FREE Meal Plan Printable for Thanksgiving

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

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!

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:

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.

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.

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