8 Steps to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner

A dining table with various dishes served and people sharing food showcasing a meal gathering scene — Credit:
The Good Brigade / Getty Images

It’s the most stressful—err, wonderful—time of the year: Thanksgiving. While the meal itself is usually delicious and the company exceptional, actually getting to the table requires plenty of careful planning. And if you don’t have your routine down to a science, it can get chaotic quickly.

Time to call in the professionals. We consulted with event planners Brittany Michelle and Crysta Miller, alongside cheese board connoisseur Corinn Ignatieff, for tips on nailing Thanksgiving and keeping the day as stress-free as possible.

Brittany Michelle, founder, The Venlist
Crysta Miller, event professional at Stelloccasions
Corinn Ignatieff, owner of Graze Craze Medford

01 of 08

Confirm Your Guest List ASAP

Knowing exactly who’s coming helps you plan out portions. Plus, you’ll be able to check with guests ahead of time to see if there are dietary restrictions or preferences you need to know when menu planning.

“The most important thing hosts can do ahead of time to reduce Thanksgiving Day stress is to confirm your guest list as soon as possible and plan out your menu and décor needs,” Miller explains. “Your guest count will determine how much food you need to prepare and how many table settings you’ll need, so it is imperative that you have this number first.”

02 of 08

Shop for Non-Perishables Ahead of Time

Canned chickpeas — Credit:
HandmadePictures / Getty Images

Once you’ve decided what’s on the menu, Miller recommends shopping for required non-perishables well ahead of time. This will help you avoid the stressful grocery store rush Thanksgiving week.

You can also likely score better deals on liquor and other ingredients in the months leading up to Turkey Day. Things like flour, canned goods, wine, and spices are all smart items to stock up on. “When you already know what you’re serving, you can shop smart and relax later,” Michelle adds.

03 of 08

Family-Style vs. Buffet-Style

Buffet table set with various dishes bread a centerpiece with flowers and a swan decoration lit by candles by windows — Credit: Frederic Lagrange

As fun as it is to dream up Thanksgiving tablescapes, it’s in your best interest to decide how you’re serving the meal in question first. "Hosts can make sure they create a beautiful tablescape by first determining if the meal will be served family-style with dishes in the middle of the table," explains Miller, "or buffet-style with dishes displayed on a separate table."

If you decide to go the buffet-style route, you’ll have more room for centerpieces and candles. Alternatively, family-style makes the meal feel cozier and more intimate—but the platters of food are probably going to be the centerpieces in question. Whichever you decide, plan ahead of time. "This will help determine how much space you have for décor and place-setting items," Miller says.

04 of 08

Create a Cooking Schedule

If my mother has taught me anything, it’s that Thanksgiving success comes down to one thing: timing. Michelle agrees. "If you’ve got multiple cooks in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day, create a cooking schedule based on prep and oven time," she suggests, "especially if you’re working with just one oven and lots of dishes that need it."

Consider labeling the cookware and dishware you plan to use for each item, alongside the recipe, cook time, person in charge, and baking temperature needed. Laying this out in advance, along with creating a master list with all the info you need, keeps you on track (and less stressed). "When possible, prep or partially cook things a night or two before," adds Michelle. "Future you will say thank you!"

05 of 08

Keep Décor Simple and Natural

fall tablescape decorated with dried flowers — Credit: Ryan Liebe

When it comes to Thanksgiving table décor, less is usually more. “Wood boards, linen napkins, and fresh greenery create an effortlessly elegant look,” says Ignatieff. “A grazing board or charcuterie spread can even double as an edible centerpiece—it’s both functional and stunning. Surround it with small pumpkins, seasonal fruits, or sprigs of herbs for an easy, elevated touch.”

You don’t need to stress yourself out with an elaborate centerpiece (unless you want to). Your guests are there to eat and enjoy your company, so don’t overthink it.

06 of 08

Create a Purposeful Kids' Table

A table set for a childrens meal with themed decor and metal chairs — Credit: Bryan Gardner

Want to keep the kids occupied? Set up a purposeful table that’ll keep them entertained and happy. "I love setting up a kids’ table covered with butcher paper where they can draw or write what they’re thankful for," shares Ignatieff. "It keeps them engaged while the adults mingle, and it adds a sweet, personal touch to the celebration."

If you don’t have a designated kids' table, consider using butcher paper to create a runner of sorts for the main table. You can scatter small bowls of crayons or colored pencils and let little ones create their own design throughout the meal. It’s inexpensive, creative, and buys you some additional time for hosting duties.

07 of 08

Make Your Greens in Advance

Various fresh leafy greens arranged on a surface including chard spinach kale and collard greens around a colander — Credit:
Bryan Gardner

Some dishes only improve with time, and greens are one of them. “If you’re a ‘greens’ kind of cook—collards, mustard, all those delicious greens—you can absolutely make them ahead of time,” says Michelle. “Freeze them, then reheat on the stove with a turkey wing, ham hock … whatever makes your heart (and taste buds) happy. My family does this all the time!”

This tip doesn’t just apply to making greens. Tons of casseroles, sauces, and desserts can be made a day or two ahead and reheated. (My mom always makes her homemade cranberry sauce on Tuesday evening before Thanksgiving.)

08 of 08

Let Your Guests Help

Finally, remember that you don’t have to do (or prepare) it all. “Just because you are hosting doesn’t mean you have to do everything,” reminds Miller. “Maybe pies aren’t your specialty, so ask a friend to help you out! Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your guests.”

Typically, guests want to contribute, and giving them a task such as bringing a favorite side or even setting the table helps them feel like they’re part of the day.