Hi Reader!
Here we are — just a few days from Thanksgiving. This is the moment I pull out my planner, take a deep breath, and map out the week so Thursday feels calm instead of chaotic.
If you’re hosting this year (or even just bringing a dish or two), here’s exactly I’m breaking things down. Copy it, tweak it, or save it for when the week ramps up.
🦃 First tip...pull out that turkey if it needs to thaw. Scroll ⬇️ for more info
Tuesday: low-key setup
This day is light on cooking and heavy on getting the house and kitchen ready.
- Do your final grocery check and pick up some flowers.
- Make a little space in the fridge.
- Pull out serving dishes and add sticky notes so you know what goes where (helps any guests who want to pitch in).
- Double-check your butter stash (there's never enough 🧈).
- And coffee creamer — it's the one thing I always forget!
- Feeling ambitious? Iron the linens and set the table after dinner.
It’s a small lift, but it sets the tone for the rest of the week.
Wednesday: the heart of the prep
Eat a good breakfast — this is the day that makes Thursday feel peaceful.
- Turkey breast: Sprinkle on the dry brine and let the fridge do the work.
- Stuffing: Assemble, cool, and stash in storage bags in the fridge.
-
Mac and cheese:
- Undercook the pasta and store it separately.
- Make the cheese sauce and pack it up too.
- OR fully make it (without the crumbs).
- Potatoes: Peel and dice, then keep them submerged in cold water overnight.
- Brussels sprout salad: Prep everything and store without dressing.
- Tiramisu: It loves an overnight chill — finish with the top layer of chocolate on Thursday.
And honestly? Order a pizza. You’ve earned it.
Thursday morning: casual and calm
- Mashed potatoes:
Drain the water, simmer until soft, and mash with a ricer while the turkey cooks.
Transfer to a casserole dish, add a thin layer of warm milk or cream, cover with foil, and keep warm in the oven while the turkey rests.
- Bake:
Bring the stuffing and mac out of the fridge for a bit, then bake.
- Green beans:
Steam them while the turkey rests — quick and easy.
- Gravy:
Since I dry brine, I skip the drippings (too salty).
Store-bought works perfectly with a little butter, white wine, and sage.
- Brussels sprout salad:
Toss with half the dressing in the morning, the rest just before serving.
- Tiramisu:
A dusting of chocolate and done.
Recipes mentioned:
Be kind to yourself 🤎
Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection. It’s about good food, warm company, and giving yourself a little space to enjoy the day, too.
I’ll be right in my kitchen this week working through this same plan — apron on, coffee in hand, Hallmark in the background.
You've got this!
p.s need to thaw your bird? For every 4-5 lbs your bird weighs, you need 1 day in the fridge for it to thaw. More turkey tips like this here...