Hosting Thanksgiving is a lot of work! Today we are sharing with you how to host a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner, but still have the time to enjoy time with your family. Ready to have a stress-free Thanksgiving?
There have been years when I’ve spent the majority of the holiday in the kitchen–roasting the turkey, whipping the mashed potatoes, and simmering the gravy. While I love making food for my family and friends, I felt sad that the majority of Thanksgiving was spent making food, serving food, and cleaning up afterwards.
I know families that purchase Thanksgiving dinner so that less time is spent on cooking, and more time can be spent visiting! But I do love all my homemade food. What’s a mom to do?
That’s when it occurred to me: what if I prepped most of the food in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, and then the day of I could simply pull out the pre-made food for my family to enjoy! Homemade food, and still time to catch up with my fam? Yay!
I am here to tell you what I wished I knew all those years ago: make your Thanksgiving meal ahead of time! The key to a stress-free holiday starts weeks before Thanksgiving day. Try it this year, I know you will love it!
How to Have a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
One Week Before Thanksgiving
- Pies made and frozen
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes made and frozen (OR wait and make this amazing Instant Pot Mashed Potato Recipe the day of!)
- Stuffing Muffins made and frozen
- Green Bean Casseroles made and frozen
- Sweet Potatoes baked, mashed, and frozen
- All remaining groceries purchased
Two Days Before Thanksgiving
- Turkey baked and de-boned (yes, you CAN make your turkey ahead of time!)
- Turkey Broth made
- Cranberry Sauce made
- Prepared frozen food moved from freezer to fridge
One Day Before Thanksgiving
- Tea brewed and chilled
- Sparkling cider chilled
- Pineapple Fluff Salad made and chilled
- Cream whipped
- Tables and chairs set up
Thanksgiving Day
- Enjoy a large cup of steamy coffee in my recliner for a very long time (because I can)
- Everyone on their own for breakfast (probably cereal)
- Mix dry ingredients together for Stir-and-Pour Rolls (for easy, no-brainer mixing about an hour before meal time)
- Put Cranberry Apple Cider into a crockpot to heat (this is a huge hit with guests!)
- Set out butter to soften for rolls
- Plates, silverware, cups, and napkins set out
About 1 1/2 hours before serving time, I will bake or re-heat prepared foods. Then I will make gravy and bake the rolls. Easy peasy!
Here are the quick links to all the recipes you’ll need:
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