Thanksgiving Place Cards & Thanksgiving Dinner Checklist
Free printable place cards for your Thanksgiving table!
I can't believe that it's already time for the holiday season! It seems like the older I get, the more quickly the months pass. This makes me want to freeze time for a bit, which unfortunately isn't possible!
This year, I am just working hard in advance to be prepared for the holiday season so that I can relax some and really enjoy my family. For me, this means lots of planning ahead and staying organized.
My Free Download Fridays are an attempt to help YOU to do this as well - everything from DIY gifts, printable checklists and make-ahead recipes are going up for download over the next few weeks and I hope that they are helpful to each and every one of you!
Today, I am offering a 4-page checklist for your Thanksgiving dinner preparation and rustic place cards to complete your table setting!
Free Thanksgiving Printables
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE:
Create guest list
Design menu and delegate food assignments if guests will be bringing food
Clean out refrigerator(s) and discard expired condiments and clear extra room on shelves
Plan seating for all guests and arrange for extra seating, if needed
Take inventory of containers that can be used for leftovers
Order or buy turkey - and make sure the size of the turkey will feed the number of guests you’re expecting! The Kitchnn (www.TheKitchnn.com) recommends 1 lb per person, unless if you want leftovers - then you’ll want 1.5 - 2 lbs per person. (and we all want leftovers, right?)
Make recipe lists and grocery lists
Take inventory of your current pantry items so that you can use what you have
Make lists of non-perishable items that you can purchase now
Consider preparing dishes now that freeze well to save time closer to Thanksgiving Day
Schedule down time during the holiday weekend for yourself: pedicure, movies, etc.
Drink 1/2 your weight in oz of water each day!
MONDAY:
Get some exercise and drink 1/2 your weight in oz of water
Finalize head count
Put frozen turkey in refrigerator to start thawing
Prepare and/or iron linens, clean drinkware and serving dishes.
Set up area for after-dinner lounging and have game stations available.
TUESDAY:
Prepare your water for the day (remember, 1/2 your weight in oz!) and practice some yoga or stretching
Make sides like cranberry relish that can sit for 2 days
Prepare bread (start to dry it for stuffing) and chop veggies for stuffing
Purchase the rest of your grocery items
Print and write place cards
Peel and cut veggies for later recipes
Make centerpieces and get centerpiece accessories ready
WEDNESDAY:
Pick up last-minute grocery items
Prepare the stuffing and have it ready to bake
Make Desserts
Drink 1/2 your weight in oz of water
Create “staging area” for serving dishes
Brine the turkey, if you’re going to be doing so
If you’re having mashed potatoes, you can peel the potatoes today and place in water (to prevent browning) overnight.
Create a space for kid’s activities - see this great examplefor how to create a table for the kids
THURSDAY:
MORNING:
Wake up a little early and get some exercise - and exercise your gratitude by taking some time to give thanks - drink your water
If needed, do a load of dishes in the dishwasher
Prepare and stuff turkey, and use a timer for basting once it’s in the oven
Prepare any appetizers that you’ll be serving ahead of dinnertime
Chill wine, beer and other beverages - make sure you have enough ice
Bake casseroles that have not been baked and prepare the potatoes
AFTERNOON:
Set up an accessible bar area for guests
Have coffee ready to brew for after dinner
Set out appetizers and snacks
When the turkey is within an hour of completion, warm sides, whip potatoes
Take out the trash and replace bags for an easier clean-up after dinner
EVENING:
Brew coffee
Set out desserts
Relax a bit!!!
Create take home supplies for guests to pack leftovers
Put extra tables away and put linens in to be washed
Set dishwasher to run
Take out trash
FRIDAY:
Rest, enjoy family, and be proud of the amazing Thanksgiving dinner you provided
Drink 1/2 your weight in oz of water
The place cards have been printed on the same kraft-colored card stock that I used in last week's download, the labels for the homemade vanilla. When printed, there are 3 per page (8.5 x 11) - and you simply cut along the grey outlines and fold at the center.