Printable Thanksgiving Checklist (Free Planner PDF)

Let me guess...you're here because you're the one who volunteered to cook Thanksgiving dinner!

Well, you've come to the right place. I've got the best tips for preparing for the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner with ease.

No need to worry that you forgot something or that you won't be prepared. This printable Thanksgiving planner covers it all! It will give you an exact to-do list with all of the planning items you'll need to successfully host Thanksgiving dinner.

Whether this is your first time planning Thanksgiving or you're a seasoned pro, you probably understand that Thanksgiving dinner requires a lot of work. That's why I've built a Thanksgiving hosting checklist (it's even printable) so you won't forget any details.

Plus, it'll help you plan out the perfect timeline so you're not overwhelmed and can enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Here's how the printable Thanksgiving checklist works:

1. Sign up to receive the Thanksgiving planning checklist directly in your email inbox.
2. Sit down and read through the checklist to have an idea of what you need to do.
3. Mark deadlines/upcoming prep in your calendar so you won't forget a thing.

• Create a guest list.
• Invite your guests and tell them what time you're eating. Ask guests about any food allergies. If necessary, ask them to bring a dish.
• Confirm you have all the necessary cookware and serving dishes. You can see my favorite Thanksgiving cooking items below.
• Purchase a frozen turkey, or reserve a fresh one from your local grocery store.

• Confirm your Thanksgiving menu. I've got many ideas below about what dishes to include on your menu.
• Print out all the recipes you'll be using. Read through them and make any necessary notes.
• Write out a grocery shopping list. Take note of items already in your pantry, and items that still need to be purchased.
• If you're planning on any special touches such as table decor, gather those items.
• Find the perfect playlist for your party.

• Check in with guests to make sure they are still coming.
• Go grocery shopping. I like to screenshot the recipes on my phone just in case I need to peek at them while I'm shopping.
• Purchase some extra bags of ice for your drinks.
• Deep clean your house. Clean the things that haven't been cleaned in a while, but won't get dirty in the next week. Only leave last-minute tidying for the day before. Make sure to hit your bathroom, living room, and any other areas your guests will be using.
• Begin cleaning out the refrigerator so there’s enough room for Thanksgiving food. If you bought a frozen turkey, put it in the fridge to start thawing. Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4 or 5 pounds of turkey, as the USDA advises. Place it on a tray to catch any liquid.

• Get out serving platters and tableware. Label each serving platter or bowl with a sticky note to denote which dish will be served in it. Don’t forget to find the proper serving utensils for each item on the menu.
• If possible, pre-set the table or buffet area.
• Run to the grocery store one more time for any last-minute items you forgot.
• Brine the turkey. This can be done 1-3 days ahead of time.
• Start making some of the dishes that can be prepped ahead of time like cranberry sauce, pies, desserts, and salad dressings.

• Set up your drink station. Get out any pitchers and glasses for water and cocktails. If you have a beverage tub, you can set that out for any soda, wine, and beer you want to keep cold.
• Chill your drinks.
• Last-minute cleaning and tidying. Make sure your counters & tables are cleaned off.
• Clean and trim your vegetables.
• Start on any homemade dough so they have time to proof.
• Begin prepping elements of the dish like chopping up veggies, measuring out spices, or preparing the items for appetizers.
• Consider making stuffing or casseroles that can easily be reheated.
• Write out a game plan schedule for tomorrow. What time do dishes need to go in the oven or start reheating?
• Wash and empty the dishwasher one more time before you go to bed.

• Prepare the turkey for roasting.
• Place your turkey in the oven to start cooking.
• Work on the side dishes (preparing/reheating as necessary). Remember to use a crockpot to warm dishes where possible.
• Prep any cocktails.

• Take out the trash.
• Run the dishwasher one last time.
• Take premade foods out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before reheating.
• Begin heating up side dishes in the oven and on the stove.
• Plate up your appetizers.
• Set your drink station up 30 minutes before your guests arrive. Always make sure you have a pitcher of water.
• Start some music.

• Carve the turkey. Make sure it has had time to rest.
• Make the gravy (if using turkey drippings).
• Finish re-heating any last-minute dishes.
• Clean up the kitchen as much as you can.
• Plate up all the dishes.