Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time of year to gather with friends and family and give thanks for all of life’s simple pleasures. For some, it is a time to rest and reflect and for others, Thanksgiving means planning a lively celebration.

How ever you choose to spend time this Thanksgiving Day, it is never too early to start planning. Here is a super-easy time line to help with the countdown to your Thanksgiving Day gathering.

4 Weeks Before Thanksgiving - The Party Planning Begins!

Think about the style of party you want to have. A cozy, intimate party for a few friends or a big bash with all of the extended family? Will it be an elegant dinner party or a BBQ turkey and some outdoor harvest fun?

Decide on who will be invited and start compiling names and addresses. If you are creating homemade invitations, start designing and constructing these soon.

Review the guest list and make a note of any special food requirements or restrictions that your guests may have - allergies, special diets, vegetarianism, etc. Don’t forget to take these into consideration when you are planning your menu.

Start making a list of what food and beverages you would like to serve at your party. From there, it will be easier to make a shopping list when the time comes.

It might be a good idea to clean out your refrigerator in preparation for all of the Thanksgiving Day groceries. You want to make sure you have room for everything!

2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving - The Countdown is On!

Look over your menu and make sure your grocery list is complete - it is time to shop for all of the non-perishable food items.

Think about your Thanksgiving Day table. Do you have a large enough table for everyone to sit comfortably? Do you have enough chairs for all of your invited guests? If not, call your local party rental and reserve what you need.

Decide on how you will decorate. If you are keeping it simple, order a beautiful floral arrangement to use as a centerpiece. If you are planning a more formal party, add candles and elegant place settings for a classy touch. For a harvest theme, add pumpkins, gourds or scarecrows around the house for an autumn feel.

1 Week Before Thanksgiving - The Big Day is Almost Here!

Polish all silverware and make sure you have all of the necessary platters and serving dishes.

Decide on the seating arrangements. If children are attending, make sure there is a booster seat or high chair for them.

Make a cooking schedule. Decide which dishes can be made ahead of time and which need to be prepared on Thanksgiving Day. Then create an order for cooking the last minute dishes so the kitchen runs smoothly and the dishes are served hot.

Begin cleaning the house and preparing guest rooms for any overnight guests.

3 Days Before Thanksgiving - The Pressure is On!

Shop for all the perishable food items needed for you appetizers, main dishes and desserts. Don’t forget beverages too!

Pick up your floral arrangements or have them delivered to save time. Begin decorating the inside and outside of your home.

Do last minute kitchen preparations like filling salt and pepper shakers, preparing butter dishes and setting out re-sealable containers and bags for any leftovers.

Spruce up the house with some light housecleaning.

The Day Before Thanksgiving - The Day Has Arrived!

You have planned a great party. Now it is time to go with the flow and enjoy the day.

Follow your cooking schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly and don’t fret!

Give thanks for your wonderful family and friends and celebrate this Thanksgiving in fine style.

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