Get our free newsletter Enter your E-Mail: Can't find it? Search for it: HOME & GARDEN ARTICLES Thanksgiving Planner Early November Plan your menu. Choose from these delicious menu ideas: Thanksgiving Menus Invite your guests. Keep track of who is bringing what on your menu. Make shopping list of perishables and nonperishables. Don't forget to include film, batteries and beverages. If you are ordering a fresh turkey, do it now. Make a Thanksgiving to-do list, listing all the little things you feel must get done prior to Thanksgiving. Be sure to schedule time for each chore and indicate who will take care of that chore. Order your floral centerpieces now. Two Weeks Ahead Check all serving dishes, flatware and glassware. Shop for any paper goods you need for the event. Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for your guests. Take an inventory of your tablecloths and napkins. If any of your items need to be cleaned, do it now. Clean your refrigerator to make room for your Thanksgiving items. Shop for nonperishable groceries on your shopping list. Plan and make decorations. One Week Ahead Plan seating arrangements. Review your recipes. Prepare cooking schedule. Check thawing time for frozen turkey. Four Days Ahead Start defrosting the frozen turkey in your refrigerator. Save money on ice—start making your own ice cubes now. When frozen, dump them in a freezer bag. Two Days Ahead Chill beverages. Shop for perishable items. Set out bread for homemade stuffing. Make cranberry sauce. Fill salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes. Be sure your home is clean. One Day Ahead Peel potatoes and place in a pot of cold water. Keep in refrigerator. Clean vegetables and refrigerate. Make all dishes that can be prepared ahead. Don't forget the pies. Check your bathrooms. Be sure to have extra toilet paper and hand towels available. Put up decorations. Prepare stuffing. Do spot cleaning of the rooms that will be used. Buy flowers for the table. Let your family set the table in the evening. Make the side dishes that can be baked ahead of time. Thanksgiving Day Remove turkey from the refrigerator for one to two hours. Add stuffing. Preheat oven. Put turkey in oven and baste every half hour. Prepare coffee and brew 20 minutes before serving. Keep the turkey covered and let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing. Microwave food to quickly reheat if all the burners of the stove are occupied. Make gravy and last-minute vegetables. Set out refrigerated dishes. Heat bread or rolls as needed. Remove stuffing from turkey. Carve turkey.