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TCP Kitchen

Thanksgiving Countdown

The secret to making turkey day fun and worry-free? Start early!

Plan ahead for a smooth holiday.

3 Weeks Ahead

Plan your pretty holiday table (name cards? flowers? candles?).

Choose strategic side dishes that free up the oven and finalize menu.

2 Weeks Ahead

Prepare frozen foods such as pie dough and chicken stock in advance.

Stock beverages, including cocktails or wineas well as drinks for the kids.

1 Week Ahead

Purge and clean your fridge to make room for holiday cooking.

Thaw turkey. (This can take a couple of days.)

Match serving dishes to recipes.

Shop for fresh ingredients to avoid the crowds.

2–3 Days Before

Soups, appetizers (dips) and cranberry sauces all improve if made in advance.

If you’re doing a liquid brine, now’s the time.

Go over recipes one last time to make sure you have everything you need. Consider organizing them on sheet pans.

Day Before

Bake pies, make salad dressings, prepare crudités and refrigerate in zip-close bags.

Cube and dry bread or cornbread for stuffing.

Game Day

You’ve got this. Happy Thanksgiving!