• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peanut Blossom
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Book Club
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • HOLIDAYS
  • BOOK CLUB
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • HOLIDAYS
    • BOOK CLUB
    • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Blog » Thanksgiving » Thanksgiving Basics

    FREE Meal Plan Printable for Thanksgiving

    Published: Nov 7, 2019 · Modified: Sep 9, 2021 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Email Friend!

    Grab your free printable Thanksgiving meal plan page here and you will enjoy a simpler, less stressful holiday feast.

    A free printable Thanksgiving meal plan page for an easy Thanksgiving dinner.

    Right about now you are likely being absolutely inundated with Thanksgiving recipe ideas everywhere: cooking shows, magazines, bloggers on social media . . .

    It seems like everyone is upping the ante with drool-worthy dishes for families to make for the biggest feast of the year.

    If you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, chances are you've already got some thoughts on what you'd like to make.

    But whether this is your first Thanksgiving rodeo or you're a hosting pro, I'd love to chime in with some thoughts on how to make an easy Thanksgiving dinner that you're whole family will love.

    The key??

    A Thanksgiving Meal Plan for REAL People:

    You are only human. You cannot possibly cook all the things from scratch all by yourself and retain your sanity. 

    This year, let's all just agree we need help and accept it graciously.

    Before we get started with meal planning, grab your FREE printable. You'll notice it works right in tandem with all the steps towards this easy, stress-free meal plan strategy.

    Get yours here: 

    DOWNLOAD THE MEAL PLAN PRINTABLE HERE

    Print out a copy and then grab a pen. Let's meal plan!

    Jump to:
    • A Thanksgiving Meal Plan for REAL People:
    • STEP 1: Choose YOUR favorite Thanksgiving recipes
    • STEP 2: Take some help from the pros
    • STEP 3: Cook Early with Make-Ahead Recipes
    • STEP 4: It's OK to Accept Help
    • STEP 5: Don't Forget the Drinks!
    • STEP 6: Turn Store-Bought Into Homemade
    • More Thanksgiving Hosting Tips
    • 💬 Comments

    STEP 1: Choose YOUR favorite Thanksgiving recipes

    Decide which Thanksgiving recipes matter the very most to YOU. Maybe it’s the turkey you’ve made every year since you got married. Maybe it’s grandma’s pecan pie.

    There is likely one or two very special recipes your whole family loves, don’t cut corners on those dishes. 

    Plan to make them just as you always do.

    Need some inspiration? These are some of our family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes:

    • Thanksgiving Basics
    • Thanksgiving Breads
    • Thanksgiving Side Dishes
    • Thanksgiving Desserts

    STEP 2: Take some help from the pros

    Think about what you make for the holiday, which items can you pick up pre-made from the store? Stop clutching your pearls, we want this feast to be fun.

    Go read my favorite list of grocery store shortcuts for Thanksgiving here. 

    We love Trader Joe's but many of those items can be found at your local grocery store, too. If you're not used to buying store-bought items for the holiday, it's a great list of inspiration to start with.

    Meal plan Thanksgiving dinner for a low-stress, relaxing holiday with your family.

    STEP 3: Cook Early with Make-Ahead Recipes

    For those recipes you really want to make yourself, mentally take note of all the ways you can prep them early or make them completely ahead. 

    Need some inspiration? Check out this great list of 5 Thanksgiving recipes you can make right NOW or this incredible list of make-ahead Thanksgiving side dishes.

    STEP 4: It's OK to Accept Help

    Guests want to be useful. Share the cooking fun with anyone who asks!

    Be prepared with the right answer to "What can I bring?"

    The easiest items for a guests to bring for Thanksgiving:

    • Any of the side dishes that travel well in a casserole dish (sweet potato casserole, stuffing, green bean casserole, etc.)
    • Dinner rolls or Thanksgiving breads of any kind
    • Cranberry sauce
    • Desserts, can you ever really have too many on Thanksgiving?? NO. Cheesecakes, pies, tarts, let them have fun picking whatever floats their boat!
    • Cocktail fixings or jugs of apple cider for the kids

    STEP 5: Don't Forget the Drinks!

    We spend SO much time planning side dishes and turkey and desserts, the beverages really can slip through the cracks.

    Remember to grab any adult beverages or punch ingredients you need -- then put someone else in charge of setting up the beverage station!

    STEP 6: Turn Store-Bought Into Homemade

    Now take one last look over your list. What kind of garnishes can you keep on hand for a final sprinkle over the top?

    You'd be amazed how far these items will go in turning your feast fancy.

