A Personal Chef’s Checklist: How I Would Plan Thanksgiving
With these steps, enjoy a Thanksgiving that’s relaxed, organized, and full of joyful moments.
Menu Planning 🍽️
Let the appetizers be were you get creative and try something fun and different
Choose main dishes and family-favorite sides
Make a stream lined menu with enough choices but not too many
Let the veggies shine!
Plan a dessert table with grab and go options to include family favorites
Shopping List 🛒
Don’t wait until the last minute to shop
Group shopping items by sections (produce, dairy, pantry)
Check pantry for staples you might already have
Make a detailed list for anyone that may be helping or contributing
Put things away in an organized manner, preferably all in one place or in Holiday clusters based on items
Prep Timeline ⏰
Try to get ahead on your routine household chores so they don’t mix and mingle with holiday prep, which can get overwhelming
Plan your prep tasks for each day leading up to Thanksgiving
Prep veggies a day or two before
Bake pies and desserts the day before
Clean as You Go 🧼
Clean as you cook to keep the kitchen tidy
Set up a dishwashing station for easy clean-up
Keep a garbage bowl on the counter for easy and more organized access
Keep a separate bowl of veggie scraps for stock
Leftover Planning 🍗
Gather containers for leftovers of all sizes
Get disposable containers if guests are taking food home
Plan new meals with leftovers (like turkey soup or casseroles)
Table Setting 🍂
Set the table the night before to save time
Add a centerpiece and decorations for a festive touch
Plan a family activity: Have everyone write a note of gratitude to share during dinner or create a fun “Thanksgiving Memory Jar” where guests can write their favorite memory of the day.
Final Touches 🧅
Take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy the moment!
Take time to soak in the moments as your loved ones gather around. Thanksgiving is more than just consuming the food; it’s about what breaking bread together means to a family. It’s the laughter, shared stories, and connections that make the day special. Pause, look around, and appreciate the warmth of the occasion—it’s what the holiday is all about.
Keep your own journal of how things went. Note the recipes you tried, what worked well, and any changes you’d make for next time. This will help you reflect and make future gatherings even better.
