Holidays | Entertaining | Thanksgiving Planner | Countdown Day 10 | Plan Menu

Creating an efficient timeline and checklist is an essential part of any successful party.  Here is my version that will help you have a stress-free and fun Thanksgiving!

I created this menu from special requests, family traditions and new ideas!

When planning the menu, I think about what can be made ahead of time, what will need to be in the oven at what time and for how long - I only have 1 oven, so oven space is limited.  I also plan the platter on which it will be served.

	THANKSGIVING MENU	prepared in	start time	cooking time	serving piece
Jenny	Roasted Turkey
	with lemon, garlic & thyme basted in white wine & butter	Oven - Roasting Pan	9am	5:00	Large White Oval Platter
	day before : none
Jenny	Mashed Potatoes
	yukon gold potatoes mashed with butter, salt & pepper	Stove Top - Lg Stock Pot	1pm	1:00	Round Pewter Bowl
	day before : peel potatoes & soak in water
Jenny	Traditional Herbed Stuffing
	fresh herbs, mushrooms and bread cubes	Crock-Pot	11am	3:00	Grey Staub Crock
	day before : pack in crock-pot
Jenny	Gravy
	from drippings of turkey, chicken stock, wine & butter	Stove Top -  Sauce Pan	1:30pm	:30	Pewter Gravy Boat
	day before : none
Mike’s Mom	Vegetables (?)
	Up to Joy!				White Oval Platter
Mom	Sweet Potatoes
	Baked Sweet Potatoes	White Baking Dish	1:30pm	:30	White Baking Dish
	day before : (mom) prepare completely
Mike’s Sister	Croissants
	homemade croissants				Oval Pewter Bowl
Jenny	Pecan Pie
	Chocolate & Pecan Pie				White Pie Dish
	day before : prepare pastry crust
Jill	Coconut Pie
	Creamy Coconut Meringue Pie with Toasted Coconut				White Pie Dish
	day before : prepare pastry crust
Jill	Pumpkin Pie
	traditional				Mom’s White Pie Dish
	day before : prepare pastry crust
Jenny	Spiced Nuts
	barefoot contessa’s new rosemary and chipotle nuts				White Footed Bowl
	day before : prepare completely
Jenny	Fleur De Sel Caramels
	homemade caramels				Med Pewter Tray
	day before : prepare completely				Glassine Bags
Jenny	Cheese Platter
	selection of artisan cheese with flat breads				Large Pewter Tray
	day before : none
Mike	Wine
	Red & White Wine				Rustic Wine Glasses
Mom	Pumpkin Beer
	Local Pumpkin Beer				Chilled in Large Pewter Bowl