Cambells

Thanksgiving Checklist

Thanksgiving

• 3 Weeks Before

• Pick your menu.

• Settle the number of guests, and figure out how much of each dish you’ll need.

• Ask volunteers to pick their favorite task. Consider suggesting specific recipes to make it easy.

• Start making your shopping list, and begin stocking up on supplies.

• Order your turkey now, if you’re getting a fresh turkey.

• 2 Weeks Before

• Set up a cleaning schedule.

• Check to see if the table linens are clean and ironed.

• Make sure you have the right tableware, including plates, silverware, glassware, serving platters, casserole dishes and utensils.

• Plan and design the tablescape.

• Shop for staple ingredients.

• 1 Week Before

• Buy wine, if serving. Try whites like Chardonnay or Riesling and reds like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.

• Pick out serving dishes and utensils, and label selected dishes with sticky notes.

• Clean out the refrigerator – prepping and leftovers can take up a lot of room.

• Shop for perishables.

• Start thawing the turkey, if it’s frozen

• 2 Days Before

• Get all of the cooking equipment together.

• Begin setting the table and setting up the buffet.

• The Day Before Thanksgiving

• Pick up the fresh turkey, if ordered.

• Dice onions, celery and other vegetables.

• Place turkey in the brine and refrigerate, if brining.

• Bake the desserts.

• Put white wine and other beverages in the fridge to chill.

• Prepare make-ahead recipes.

• Put together the centerpiece.

• Finish setting the table.

• Review the checklist one more time, to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

• 4 to 5 hours Before Dinner

• Prep the turkey for roasting.

• Put the turkey in the oven.

• Prep stuffing to be baked, if the turkey is unstuffed.

• Peel and cut the potatoes, then chill them in the broth.

• Prep the appetizers.

• 2 Hours Before Dinner

• Finish prepping the casseroles.

• Place food that will keep on the table.

• 1 Hour Before Dinner

• Serve cocktails and appetizers.

• Remove the turkey from the oven, when it’s done.

• Bake the casseroles.

• Begin any stove top cooking.

• 30 Minutes Before Dinner

• Carve the turkey.

• Set out the refrigerated dishes.

• Make the gravy.

• Mash the potatoes.

• Just Before Dinner

• Fill glasses with ice.

• Call guests to the table and give thanks.