I love to host our family’s Thanksgiving Day holiday dinner. We usually have a houseful of about 20-25 people. Even though, I typically host each year, I still get calls confirming that I will be hosting.
In the early years, I used to cook everything, well mostly, but have since been convinced that I must delegate somethings out, and this year I will do it again. I really enjoy this time of the year even though by the end of all of the preparations, cooking, and cleaning, I wonder whether that year will be my last because it is also very tiring. Funny, how by the next time the year rolls around, I feel ready to do it all over again.
A couple of weeks ago, I posed a question on Facebook whether anyone else had a prep schedule for Thanksgiving. One person said that they weren’t that disciplined, and that they do it all on that day. Some stated that they start about three days before.
My blogger friend, Shanisty of She’s Becoming Domestic, just posted 2 Week Thanksgiving Day Survival Guide. This means that you would be starting today!
I have been doing a prep schedule for years to ensure I get all things done. My Thanksgiving prep schedule starts the Friday before Thanksgiving. I have the schedule with checklist in my Notes app on my phone. I check off each activity as completed. It helps me and helps appreciate each accomplishment. There have been times an activity may be moved to the following day or I accomplish ahead. The thing is having a schedule. My prep schedule is below. Of course, prior to this I have already planned my Thanksgiving menu, which doesn’t usually vary year to year. The link to my menu is provided in a link after the schedule.
Have a wonderful time gathering with your loved ones and friends during the holidays! Consider inviting someone who may not have family to join yours! And remember, be thankful to God for all of his bountiful blessings!
Thanksgiving Prep Schedule
Friday prior
- Prepare Grocery List
- Buy Groceries
Saturday
- Slice Cheese for Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Clean, Cut, and Bag Collard Greens
Sunday after church:
- Chop Veggies (Onions, Bell Peppers, Celery, Garlic)
- Place unopened Frozen Turkey in water all day
Monday:
- Shred and Bag Carrots for Carrot Cake
- Peel, Slice and Bag Sweet Potatoes for Yams
- Place Turkey in Refrigerator to complete thawing
Tuesday:
- Bake Day: Bread, Cake, Pies, Cornbread for Cornbread and Turkey Dressing (Stuffing)
- Boil Sweet Potatoes for Pies
- Clean House
Wednesday:
- Dress Turkey
- Boil inner Turkey parts
- Chop Smoked Turkey Parts for Dressing
- Prepare Dressing
- Boil, Chop, and Cut Ham Shanks for Greens
- Cook Greens
Thursday:
Musings and My Two Cents 