Holiday Hostess Planner
Campbell and Pepperidge Farm want to help make your holiday meal preparation simple. Print this timeline and use as a handy checklist so you can do the majority of the prep work prior to the big day so you can enjoy time with your guests.
Two weeks prior:
- Select your recipes for each course of the meal. Make sure that they are relatively simple in relation to the amount of people you are expecting. Select recipes that call for good, fresh ingredients to enhance flavor. Plan to provide a traditional Thanksgiving feast, then be creative with side dishes. Choose dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. That way, when guests arrive you can spend more time socializing, and less time in the kitchen.
Ten days prior:
- Make a shopping list after you have inspected your pantry. Always prepare more food than you think you will need, so plan your list accordingly.
- Ensure that you have all the essentials in your kitchen – trash bags, dish detergent, coffee, ice, paper towels, etc. If you do not have them, add them to your list.
Seven Days prior:
- Purchase a frozen turkey and store it in the freezer.
- Order table floral decorations to be picked up on Wednesday (so that they are still fresh on Thanksgiving Thursday).
- Call your guests the week before to confirm their attendance at your gathering. Also check for any special meal requests or needs.
Five Days prior:
- Prepare the stuffing for your turkey, including baking. Afterwards, tightly wrap the dish in foil and then freeze.
- Make the dough for your bread the weekend before Thanksgiving. If you are making rolls, form the dough into balls, and then wrap individually or place in a large freezer bag and freeze.
- Purchase condiments and non-perishables that coordinate with your meal several days before Thanksgiving.
- Buy any last minute kitchen essentials on your list.
Three Days prior:
- Remove the turkey from the freezer and put into the refrigerator so that it can thaw. According the National Turkey Federation, the key to this method is to plan ahead and allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird weight for thawing in the refrigerator. This method is the safest and will result in the best-finished product.
One Day prior:
- Clean and prepare the thawed turkey with seasonings the day before. Place it in the roasting pan, cover and re-refrigerate.
- Cook any beans and slice onions. Store in a container and put in the refrigerator.
- Set out platters or bowls and serving pieces for each dish you are serving. Label each one with the appropriate dish name so helpers can help set the table easily.
- Prepare and bake pies. Cover and store.
- Pick up floral arrangements.
The Big Day:
- Roast the turkey and make the gravy.
- Prepare accompanying dishes that were not pre-prepared. Heat all other dishes and ingredients.
- Serve and enjoy!
For tips on how to host the perfect holiday party, click here
