Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays — the food, the family, and the cozy chaos that somehow makes the day so special. We typically host, which means our house is full and the kitchen is busy (a little wild at times!), but it’s one of my favorite parts of the season. Over the years, I’ve learned what’s worth making from scratch, what can be done ahead, and which recipes have become our family staples.
If you’re in full-on planning mode, start with my Thanksgiving Prep Checklist — everything to order, organize, and get ready early so the week feels calm — and my Thanksgiving Capsule Wardrobe for what to pack and wear over the long weekend. Once the prep is handled and the suitcase is packed, it’s time for the fun part: the food.
Here’s a peek at our Thanksgiving menu this year — full of cozy classics, fresh twists, and a few make-ahead favorites that make the day feel festive but not frantic.
The Turkey
Every Thanksgiving starts here. We order a fresh turkey from a local market — about 1 to 1½ pounds per person so there’s plenty for leftovers — and brine it overnight using this Thanksgiving Turkey Brine from Lively Table. It makes such a difference in flavor and tenderness. On Thursday morning, I roast it with butter, citrus, and fresh herbs until it’s golden and fragrant.
Prep tip: Brine on Wednesday, stuff with herbs and citrus Thursday morning, and let it rest at least 30 minutes before carving.
Mashed Potatoes
These Best Mashed Potatoes from Joy Food Sunshine are perfectly creamy, buttery, and a total crowd-pleaser. I make them mid-morning and keep them warm in a covered dish or slow cooker until we eat.
Prep tip: Peel and cut the potatoes the night before and store them in cold water in the fridge.
Homemade Stuffing
This Best Stuffing Recipe from How Sweet Eats has become a family favorite — full of fresh herbs, celery, onion, and just the right amount of texture. I bake one with sausage and one without so everyone’s happy.
Prep tip: Toast the bread cubes and chop your veggies the day before to save tons of time on Thursday morning.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
I love balancing all the rich Thanksgiving dishes with something bright and fresh. This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad from Crowded Kitchen adds crunch and color — with apples, nuts, and a light vinaigrette that holds up beautifully on the table.
Prep tip: Shave and prep your Brussels sprouts a day early and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
Cranberry Sauce
This Cranberry Sauce from Downshiftology couldn’t be easier or more delicious — tart, sweet, and the perfect bright note to balance the heavier sides.
Prep tip: Make it on Wednesday so it’s chilled and ready to go.
Gravy
Homemade gravy is a must, and this Quick Turkey Gravy from The Kitchn is my go-to. It comes together quickly using the turkey drippings and makes everything taste better — even the leftovers.
Prep tip: Have your gravy separator and whisk ready before the turkey comes out of the oven.
The Pies
No Thanksgiving is complete without pie (or two). For pumpkin, I love this Best Ever Healthy Pumpkin Pie from Ambitious Kitchen — it’s lighter but still perfectly spiced and rich. For apple, we use this Apple Pie Recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction — the butter crust is so flaky and the filling tastes like fall in a slice. I make both the day before so they have plenty of time to set. And if you want to make your own crust, this Butter Pie Crust is simple, foolproof, and makes two perfect rounds.
Drinks
We keep the drinks easy — a bottle of red, a bottle of white, something sparkling, and a signature cocktail for fun (this year it’s a cranberry rosemary spritz). I always have plenty of sparkling water, coffee, and cider for the kids, too.
The Game Plan
To keep things organized, I divide prep into three parts:
Two Weeks Before: Plan the menu, order the turkey, and check your kitchen tools.
The Week Of: Grocery shop for perishables, pick up flowers, and set the table.
Thanksgiving Eve: Brine the turkey, prep the sides, bake the pies, and light a candle — it’s the calm before the (happy) storm.
By Thursday morning, the kitchen smells amazing, the table is set, and the rest of the day is about good food, good company, and cozy, memory-filled chaos — just the way Thanksgiving should be.
