Hosting Thanksgiving...A Labor of Love

Chef’s Palette tableware goes with everything and is the perfect companion to Classic Pearl flatware. Stock up on handy serving pieces like gravy boats and small plates…they’ll definitely come in handy.

Preparing a sumptious Thanksgiving meal for family and friends is truly a labor of love. There is the preparation of your home…setting the table…shopping, chopping, and slicing all the delicious foods--not to mention the little extra touches that make the day memorable.

With some careful “early bird” preparation, you’ll be ready to welcome guests around your table and actually enjoy the day yourself. A gracious host is always relaxed and prepared for company. Just follow our easy planner and practical tips and you will be ready to count your blessings!

Thanksgiving Tips:

Prevent peeled potatoes from discoloring by placing in a pot of cold water, cover, and refrigerate up to one day before cooking.
Frozen turkeys need time to defrost. Plan accordingly or buy fresh.
Placecards on your table to welcome guests and direct them where to sit.
Scatter dried leaves, pinecones, or colorful gourds for decoration. Wrap chandeliers, ice buckets and mantles with grapevine.
Make sure you have plenty of stemware and barware ready. This is a time for celebrating.

Stress Free Thanksgiving Planner

Two Weeks Ahead - week of 11/4

Finalize number of guests

Create shopping list

Order fresh turkey or buy a frozen one

Plan table and seating arrangements

Take inventory of tableware, flatware, supplies

Plan entire meal including appetizers and desserts

Assign jobs or dishes for guests to contribute

One Week Ahead – week of 11/11

Wash and iron linens

Purchase beverages (wine, soda, beer)

Order centerpiece or cut flowers for tables

Buy non-perishables (snacks, nuts, canned goods)

Start organizing house and decluttering rooms

Buy decorations (candles, linens, gourds, mums)

Schedule haircut and manicure appointment so you’ll look your best.

Three Days Ahead – 11/19

Purchase all perishable ingredients

Bake and freeze desserts/dishes that can be made ahead

Gather all items for table including dessert plates, cups and saucers

Fill salt and pepper shakers. Inventory spices.

Check stemware and glassware for spots

Clean bathrooms/guestrooms thoroughly

Two Days Ahead – 11/20

Take out cookware, utensils, flatware, warming plates

Prepare dishes that can be refrigerated (dips, spreads, sauces)

Set table. Make placecards. Display candles and decorations.

Take out serving pieces, ladles, platters and bowls

Prepare dough for pies or chilled desserts. Refrigerate.

One Day Ahead – 11/21

Clean and truss turkey. Refrigerate.

Prepare salads, side dishes, stuffing.

Fill and bake pies. Make desserts.

Tidy up kitchen, dining room, and bathroom. Vaccuum and dust.

Make room in closet for extra coats.

Peel and slice potatoes, place in pot of cold water. Refrigerate.

Thanksgiving Day – 11/22

Stuff turkey. Roast according to directions.

Prepare appetizers, side dishes, vegetables.

Place butter on table

Bake bread or pick up fresh rolls

Make gravy

Cook potatoes and stuffing

Prepare coffee/tea

Light candles. Fill water goblets.

Set the mood with soothing music.

Prepare bar. Fill ice bucket.

Welcome guests

Set table or buffet with food

Pour wine or champagne.

Toast your guests and give thanks!