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The Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Plan

prep yesterday, enjoy today

Everything that can be done ahead, done ahead. Tap each step as you finish it; your progress stays on this phone.

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One week out

Plan it

Settle the menu and the headcount, then stop adding dishes
Order the turkey to pick up Tuesday
Write the grocery list in three parts: pantry, produce, the day of
Pick the table: linens, candles and one flower you love

The weekend before

Shop and stock

Buy the pantry items, the wine and anything that keeps
Make the pie dough and freeze it
Clear a shelf in the refrigerator for the bird

Tuesday

Pick up and brine

Pick up the turkey and dry-brine it, uncovered, in the refrigerator
Make the cranberry sauce; it keeps all week
Buy the produce and the flowers

Wednesday

The big prep day

Bake the pies
Assemble the stuffing and any casseroles to bake tomorrow
Wash and dry the greens, then roll them in a towel
Set the table tonight, after bedtime

Thanksgiving morning

Slow and steady

Take the turkey out an hour before it goes in the oven
Roast the turkey
Chill the drinks and put the flowers out

One hour before

The final stretch

Let the turkey rest while the stuffing and sides bake
Make the gravy from the pan drippings
Light the candles before the first car pulls up

At the table

Sit down

Carve at the table, family style
Dress the salad right before it goes down
Sit with everyone. The dishes will be there in the morning

Happy Thanksgiving from my table to yours.

Bluestone & basil

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