How-to Thanksgiving: Tips and Recipes for a Tasty Holiday

The first step to a successful Thanksgiving is to start your planning early—ideally, around three weeks before the big day. This is the time to get all the logistics in order, so when the holiday arrives, you can focus more on the cooking and less on scrambling to finalize details.

Turkey Time Don’t wait until the last minute to grab your turkey! If you’re planning on ordering a fresh turkey, it’s best to do this at least a week ahead. If you’re using a frozen turkey, make sure you leave enough time for it to thaw properly in the fridge—a general rule  is to allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.

Side Dishes Choosing sides can be tricky because you want them to complement each other without overwhelming your guests. A good rule is to have a variety of sides that include different textures and flavors—think something creamy like mashed potatoes, something crisp like roasted vegetables, and something fresh like a salad. Avoid having too many carb-heavy sides (as delicious as they may be) to prevent the meal from feeling too heavy.

As for how many sides to serve, it depends on your guest count. For a smaller gathering of 4-6 people, 3-4 sides should suffice. For larger groups, plan on having at least 5-6 side dishes so  there’s enough variety without overwhelming the table.

Appetizers Appetizers are great for keeping guests happy while the turkey finishes cooking. Opt for light bites like a cheese board, deviled eggs, or stuffed mushrooms that won’t ruin appetites before the main event.

Desserts No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert! When choosing your sweets, aim for a mix of flavors—something rich like pumpkin pie, something light like an apple tart, and maybe a fun surprise like pecan pie or cheesecake. If you’re serving a larger crowd, consider offering mini desserts, so guests can try a little bit of everything.

The day before Thanksgiving is all about getting as much done as possible so you’re not stuck in the kitchen the next day while your guests are arriving.

Prep Veggies Chop your vegetables, peel potatoes, and wash your greens the day before. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge, so they’re ready to go when you start cooking.

Make Desserts and Appetizers Many desserts, like pies and cheesecakes, can be made a day or two in advance, freeing up valuable oven space on Thanksgiving Day. The same goes for cold appetizers like dips or cheese boards—prep them the night before and keep them covered in the fridge.

Once the food is on the table, it’s time to relax. Thanksgiving Day is about spending time with loved ones, so don’t stress over every little detail. If something doesn’t go exactly as planned, it’s okay—your guests will remember the good food and fun memories more than any small mishaps.

By following these simple tips, you can plan a smooth, delicious, and memorable Thanksgiving dinner for your family and friends. From preparing in advance to keeping the day organized, these strategies will help you create a holiday everyone will cherish.