How to Have a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

turkey graphic that says "stress-free thanksgiving"

I love making a Thanksgiving meal. Something about coordinating this complicated meal full of comforting and savory dishes brings me joy. I love the scent of the autumn herbs filling my home. Since I’ve lived away from my family in Kentucky for a few years and making it home is a rare treat, spending time in my kitchen on Thanksgiving reminds me of growing up.

However, to keep Thanksgiving cooking stress-free and a happy experience, it requires planning and coordination. As a result, this post may seem like my method is a production. Honestly, it kind of is, but this flow works for our family and makes the whole week very enjoyable.

Here’s a little peek at how I make cooking a Thanksgiving meal stress-free. And just for you, I included a FREE downloadable planning kit.

Order Groceries Early

I’m picky on my turkey and will spend a little extra on a good bird from Whole Foods. I place the order early so that I can get the right size. This gives me enough time to thaw it out as well.

I often order our groceries online so that I can avoid the store crowds and consequently control my budget a little better. By Sunday, I have most of my ingredients for Thanksgiving in the house.

Make Space

Most importantly, I make space in the fridge early in the week. On Saturday or Sunday, I do a cleanout so that there’s room for all the dishes and ingredients. If you brine a turkey AND have a small fridge as I do, you need a big footprint for your bird early in the week.

Gather Tools and Serveware

I get all of the kitchen tools ready – my go-tos are my Wusthof knives*, Epicurean cutting board*, Microplane Zester*, and OXO garlic press*.

Similarly, I gather the containers for storing and serving foods. This includes lids paired with specific containers. Some sides are stored in the same dish for serving, which makes setting out the buffet and cleaning up a little easier. I do this for cranberry sauce, stuffing, and rice. My go-to for storage and serving is French White by Corningware*. I love it because it is so classic and brings back memories of family potlucks in Kentucky.

Chunky cranberry sauce in a white bowl with decorations off to the side: autumn hand towel and oranges and cranberries — Oven-Baked Cranberry Sauce

Plan a Simple Menu

If I’m preparing the bulk of the meal, I make a couple show stoppers and go simple on everything else. I put a ton of effort into my turkey, gravy, and dressing. On the other hand, everything else is less elaborate – plain roasted veggies and store bought rolls and pies. As an example, if I’m not hosting a big meal, I may purchase just a couple of slices at a bakery.

2021 Thanksgiving Menu

Turkey
Gravy
Rice
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Canned Cranberry Sauce
Stuffing/Dressing
Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Oven Roasted Green Beans
Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Turkey Butter Sculpture
Storebought Pies (or I’ll outsource these if we are hosting)

In other words, this is a big menu because it is Thanksgiving. As mentioned above, most of my sides are pretty basic oven-roasted veggies or store-bought. The menu is a little healthier as a result since it’s not smothered in cream of mushroom soup or marshmallows. Consequently, it’s a little cheaper too since fewer ingredients means less stuff to buy!

The infamous butter turkey. A must for any Thanksgiving table.

How does all of this come together?

Take a look at my Thanksgiving meal prep timeline post for my method of breaking up the meal prep throughout the week. You’ll want to download my FREE Thanksgiving meal planning kit too!

*This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from purchases.