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Hello dear friends,
Well, here we are — the holiday season is officially upon us and I couldn’t be more excited to share my 2025 Thanksgiving menu and guide — this year with a wonderful focus on make-ahead dishes. The idea is to enjoy the day, not simply survive it in the kitchen.
Over the years, I’ve realized that the secret to a truly relaxing Thanksgiving isn’t doing everything on the big day — it’s doing most of it ahead of time. With four wonderful kids now grown and many family gatherings behind us, I’ve learned some tricks that help the day feel calm, warm and full of joy.
This Year’s Concept:
This year’s Thanksgiving is all about slowing down, cooking smart, and savoring the season without rushing. Think comfort classics plus a few fresh touches. A table that feels both seasonal and homey: warm woods, soft florals, glowing candlelight. The goal? Presence over perfection, laughter over stress.
My Thanksgiving Make-Ahead Menu:
Breakfast
Tip: When guests are in town, it’s nice to start the day right. These casseroles can be assembled the night before and baked while you get ready. They fill the house with the most welcoming smell and keep everyone happy until the big meal. Serve with a simple bowl of fresh fruit or warm syrup, and you’re set.
Drinks
Tip: Set up a small drink station early. Chill everything the night before, so you just pour and enjoy. For a non-alcoholic option, I always offer fresh-squeezed orange juice or sparkling water with apple slices — simple, bright, and perfect for all ages. A few cinnamon sticks make it feel instantly festive.
Appetizers
Tip: I used to skip apps (worried people would fill up too soon!). Now I include just a few light, easy bites for while guests arrive — warm welcome, not full plates.
Sides
Tip: These are the stars of the make-ahead show. Bake, chill, label, and then reheat or finish on the big day.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Portuguese Stuffing
- Cranberry Sauce
- Creamed Spinach
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Green Bean Almondine
Mains
Tip: Choose one show-stopping main, then make the rest simple. The turkey can be seasoned the night before, so the flavors soak in. Make your gravy early in the day — it reheats beautifully. And for vegetarian guests, a cozy bowl of mushroom soup feels every bit as comforting and special as the turkey.
Desserts
Tip: Bake dessert earlier in the week — they only get better. Apple pie holds beautifully, pumpkin cake tastes even richer the next day, and puff pastry is quick to crisp right before serving.
Two-Week Prep Schedule
Two Weeks Out
- Finalize menu, guest list, guest dietary needs.
- Review oven space, cookware, utensil readiness.
- Order turkey if needed, or plan thawing time.
- Sketch out your tablescape — linens, candles, décor.
One Week Out
- Big grocery shop (pantry items, drinks, extras)
- Clean fridge/freezer space, label serving platters.
- Begin side dish prep: wash, chop, even cook ahead some items.
2-3 Days Before
- Cook many sides fully — just need reheating day-of.
- Bake desserts.
- Make sauces, dressings, appetizers ready to pop in oven later.
Day Before
- Assemble breads, rolls, warm snacks.
- Set table (linen, napkins, placement).
- Arrange florals and ambient lighting.
- Chill drinks, garnish ready.
Thanksgiving Morning/Day Of
- Pull turkey or mains into oven as per plan.
- Warm side dishes, set out apps and drinks for arriving guests.
- Light candles, start music, create the moment.
- Carve turkey, serve sides buffet-style (or however you like).
- Sit at the table, breathe, laugh — you deserve it.
Day After Thanksgiving
My hope for this Thanksgiving: that you feel calm, invited, and fully present. That you get to sit at the table, take a deep breath, and hear laughter fill the room. The food is the love letter — yes — but the gathering itself is the heart of the holiday.
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