Day-by-Day Thanksgiving Prep Guide: Everything You Need to Do for a Stress-Free Turkey Day

When preparing for Thanksgiving, planning ahead can save you a lot of stress. If you leave everything to the last minute, you’re less likely to enjoy the holiday. So we suggest stepping up your plan of attack and spreading it out over a seven-day lead-up.

Here’s how. And even if you get off to a late start, you can still make the most of the time you have by crafting a day-by-day plan for the big get-together.

THURSDAY

Clean up outside by raking the leaves, storing the kids’ toys, and making sure things look neat and tidy.

FRIDAY

Shop for all the dry ingredients your recipes require.

SATURDAY

Decide what plates you’ll be serving on and what glasses you’ll be drinking out of. You can even make up all your place cards so you know where everyone is sitting.

SUNDAY

If you want to put together some dried-flower arrangements, now’s the time. Also, get your playlist in order.

Related on Yahoo Makers: How to Dress Up Ugly Folding Chairs for Thanksgiving Guests

MONDAY

Bake anything that can be reheated in the oven. That includes pies, casseroles, and the like. There’s no shame in a little reheat.

TUESDAY

Shop for and prep all your fresh ingredients. You can chop everything a few days ahead of time; that way you’re not stuck slaving over a chopping board when you’d rather be enjoying time with family.

WEDNESDAY

Prep your turkey and set up your buffet or table. If you’re brining your bird, now’s the time to do it. Otherwise, tress it, season it, and get it ready for the oven.

THURSDAY

It’s game day! Cook your turkey and prep the last minute fixings. And most of all, enjoy!

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