For your family and guests, Thanksgiving is a day to spend time together, talking or sinking into the couch and watching some games on TV. For you? It's a day to slave over a hot stove and give thanks if nothing ends up charred or curdled. Maybe it's time to adjust these assumptions.

Start by thinking of the big meal not as a feast but as a good old meat-and-potatoes, Thursday-night family dinner. Then use the recipes and make-ahead strategies here to streamline your day. Follow the instructions, then go find a spot on the couch.

The Day Before

Cranberry Sauce
hands-on time: 5 minutes
total time: 35 minutes
makes: 8 to 10 servings (2 cups)

Dried-Cherry and Italian Sausage Stuffing
hands-on time: 30 minutes
total time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
makes: 8 to 10 servings

Thanksgiving Morning

Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy
hands-on time: 20 minutes
total time: 4 1/2 hours
makes: 8 to 10 servings

While the Turkey's Cooking

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter and Sage
hands-on time: 15 minutes
total time: 35 minutes
makes: 8 to 10 servings

Roasted Acorn Squash
hands-on time: 20 minutes
total time: 40 minutes
makes: 4 servings

Green Bean Salad with Walnuts, Fennel, and Goat Cheese
hands-on time: 30 minutes
total time: 40 minutes
makes: 8 to 10 servings

Mashed Potatoes
hands-on time: 15 minutes
total time: 40 minutes
makes: 8 to 10 servings

Ask a Friend to Bring

Cranberry-Pear Pie

Serving Tips

In the heat of the moment, it's hard to direct eager friends. Make a list of simple things you can delegate, such as opening wine, lighting candles, and tossing the salad at the last minute.

Chill the cranberry sauce in a serving dish so it can go straight from the fridge to the table.

Serve the Brussels sprouts and the squash on the same platter to cut down on washing up.

Keep the potatoes warm in a double broiler. Transfer them to a serving dish just before dinner.

Dress up the turkey with whatever leftover herbs you have.