Planning for Thanksgiving meal and guests

 

Host Mode: Welcome Your Guests (and Keep Things Chill)

Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re just getting back into the groove, prepping the house for guests and that big feast doesn’t have to feel like a marathon. With a little forward-thinking, you’ll enjoy the gathering and look like you’ve got it all together.

Here are some of the best insights I found (shout-out to the community at Reddit’s r/thanksgiving) that can save stress:

A top commenter recommends making a solid timeline for the day — pick your dinner time and work backwards. One redditor writes: “Figure out your menu then make a list of ingredients you need. Then decide when you can ‘make’ things happen.”

Prep ahead as much as possible. Think chopping veggies the day before, pulling out serving platters, labels for dishes. > “While the bird is cooking … boil your potatoes … place them in a crock pot … they stay hot for as long as you want.”

Don’t forget the hosting environment: extra trash bags, napkins, seating, plenty of ice, and a “helper” (even if that’s you on a breather duty!) stand out in comments. For example: > “And make sure you have more trash bags!”

Remember: your role isn’t perfection-police, it’s welcomer-in-chief. One tip: “Remove the middle rack of the oven before you pre-heat it! We always forget.”

So let’s turn those ideas into something you can reuse each year!

🗒️ Pre-Guest Checklist: Host Edition

1-2 Weeks Before

• Decide guest list & send arrival time + any parking/entry tips.

• Inventory seating: chairs, tables, cushions for comfort.

• Browse the menu and highlight items you’ll make vs delegate vs buy.

• Check serving dishes/platters/utensils — are they clean? Enough? Borrow or buy what’s missing.

• Buy non-perishables: napkins, paper towels, foil pans, extra trash bags, containers for leftovers.

• Clean and declutter guest spaces: living area, bathrooms, guest room, entryway.

• Pull out table linens, set the table layout (chairs, centrepiece, serving station).

• For the kitchen: clear fridge/freezer/pantry space for extras + set aside containers for leftovers.

1-3 Days Before

• Thaw turkey (or main meat) and check cooking time.

• Chop veggies, dry bread for stuffing, make any early sides.

• Make desserts or at least prepare the base (pies, cookies).

• Set up drink station: ice, cooler, cups/glasses, pitcher, napkins.

• Set “helper” jobs: trash duty, coat rack + guest drinks, last-minute store run if needed.

• Quick house check: vacuum/sweep main areas, wipe high-traffic surfaces, restock guest bathroom (toilet paper, hand soap, towels).

• Pull out serving dishes and label them: “Stuffing”, “Green Beans”, “Mashed Potatoes” so you’ll drop things in the right place. (Reddit tip.) Reddit

Morning Of

• Preheat oven(s), remove any racks you don’t need.

• Set up buffet or serving layout if you’re doing self-serve.

• Place apps/snacks out for early visitors (keeps guests happy while you finish main course).

• Shower/dress early — you want to be ready when guests arrive, not still scrambling in the kitchen. (Yes, Reddit mentioned this!) Reddit

• Refresh/clean bathrooms again, empty trash, wipe surfaces, ensure guest towels are present.

• Put the turkey (or main meat) in the oven or roaster; label what dish goes where; set timers.

• Set music (low-level background) or queue a playlist to keep the vibe warm (and you out of panic mode).

• Check that drink station is stocked and extras (ice, trays, utensils) are ready.

During & After Dinner

• Carve/serve main dish with confidence; delegate someone to refill drinks or clear plates.

• After dinner: move leftovers into containers promptly, label, and store or offer guests to take away.

• Change out trash bags, rinse used serving bowls/pans, start cleanup when guests transition to relaxing.

• Take a breath! Sit down with your guests, enjoy the moment you created.

Click here to download the free Thanksgiving preparation checklist that I put together. I included my own thoughts and researched what others do to prepare and so the list is pretty thorough. Let me know if you find it helpful!

CLICK here for free PDF

Final Thought

Hosting can feel big but you don’t have to be a superhero. The magic of Thanksgiving isn’t in perfection — it’s in welcoming people into your space and sharing time together.

Be sure to visit my Walmart storefront where I’ve gathered all my favorite helpful products to make your hostess job go smoothly. I like to order from Walmart online and then pick up the items at the store. I just park and reply to the text from Walmart to let them know I’m in the parking lot and what spot # I’m parked in. Someone from the store brings your order out to your car. You can choose your own bags or Walmart bags. I’ve always chosen my own bags so I can see each item. https://walmrt.us/4qOOKHl

With some prep in place, you’ll spend more time enjoying your guests instead of running around. xoxo, Dana