5-12 (two weeks prior)

Invite guests
Plan the menu
Decide who will make each recipe
Notify guests what to bring
Prepare a grocery list of required foods
Order turkey

November 13-19 (one week prior)

Purchase required non-perishable foods
Determine number of chairs and tables needed
Assign guests to bring additional chairs or tables
Make sure you have enough table settings
Prepare cooking schedule

November 20-22 (weekend prior)

Prepare linens, dishes and silverware
Make desserts and cold dishes
Remind guests what they are bringing
Recruit cleanup help (anyone not cooking)

November 23-24 (2 to 3 days prior)

Clean house
Purchase perishable foods
Move frozen jams, etc. to fridge to begin thawing

November 25 (day before)

Arrange chairs, tables and place-setting
Decorate
Review recipes
Make all recipes that can be made ahead
Chop and refrigerate nonperishable vegetables
Offload recipes to guests if you're overloaded
Figure out what you're wearing tomorrow
Get a good night sleep

November 26 (Thanksgiving day)

Prepare turkey for roasting
Assemble the stuffing and stuff turkey
Roast the turkey
Prepare side dishes
Remove turkey from oven
Make gravy
Thaw cold dishes
Reheat breads and rolls
Remove stuffing from the turkey
Carve the turkey
Place butter, jellies and jams on table
Take a deep breath!
Start coffee for dessert
Have cleanup crew clean the kitchen