Nov 1 - Day-by-Day Thanksgiving Prep Checklist - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Nov 1 - Day-by-Day Thanksgiving Prep Checklist - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter - Get Organized Now

Published: Wed, 11/01/23

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

November 1, 2023

GetOrganizedNow.com

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If you write a holiday newsletter to friends and family every year, begin outlining your thoughts so you can get this year's started.

Day-by-Day Thanksgiving Prep Checklist

As you know by now, I'm not a last-minute person. When it comes to events, like Thanksgiving, I like to do things a little bit at a time, so I don't end up stressed out on the holiday itself.

I've prepared this day-by-day checklist, broken down from November 1 to November 23...Thanksgiving Day. You may not choose to do everything on this list, and maybe you have a few of your own tasks to add or replace.

But this is a guide that I hope will help take the stress off. Here goes.

Nov 1

Make a guest list and create a rough estimate of how much food you'll need.
Start planning the menu and gathering recipes.
Finalize any travel reservations if you're traveling.

Nov 2

Order your turkey, if applicable.
Set your budget. Some non-perishables may already be on sale at your supermarket. Keep an eye out for deals in your store circulars.

Nov 3

Confirm your guest list and send out invitations, paper or online. Ask guests to RSVP at least 10 days in advance.
Pull out your Thanksgiving decorations and incorporate them into your home.

Nov 4

Plan the kids table and/or kid activities.
Is your fire extinguisher in working order? Check it. There's going to be a lot of cooking happening. Best to be safe.

Nov 5

Tidy the guest room and guest bathroom if you're having overnight guests.
Organize and clean serving platters, dishes, and utensils.

Nov 6

Double-check that you have ample seating for guests. Borrow chairs if needed.
Make your grocery shopping list.

Nov 7

Plan your centerpiece and table decor.
Check the condition of your Thanksgiving tablecloth and napkins. Do they need to be ironed? Or perhaps they should be replaced?

Nov 8

Begin making dishes that can be prepared in advance and frozen.
Can you begin delegating some tasks to other family members?

Nov 9

Review your cooking schedule and oven times.
Check your pantry for non-perishable foods that you need for your meal. Be sure to check expiration dates on items like baking powder to avoid last-minute runs to the store.

Nov 10

Think about where you'll be putting guest coats and purses. Have a plan for rain. You don't want to lay wet coats on the beds.
Have a plan for snowy, wet boots too...and umbrellas...in case the weather is inclement

Nov 11

Clean the kitchen, ensuring you have enough counter space to cook.
Do you have the kitchen utensils, appliances, etc. that you need? Take inventory and borrow as needed.

Nov 12

Set up a designated area for desserts.
Do you need to borrow and/or set up extra card tables?

Nov 13

Clean and organize the kitchen, ensuring you have enough counter space.
Confirm any final RSVPs, dietary restrictions, and potluck contributions.

Nov 14

Make space in the freezer for any make-ahead dishes.
Pick up your frozen turkey. Keep it frozen for now.

Nov 15

Make any desserts that can be made in advance and frozen.
Are your slow cookers clean and ready to be used? What about your baking pans?
Do you know what you're going to be wearing on Thanskgiving Day. Decide and be sure that attire is all clean and ironed.

Nov 16

Take inventory. Do you have everything you need? Napkins, plates, bowls, glasses, serving dishes, name cards, table linens, chairs?
Rearrange furniture to best fit guests.

Nov 17

Set up a beverage station with glasses, coasters, drink napkins, and non-perishable beverages. I like setting up a "self-serve" bar so guests can choose and fill their own beverages as desired.
Set up a coffee and tea station.

Nov 18

Confirm the arrival time of any helpers or guests.
Review the cooking schedule and make sure everything is accounted for.

Nov 19

Pick up your turkey. Start defrosting the turkey in your refrigerator if frozen. Allow one day for every 4-5 pounds.
Pack your suitcase if you're traveling.

Nov 20

Purchase all perishable items. Don't forget the easily forgotten items, like butter for the rolls or creamer for coffee.
Make or buy ice.

Nov 21

Review your cooking schedule one last time.
Prep any dishes that can be made ahead and reheated.
If you're traveling, get together any final documents/items for your trip.

Nov 22

Prep vegetables and other ingredients that can be chopped, measured out, etc. in advance for tomorrow's meal preparation.
Set the table and arrange serving dishes in preparation for the next day.

Nov 23 (Thanksgiving Day)

Follow your cooking schedule, starting with dishes that take the longest. Accept any and all help that's offered from your guests!
Enjoy the holiday!

This checklist is designed to help you spread out the tasks over several weeks, reducing stress and ensuring a smooth Thanksgiving celebration. Adjust the timeline based on your specific plans and preferences.

"Thank you for your constant flow of organizing and life ideas in your GON in 5 Minutes Ezine. It's great!"

-- Willa in Jacksonville, FL

Enjoying my newsletter? Please REPLY and let me know!

-- Thanks! Maria

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10 Best Organizing Practices for a Clutter-Free Life
Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up. These actionable practices will help you declutter with purpose for a more tranquil, efficient living space

Denture Tablets to Clean House?
Beyond their intended purpose, these can be versatile cleaning agents for a variety of household items and surfaces. Here are some unexpected ways you can use denture tablets to clean effectively

Beyond the Feast
Thanksgiving is not only about the feast. Join me on a journey to transcend mere thankfulness and embark on a purposeful journey of expressing gratitude through deliberate action

Solo Travel Made Simple
If you're gearing up for a solo journey, the anticipation of your trip might be accompanied by a hint of concern. Fear not. Here are my best tips for any solo trip you're planning.

Embracing Thanksgiving
Every year, there is a mad dash to skip from Thanksgiving to Christmas. My advice: resist the urge to sprint towards Christmas

6 Movies to Watch This Thanksgiving
These films are sure to fill your heart with gratitude, laughter, and the spirit of the season

Stop Putting Off Until Tomorrow
Are all of those pursuits that you’re interested in always taking a backseat to your responsibilities? Here’s how to strike a balance and start pursing your passions today

Dress Stylishly for Cold Weather
With a few strategies, you can navigate the chilly weather with panache. Here's a guide on how to dress for the cold weather while still being stylish.

The Evolution of Black Friday
Here are the origins and my recommendations for how to navigate this huge shopping event

Butternut Squash Soup
My favorite fall soup recipe…by far!

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Brand New November 2023 Monthly Organizing Checklist: I've included an organizing TO DO for every day of the month...no thinking required. To access it, click here

"Don't wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!" --- Charmaine J. Forde

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comment, suggestion, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

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In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

We encourage you to apply these ideas to your own life AND share them liberally with your family, friends, and fan base via email, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, other social media outlets, and in person, of course!

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Thank you for helping to spread the gift of organizing far and wide!

-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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