Thanksgiving Dinner Without the Stress

A little bit of smart planning can make this meal one of the easiest―and most gratifying. 

Timeline

Three to Five Days Before 

• Go grocery shopping.
• Begin to defrost the turkey in the refrigerator, if necessary.
• Call guests to reconfirm. (If they offer to bring something, say yes.)
• Make the molasses butter for the turkey.
• Combine the spices for the sweet potatoes.
• Make the cranberry sauce.

Two Days Before 

• Tidy up the living room, the dining room, and the bathroom. Be prepared to steer guests clear of the rest of the house.

The Day Before 

• Rinse the greens and shake to remove any excess water. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. Refrigerate in resealable bags lined with paper towels.
• Make the corn bread (if you're not buying it), then leave it out, uncovered, to dry overnight.
• Toast the bread cubes for the dressing. Leave them out overnight.
• Make and glaze the cake. Cover and refrigerate.
• Set the table.
• Designate a pot or skillet, a serving dish, and a utensil for each recipe and leave them on a counter.

Early in the Day 

• Fry the bacon for the butter beans.
• Sauté the parsley mixture for the dressing.
• Peel and cut the sweet potatoes and toss with the remaining ingredients.
• Place a second oven rack beneath the roasting pan so the stuffing and sweet potatoes can bake in shifts.

While the Turkey Roasts 

• Change your clothes, then pour yourself a glass of wine.
• Assemble the ingredients for the greens and the beans.
• Make the biscuits, the beans, and the greens.
• Designate a turkey carver.

While the Turkey Rests 

• Cover the cake with foil and warm it in the oven.
• Mentally note your prime candidates for dishwashing duty.
• Exhale and enjoy.