Follow This Day-By-Day Timeline For a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

In less than two weeks, many of us will be sitting down to the delicious aromas of roast turkey and all the side dishes. My family not only spoons out classic American side dishes like green bean or corn casserole, roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes, but we also have a few Chinese-Filipino side dishes too, like noodles or sticky rice. I tease that it's the holiday of gluttony.

Certainly every family has their traditions, so for this reason, I thought it might be more helpful to roll out a timeline that I've developed over the years from parties and Thanksgivings we've hosted. Actually, the timeline I use is a spreadsheet that gives me dates for different activities. I'm that committed to planning.

Have you ordered your fresh turkey? Check out or . It's not too late to order your Ho-Ka or Schaul's fresh turkey. Maybe you're purchasing a frozen turkey? You have until five days before Thanksgiving to buy one on ice. It's also time to confirm the number of your guests and plan your menu and detailed shopping lists if you haven't done so.

A few other items to check off this coming week to ensure a less stressful day:

1. Check that you have enough serving dishes and utensils.
2. Look over your table linens and napkins. Iron the tablecloth, if necessary.
3. Order centerpieces, if using fresh flowers.
4. Empty your coat closets for guests.

One week before Thanksgiving

1. Clean and organize refrigerator. If you need extra space, hopefully you have a neighbor or family nearby who can help out.
2. Generally, allow three to five days to thaw your frozen turkey (15-20 lbs.)
3. Prepare anything that can be frozen ahead. This includes pie crusts, rolls, and bread.
4. Early in the week check your recipes and shopping lists before heading out to buy your ingredients. You may wait on your baked goods and fresh produces.

Two Days Before

1. Set the table if possible, wash china and crystal if needed.
2. Do any of your guests need transportation arranged for them?
3. Anything you've frozen ahead (pies, bread, etc.), take out now and store in refrigerator to thaw.

The Day Before

1. Set up your plates, dishware and silverware if you have not already done so.
2. Check your home for last minute clean-up.
3. Purchase, pick up and prepare the rest of the food on your menu.
4. Fill your salt and pepper shakers, get butter plates ready.

Day of Thanksgiving

1. One hour before cooking your turkey, bring to room temperature.
2. Prepare stuffing or dressing in the morning, and while the turkey is roasting, prepare your other side dishes.
3. Have someone help you with last minute details like staging the coffee maker and cups. I also like to have my children color and make place cards for the table in the morning.
4. Light some candles around the room (unscented in the dining room so the scent won't compete with your food).
5. Have glassware and light refreshments available for your guests as they arrive.

Thank you for allowing me to share in your Thanksgiving planning. Enjoy your feast wherever you are, happy hosting, and healthy eating!