What can I prepare the day before?

Cranberry sauce, desserts, chopped vegetables, and casseroles can be prepped Wednesday.

Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Timeline

Hand drawn image of a thanksgiving dinner table with turkey and sides

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Does this sound familiar?

🦃

Frozen Turkey Panic

Thursday morning discovery: the turkey is still frozen solid.

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Oven Traffic Jam

Everything needs the oven at 350°F at the same time.

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Timing Disaster

Turkey's done but sides are raw, or everything's cold by dinner.

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Forgotten Dishes

Remembered the cranberry sauce at 3 PM on Thursday.

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Family Chaos

Everyone asking "what can I help with?" while you're stressed.

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Cleanup Mountain

Dishes piled to the ceiling with no plan for tackling them.

How LoopyList Orchestrates Thanksgiving

4-Day Timeline

From Tuesday shopping to Thursday serving, every task is scheduled.

Oven Coordination

Staggers cooking times so multiple dishes finish together.

Family Assignments

Clear roles for who does what, when they should help.

Make-Ahead Guide

Wednesday prep tasks that reduce Thursday stress.

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The Results

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Everything Ready Together

Hot turkey, perfect sides, all finished at dinner time.

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Stress-Free Host

Enjoy your guests instead of panicking in the kitchen.

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Family Teamwork

Everyone knows their role and timing.

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Memorable Meal

Focus on gratitude, not logistics.

Start with this Timeline

Customize for your needs: Modify the text on the left / To get the timeline on the right

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. A 16-pound turkey needs 3-4 days in the refrigerator to thaw completely.

Internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, away from bone. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Use a timeline that staggers cooking times. Some sides can be made ahead, reheated, or finished on the stovetop while turkey rests.

Cranberry sauce, desserts, chopped vegetables, casseroles, and bread can be prepped Wednesday. Set the table and prep serving dishes too.

Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Timeline # Guest & Menu Planning Guest Count*| Dietary Restrictions*| Family Bringing*| * TUESDAY - Shopping & Prep Start Grocery shopping Buy all ingredients including turkey (fresh or start thawing frozen) [Cook] Turkey thaw check If frozen, move turkey to refrigerator (24 hours per 4-5 lbs) [Cook] * WEDNESDAY - Make Ahead Day Cranberry sauce Make homemade cranberry sauce (can be done up to 3 days ahead) @T9:00 [Cook] Dessert prep Bake pies, prepare desserts that can be made ahead @T10:00 [Baker] Vegetable prep Wash, chop, and store vegetables for stuffing, sides @T14:00 [Prep Helper] Set table and serving area Set dining table, arrange serving dishes and utensils @T16:00 [Table Setter] Casserole assembly Assemble green bean casserole, sweet potato dish (don't bake yet) @T17:00 [Cook] * THURSDAY - Cooking Day Turkey prep and oven start Remove turkey from fridge, season, stuff if desired, preheat oven to 325°F @T7:00 [Cook] Turkey in oven Place turkey in roasting pan, into oven (15-20 min per pound) @T8:00 [Cook] Stuffing prep Prepare stuffing if not cooking inside turkey @T10:00 [Prep Helper] Mashed potato prep Peel and cut potatoes, keep in water until cooking time @T11:00 [Potato Person] Gravy base Make gravy base from turkey drippings (can add more as turkey cooks) @T11:30 [Cook] Start potatoes Put potatoes on to boil (45 min before serving) @T12:15 [Potato Person] ** Final Prep Casseroles in oven When turkey comes out to rest, put casseroles in oven @T13:00 [Cook] Turkey temperature check Check internal temp - should reach 165°F in thigh @T13:00 [Cook] Turkey rest and carve Remove turkey, tent with foil, let rest 30 min, then carve @T13:15 [Cook] Stovetop sides Start any stovetop sides (green beans, corn, etc) @T13:30 [Side Dish Helper] Mash potatoes Drain and mash potatoes with butter, milk, seasonings @T13:45 [Potato Person] Final gravy Finish gravy with final drippings and seasonings @T13:50 [Cook] # SERVING TIME Buffet setup Arrange all dishes on serving table with serving utensils @T14:00 [Table Setter] Family gathering Call everyone to dinner, say grace or gratitude @T14:00 [Host] * POST DINNER Initial cleanup Clear table, put leftovers away, start dishwasher @T16:00 [Cleanup Crew] Leftover packaging Package leftovers for family to take home @T17:00 [Host]

Ready to use this with your team?