Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 4 step Thanksgiving plan for 2026
Congrats to you if you are taking on the most important job of the late fall and winter season! Yes, it’s a big meal with a lot of moving parts, but with a little planning it can be stress free! Plus, a good schedule will give you more time to spend with your family and friends. Just remember that a few hiccups will happen, just take them in stride.
Make a master plan. I am old-fashioned so I use a legal pad, but this will of course work on your phone or iPad. You will need your menu on a separate piece of paper to refer to. Your left-hand column is left blank for the time you will be starting each dish. List every item from main dishes to appetizers to snacks. Remember this list is only for what you are responsible for. Under each menu item, list every ingredient needed. Include everything, including spices and herbs. It’s a good idea to purchase herbs and spices fresh for this big day. Include sizes and amounts like 10 pounds of potatoes or 3 bags of stuffing. Your far-right column is for your shopping list. Shop for all your non-perishables this week to make shopping later easier. When you know what time you will be serving, you can fill out that left-hand column for start times and cooking times. For example: turkey in the oven at 9, stuffing made next to go in the oven 45 minutes before turkey is done. Gravy is made while the turkey is resting!
Cook ahead of time. So many menu items at Thanksgiving lend themselves to food prep. This makes the day itself much easier.
- Rolls can be made the day before and a quick warm in the microwave just before dinner will make them warm and fluffy.
- Vegetables too will reheat just fine in their serving dish.
- Appetizers and dips taste even better made a day ahead.
- Mashed potatoes can be made the day before. Just make them a little stiff and reheat slowly on the stove with warm cream and melted butter.
A word on rich foods. This is Thanksgiving, it’s not time for dieting or being healthy. I’m talking all full fat dairy here!
Choose what drinks you want to serve. As far as drinks go, we don’t go all out with a full bar. I fill the cooler with ice, beer, hard seltzer and soft drinks. If your family does enjoy wine and you’re not familiar go to a good liquor store and ask for recommendations for your menu. A bottle of wine contains five glasses and has about 2-3 glasses per guest. Though I’m not doing the full bar I always have a bottle of good vodka in the freezer and a bottle of bourbon if someone wants something a little stronger.
Ask for some help. Some guests can bring desserts, appetizers, snacks and drinks. Everyone has their signature dish, so they’ll be happy to contribute.
So, get your master plan prepared and do as much shopping as you can this week and next! Next week on the blog we’ll talk about how to make the week of Thanksgiving go smoothly.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