    How to Make Store Bought Taste Fresh:

    • Fresh Parsley: chop some fresh parsley and keep it in a big bowl on the counter. Sprinkle it over just about any savory dish for a pop of fresh color.
    • Fresh Rosemary: pretty sprigs of this herb make a gorgeous accent to any platter for the holiday.
    • Toasted Pecans: chopped nuts are perfect for adding to sweet potatoes, on top of veggies for crunch and a special touch, or adding to desserts for a garnish.
    • Whipped Cream: either a big bowl of homemade whipped cream or several bottles of prepared canisters, a dollop will elevate any treat on the table.
    • Caramel Sauce: store-bought or homemade caramel sauce made in advance can be drizzled over almost any Thanksgiving dessert from the store to make it feel special,

    I really think you should take a moment to go read even more great ways to to not lose your sanity this Thanksgiving. There are so many strategies for keeping your head and actually enjoying your Thanksgiving feast.

    Now, go and grab your free printable Thanksgiving meal plan page right here.

    A free printable Thanksgiving meal plan page for an easy Thanksgiving dinner.

    More Thanksgiving Hosting Tips

    Do not miss these essential Thanksgiving planning articles:

    • A young girl holds a giant turkey leg at the Thanksgiving table.
      Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids
    • Trader Joe's Flowers: Easy Guide for Spending Less than $20
    • 23 Essential Trader Joe's Thanksgiving Ideas
    • A roasted turkey sits in a metal roasting pan, golden brown all over.
      Roasted Herb Butter Turkey
    • A bowl of creamy soup says "Gobble" on the front.
      30 Leftover Turkey Recipes for After Thanksgiving
    • Easy Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids
    • A photo collage of several make ahead tricks for Thanksgiving recipes.
      12 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
    • A blue gratitude jar sits on a table next to slips of paper and a Sharpie.
      6 Simple Gratitude Activities

    More The Thanksgiving Dinner Basics

    • A piece of sourdough bread has chunks of turkey meat and gravy on top.
      Open Face Turkey Sandwich with Gravy
    • Two slices of slow cooked turkey breast are on a plate drizzled with gravy.
      Slowcooker Boneless Turkey Breast
    • A pot of fresh cranberries is cooking with a wooden spoon to stir.
      Cranberry Sauce with Grand Marnier
    • A full plate of Thanksgiving dishes drizzled with homemade gravy.
      Easy Homemade Gravy for Beginners

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Share Your Thoughts Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. vex 3

      July 29, 2020 at 2:59 am

      The meal plan you shared was great. I appreciate this meal plan. thank!
      mapquest driving directions

      Reply
    2. vex 3

      July 29, 2020 at 2:58 am

      The meal plan you shared was great. I appreciate this meal plan.
      mapquest driving directions

      Reply
    3. popcap games free

      November 07, 2019 at 9:50 pm

      I agree with your opinion .Hope you share many things.

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag + A DELICIOUS Champagne Turkey Recipe! says:
      November 9, 2019 at 3:29 pm

      […] Free Printable Meal Plan for a Super Easy Thanksgiving dinner […]

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for moms.

    More about me →

    What's Trending Now

    • A photo collage shows the variety of recipes that can be made in a bread maker.
      50 Best Bread Machine Recipes
    • A blue baking dish filled with mac and cheese with bread crumb topping. A serving spoon has removed a portion to show the creamy elbow noodles.
      Make Ahead Mac and Cheese
    • An airfryer basket has 7 seasoned chicken tenderloins golden brown and cooked.
      Healthy Chicken Tenderloins in the Air Fryer
    • Two salmon filets are surrounded by fresh green beans in an air fryer basket.
      How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

    Popular

    • A freezer-friendly metal pan holds an 8x8-inch apple crisp with crumble topping.
      Freezer Friendly Apple Crisp
    • A stack of the best books for book club in 2023
      Best Book Club Picks 2023
    • A taco salad made with mini frozen tacos.
      10-minute Trader Joe's Meals
    • A young kid's hand is holding a homemade pizza lunchable.
      30 School Lunch Ideas for Kids
    • A collage of easy dinners for busy nights.
      30 Quick Dinners for Busy Nights
    • A photo collages shows several easy dinner ideas kids could make.
      Easy Dinner Ideas for Yo-Yo Nights {You're On Your Own!}
    • A meal train dinner kit featuring supplies for tacos sits in an aluminum tray for delivery.
      30 Clever Meal Train Ideas with Recipes
    • Harry Potter themed snacks are in a platter with a witch hat sitting next to an open copy of a Harry Potter book.
      21 Harry Potter Snacks for Movie Night

    Footer

    As Seen On

    The Taste of Home Logo
    The Pioneer Woman Logo
    The Country Living Logo
    The Buzzfeed logo
    The Good Housekeeping Logo

    About

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Contact
    Privacy Policy
    Disclaimer

    Favorites

    Bread Recipes
    Soup Recipes
    Quick Dinner Recipes
    Harry Potter Fan Club
    Reading with Kids

    Holidays

    Easter Recipes
    4th of July Recipes
    Catholic Celebrations
    Thanksgiving Recipes
    Christmas Recipes

    Recipes

    Appetizers
    Dinners
    Salads
    Side Dishes
    Desserts
    Brunch
    Homemade Pantry

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2023