When it comes to big family holidays like Thanksgiving, the one thing you can’t afford to be is unprepared. Between the turkey, side dishes, drinks, decorations, and making sure all of your appliances are working properly, the whole thing can be overwhelming. That’s especially true if you don’t stick to a Thanksgiving timeline!
Don’t wait until the last minute to put a plan into action. Instead, be a proactive Thanksgiving planner this year and follow one of our helpful holiday timelines.
Thanksgiving Timeline Plans
Each of these Thanksgiving timeline resources helps you map out what to do and when to do it! Whether you’re a first-time host or a pro, we’ve got you covered.
10-Day Timeline
Whether you’re a first-time host or a veteran of the holiday, this 10-day Thanksgiving timeline is our most detailed step-by-step guide. By starting your planning and meal prep over a week before the actual event, it drastically cuts down on the possibility of unexpected surprises or problems.
We cover everything from shopping to a kitchen checklist to an hour-by-hour checklist for Thanksgiving day. Follow this guide to become the ultimate Thanksgiving planner!
Why We Love It:
- Detailed
- Great Tips
- Easy to Follow
Interactive Checklist
For those who prefer to start early and track their progress through an online checklist, try using this interactive Thanksgiving timeline. Start three weeks before the holiday by selecting your side dishes and turkey cooking method. Two weeks prior, choose the size of your bird.
The weekend before Thanksgiving is for your main grocery shopping, although you’ll want to go back 1-2 days before the holiday for last-minute ingredients and a fresh (not frozen) turkey. Track your progress online with this helpful checklist.
Why We Love It:
- Extended Length
- Check-able Items
- Simple Directions
Food-Specific Timeline
The spirit of Thanksgiving may be about more than just dinner, but let’s face it, the food is the star of the show. Your focus should probably be on making sure your dishes are ready to go, so try following this food-specific Thanksgiving timeline.
Some recipes like soup or gravy can be made over a week ahead of the holiday, while the turkey and stuffing will have to be prepared on the day of the event. Learn more now about how to space out your Thanksgiving cooking.
Why We Love It:
- Dish-Specific
- Mini Recipes
- Covers All the Basics
Simple Timeline
If you’re an experienced Thanksgiving entertainer who doesn’t have time for step-by-step instructions or interactive checklists, then this Thanksgiving timeline might be for you.
It’s easily-scannable and gets right to the point, reminding you of the proper Thanksgiving prep routine for a successful family holiday. Even veterans need to brush up on their skills, so make sure to read up!
Why We Love It:
- Scannable
- Tips & Shortcuts
- Recipe Links
First-Timer Timeline
Every year is somebody’s first year to host Thanksgiving for the family, and that pressure can be intense. Preparing an incredible meal is a breeze, though, with this comprehensive beginner’s guide to Thanksgiving cooking.
This serves as both a checklist and a timeline, providing a full dinner menu with recipes, as well as pictures to make things even easier. Follow each step and you’re sure to impress the family… even your in-laws!
Why We Love It:
- Recipes Included
- Easy to Follow
- Pictures… It’s Just Pretty!
Another big part of being a thorough Thanksgiving planner is making sure that your stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher are working correctly. Be sure to check out our Thanksgiving Appliance Tips, and call Appliance Service Station right away if you’re experiencing any major appliance issues.
