Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is around the corner—I can't believe it! I started to prepare this past weekend for the enormous meal we prepare each year for our family.

Jump to:

• Plan, Plan, Plan
• Create a Menu that has four columns on it.
• Find coupons to save money on Ingredients.
• Buy bulk Items with coupons.
• View your party supplies from last year.
• Visit your nearby discount store for replacement items.
• Gather all necessary items for Thanksgiving.
• Create a buffet for the Thanksgiving party if you have a crowd.  
• Prepare the Area for Guests Staying Over
• Buy Fresh New Towels

This year, we will have some of our staple side dishes like Chestnut Stuffing (modified for our vegetarian guests) and brine Turkey, pumpkin, and apple pie. But this year, we will try a new cranberry sauce, vegetarian soup, and string bean recipe, among other dishes. Yummy!

Here are quick tips on getting your home ready for Thanksgiving.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Make a list of what you will have for your Thanksgiving meal in advance. I like to do this at the end of October to make sure I plan for the money and time I will need to complete all the stuff in time for Thanksgiving. I make a list of the dishes by course: appetizer—antipasto, Main Course—turkey (brine style), etc.

Visit our other post for more tips! THANKSGIVING PARTY PLANNING TIPS MADE EASY

Create a Menu that has four columns on it.

1. Add the title of the recipe in the first column.

2. In the second column, indicate what course it will be used for. This could be the main course, the appetizer, the side dishes, or the desserts. Noting the recipe and the course will help you determine what you still need to add to this massive Thanksgiving dinner.

3. Then, the last column would be for ingredients that you need to buy because you may have some ingredients already in your pantry (Affiliate Link). Check there first before adding the ingredients to the list.

4. Indicate if you have the item by checking the X column.

Here is an example below of how you should write it out.

Recipe Name	Course	Ingredients for this recipe	X

Find coupons to save money on Ingredients.

To save money, find coupons for the staple items you need for your dishes online.

Pie crusts, pie filling, and many other items always have coupons this time of year. Shop early for these items - some coupons will expire by Thanksgiving.

Coupons.com is a great place to look for manufacturers' coupons.

Also, check the grocery store app to make sure you load all the coupons you need.

Check the pharmacy store apps, too. They sometimes have these items cheaper than the grocery store because they don't want to keep too many things in stock for too long.

Buy bulk Items with coupons.

To save even more money, buy bulk items and use coupons!  

These items include butter, flour, sugar, etc. Thinking ahead about what you plan on using in December will make it easier when you start the busy holiday hosting season.

Check out this post, 50+ Freezable Foods That Will Save You Time and Money by Andrea Dekker, for more items you may want to freeze before they are sold out during Thanksgiving.

View your party supplies from last year.

Look through and inspect linens and ensure all your supplies are in good shape. Over the years, items can look worn, and there may be ones that have cracks or scratches on them. Review these items, make a "To Buy" list, and remember to buy early.

Visit your nearby discount store for replacement items.

Since retailers start selling holiday stuff, the Thanksgiving entertaining items are usually discounted.  Check there first before going to a more expensive store.

Check out what I did last year for my Thanksgiving Table using old linen towels from my grandmother. MAKING A TABLECLOTH FROM ANTIQUE LINEN TOWEL AND LACE TABLE RUNNER

Gather all necessary items for Thanksgiving.

Gather your platters (Affiliate Link) and other serving dishes/utensils (Affiliate Link) and put them in one place. Go through and match up a serving utensil with each platter (Affiliate Link). Ensure you have enough plates, glasses, silverware, etc... for all your guests. If you run short, add it to the "To Buy" list.

Create a buffet for the Thanksgiving party if you have a crowd.  

Pick an area with ample room on both sides. This will allow your guests to walk around the buffet and help themselves more quickly.

Visit our other THANKSGIVING PARTY PLANNING TIPS-MADE EASY post for tips!

Visit our recipes for a crowd for some recipe ideas:

Prepare the Area for Guests Staying Over

If guests stay with you, ensure clean towels and set up a bed for them. I like to decorate the house and the room our guests remain in with various fall decorations. Add your items to the "To Buy" list if they are worn.

Buy Fresh New Towels

When they go on sale, buy two to four complete sets of towels (hand towel, washcloth, bath towel) to use only for company.  

Place them in the linen closet, away from all the other towels. I like using the top shelf for these towels.

Visit our posts on what to make for guests when they spend the night.

HOW TO MAKE A CUTE GUEST WELCOME BASKET FOR THE HOLIDAYS

HOW TO MAKE A CUTE GUEST SHOWER CADDY

If you want even more tips, check out these additional posts to help you get your home ready.

Thanksgiving Prep List by Real Simple

Easy Organizing: Your Thanksgiving Table Settings by Good Housekeeping

Well, I hope this helps you make your Thanksgiving less stressful. With a little planning, you will have a successful day.

Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.