Creating an efficient timeline and checklist is an essential part of any successful party. Here is my version that will help you have a stress-free and fun Thanksgiving! I created this menu from special requests, family traditions and new ideas! When planning the menu, I think about what can be made ahead of time, what will need to be in the oven at what time and for how long – I only have 1 oven, so oven space is limited. I also plan the platter on which it will be served.
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THANKSGIVING MENU |
prepared in |
start time |
cooking time |
serving piece |
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Jenny |
Roasted Turkey |
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with lemon, garlic & thyme basted in white wine & butter |
Oven – Roasting Pan |
9am |
5:00 |
Large White Oval Platter |
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day before : none |
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Jenny |
Mashed Potatoes |
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yukon gold potatoes mashed with butter, salt & pepper |
Stove Top – Lg Stock Pot |
1pm |
1:00 |
Round Pewter Bowl |
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day before : peel potatoes & soak in water |
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Jenny |
Traditional Herbed Stuffing |
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fresh herbs, mushrooms and bread cubes |
Crock-Pot |
11am |
3:00 |
Grey Staub Crock |
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day before : pack in crock-pot |
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Jenny |
Gravy |
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from drippings of turkey, chicken stock, wine & butter |
Stove Top – Sauce Pan |
1:30pm |
:30 |
Pewter Gravy Boat |
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day before : none |
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Mike’s Mom |
Vegetables (?) |
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Up to Joy! |
White Oval Platter |
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Mom |
Sweet Potatoes |
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Baked Sweet Potatoes |
White Baking Dish |
1:30pm |
:30 |
White Baking Dish |
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day before : (mom) prepare completely |
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Mike’s Sister |
Croissants |
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homemade croissants |
Oval Pewter Bowl |
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Jenny |
Pecan Pie |
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Chocolate & Pecan Pie |
White Pie Dish |
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day before : prepare pastry crust |
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Jill |
Coconut Pie |
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Creamy Coconut Meringue Pie with Toasted Coconut |
White Pie Dish |
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day before : prepare pastry crust |
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Jill |
Pumpkin Pie |
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traditional |
Mom’s White Pie Dish |
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day before : prepare pastry crust |
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Jenny |
Spiced Nuts |
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barefoot contessa’s new rosemary and chipotle nuts |
White Footed Bowl |
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day before : prepare completely |
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Jenny |
Fleur De Sel Caramels |
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homemade caramels |
Med Pewter Tray |
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day before : prepare completely |
Glassine Bags |
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Jenny |
Cheese Platter |
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selection of artisan cheese with flat breads |
Large Pewter Tray |
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day before : none |
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Mike |
Wine |
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Red & White Wine |
Rustic Wine Glasses |
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Mom |
Pumpkin Beer |
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Local Pumpkin Beer |
Chilled in Large Pewter Bowl |
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