November 20, 2025
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for food, family, and gratitude. But let’s be honest—it can also be one of the most stressful days of the year for the person in charge of the meal. Juggling a hot oven, multiple side dishes, and a house full of guests is a major undertaking. The good news is that a little planning can transform a chaotic day into a joyful celebration. Our team at Holiday Farms is here to help you get ahead of the game so you can spend less time stressing and more time making memories.
Here are five things you can do ahead of time to ensure your Thanksgiving is smooth, delicious, and enjoyable.
1. Plan Your Menu and Make Your List
A successful Thanksgiving dinner starts with a solid plan. Weeks before the big day, sit down and decide on your full menu. Will you stick with the classics like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole? Or are you thinking of adding a new, creative dish to the mix this year?
Once you have your menu finalized, go through each recipe and list every single ingredient you’ll need. Organize your list by category, such as produce, dairy, pantry staples, and meats. This simple step prevents those last-minute, panicked trips to the store for a forgotten can of cranberry sauce or a crucial spice. A well-organized list is your roadmap to an efficient and successful shopping trip.
2. Shop for Non-Perishables Early
Why wait for the holiday rush? A week or two before Thanksgiving is the perfect time to stock up on all your non-perishable items. The aisles will be less crowded, and you’ll have a better selection of your favorite brands.
Head to Holiday Farms with your list and load up your cart with items that have a long shelf life.
This includes things like:
- Canned goods (pumpkin puree, cranberry sauce, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup)
- Baking supplies (flour, sugar, brown sugar, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg)
- Dry goods (stuffing mix, pasta, rice, dried herbs)
- Beverages (sparkling cider, wine, coffee, tea)
Shopping early for these items clears space on your list for fresh ingredients later on. It also helps spread out your holiday budget, making the week of Thanksgiving a little easier on your wallet.
3. Pre-Order Your Turkey
The turkey is the star of the show, and you don’t want to leave it to chance. The last thing anyone wants is to discover the store is sold out of the size you need. To avoid this common holiday hiccup, pre-order your turkey.
4. Prepare Your Kitchen and Serving Supplies
An organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen. Before the cooking marathon begins, take some time to declutter your countertops and clean out your refrigerator. This will provide you with the space you need to work and store all your delicious ingredients and prepared dishes.
5. Make What You Can in Advance
Many classic Thanksgiving dishes can be prepared—or at least partially prepared—days before the holiday. This frees up valuable time and oven space on Thanksgiving Day.
Here are a few ideas for make-ahead sides:
- Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Casseroles: Assemble green bean or sweet potato casseroles one or two days ahead. Cover them and keep them in the fridge; then, simply pop them in the oven on Thanksgiving.
- Pies: Many pies, such as pumpkin and pecan, can be baked a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Chop Your Veggies: Chop onions, celery, and carrots for your stuffing a couple of days beforehand and store them in an airtight container.
Your Partner for a Perfect Thanksgiving
At Holiday Farms, we’re committed to helping you create a memorable and delicious Thanksgiving. From fresh, high-quality turkeys and produce to convenient, time-saving sides, we have everything you need to make your celebration a success. Stop by today and let us help you get a head start on your holiday planning.
Get in touch if you have any questions!
