In this month’s Tips from Tonia, I want to give you some Thanksgiving Organization Tips. Since my kitchen flooded and I got organized, I felt like it was a good time to go through my holiday supplies. Here are some great tips that I went through to get ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays.

2–3 Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Plan Your Holiday

• Create a Thanksgiving Binder or Digital Folder: Keep your menu, recipes, grocery list, and guest list all in one place.
• Plan the Guest List: Confirm who’s coming and note any dietary restrictions.
• Assign Dishes: Don’t do it all! Ask guests to bring side dishes or desserts.
• Inventory Cookware & Serveware:
  • Check that you have enough plates, silverware, and serving utensils.
  • If not, borrow or buy ahead. I am doing this right now, actually!
  • Make sure you have your pan out and the turkey fits.
• Order Flowers: If you order flowers from a florist, do it during this time period. It’s essential to give them enough time. If you do them yourself, then pick up flowers 2-3 days in advance.

Declutter Key Areas

Focus on where guests will be:

• Kitchen: Clear off counters and organize your pantry, fridge, and spice rack. Toss expired items.
• Dining Room: Purge old linens or table décor you never use. Buy new if necessary. Make sure all linens are dry cleaned & ready to go.
• Entryway & Living Room: Create open, welcoming spaces. Visual clutter is VERY distracting, so this is a MUST.
• Guest Rooms: Wash bedding, clear a closet or drawer for guests, and stock up on essentials (towels, toiletries, etc.).

Take Stock of Essentials

• Check staples like flour, sugar, butter, foil, trash bags, dish soap, and paper towels.
• Stock up now before stores get busy!

1 Week Before Thanksgiving

Finalize Your Menu

• Choose recipes you’ve made before or that you can prep ahead.
• Create a detailed shopping list by category (produce, dairy, frozen, etc.).

Grocery Shopping #1

• Buy nonperishables and pantry items now.
• Don’t forget drinks, napkins, and any special décor items.

Organize the Kitchen Workflow

• Designate a “prep zone” for chopping, mixing, and cooling dishes.
• Sharpen knives and wash serving platters.
• Label serving dishes with sticky notes, so you know what goes where.

2–3 Days Before Thanksgiving

Grocery Shopping #2

• Buy fresh produce, turkey, and perishables.
• Thaw the turkey (allow *24 hours per 4–5 lbs in the fridge).

Prep Ahead

• Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and store them in labeled containers.
• Make casseroles, sauces, or desserts that can be refrigerated or frozen.

Set Up Guest Spaces

• Put out clean towels, extra blankets, and toiletries.
• Add a small welcome note or treat for guests
• I like to include flowers in guest rooms for a nice warm touch!

The Day Before Thanksgiving

Table & Décor

• Set the table completely (linens, dishes, centerpieces).
• Prep a beverage station or coffee bar.

Clean as You Go

• Do a quick vacuum and tidy-up of high-traffic areas.
• Empty trash cans and make sure you have liners ready for tomorrow.

Final Kitchen Check

• Defrost any frozen items.
• Lay out your cooking schedule with times for each dish.

Thanksgiving Day

Stick to the Plan — But Stay Flexible

• Follow your prep timeline.
• Enlist helpers for specific jobs (table setting, dishwashing, etc.).
• Keep a large bin or basket handy for quick clutter pickup.

Make Clean-Up Easy

• Have labeled containers for leftovers.
• Run the dishwasher before guests leave.
• Wipe down surfaces before relaxing.

Remember, Thanksgiving is a time for you to celebrate with your family. Don’t stress about the details! Enjoy all the sweet moments! I know I sure will with my family.

Tonia