Plan a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and gratitude, but for many, it can also be a source of stress. The key to enjoying a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving celebration lies in careful planning, efficient organization, and creative solutions for the inevitable leftovers. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of planning a stress-free Thanksgiving feast that runs smoothly and offers you innovative ideas for leftovers. From step-by-step organization to mouthwatering leftover recipes and storage hacks, we’ve got you covered!

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Setting the Stage for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving – Early Preparations

Planning ahead is crucial for a stress-free Thanksgiving. Starting your preparations well in advance will give you a head start and make the process more enjoyable. 

Create a Thanksgiving Timeline

Begin by outlining a detailed schedule. Identify key dates for shopping, menu planning, and cooking, and set reminders in your calendar. Having a timeline will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute chaos. Here’s a sample Thanksgiving timeline:

 

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving:

 

• Create Your Menu: Decide on the dishes you want to serve, including appetizers, sides, the main course, and desserts. Consider dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests.
• Guest List and Invitations: Finalize your guest list and send out invitations if you haven’t already. Make note of any special dietary requirements your guests might have.
• Grocery Shopping List: Begin creating a comprehensive shopping list based on your menu. Don’t forget to check your pantry for any items you might already have.

 

One Week Before Thanksgiving:

• Order the Turkey: If you’re ordering a fresh turkey, do it now. If you have a frozen turkey, start thawing it in the refrigerator (about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds).
• Prep Vegetables and Ingredients: Start chopping, dicing, and preparing vegetables and other ingredients that can be stored for a day or two without compromising freshness.
• Make Desserts: Prepare desserts like pies, cakes, or cookies, which can be made a day or two in advance and stored.

Three Days Before Thanksgiving:

• Finalize Table Decor: Set up your table decor and settings. Ensure you have all the necessary tableware and decorations ready.
• Beverage Station: Prepare a beverage station with a variety of drinks and garnishes, and ensure it’s set up for self-service.

Two Days Before Thanksgiving:

• Grocery Shopping: Visit the grocery store for fresh produce, dairy, and any remaining items on your shopping list.
• Organize Cookware: Get your cookware, utensils, and serving dishes ready. Check that you have enough oven space and stove burners for all your dishes.

One Day Before Thanksgiving:

• Check on the Turkey: If you have a frozen turkey, it should be fully thawed by now. Double-check that it’s ready for roasting.
• Early Morning Prep: Start your day early by setting the table, preheating the oven, and handling any last-minute tasks that don’t require a lot of time.
• Cooking Timeline: Stick to the timeline you created earlier for cooking the turkey and other dishes. Prepare side dishes that can be reheated and keep appetizers simple for easy serving.

Thanksgiving Day:

• Final Turkey Roasting: Roast the turkey following your planned schedule. While the turkey rests, use the oven to reheat any side dishes.
• Delegate Tasks: Ask for help from family members or friends to assist with setting out appetizers, carving the turkey, serving drinks, and other tasks.
• Keep Appetizers Simple: Serve simple and quick appetizers to keep your guests satisfied while the main meal is being prepared.
• Stay Organized: Use a checklist to ensure you don’t forget any important tasks. Check the turkey temperature, keep an eye on side dishes, and set timers as needed.
• Don’t Forget the Gravy: Keep a separate pot of warm gravy on hand for guests to help themselves. A good gravy can make even a simple meal feel extravagant.
• Enjoy the Feast: Once everything is ready, gather with your guests and enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving feast. Remember to give thanks and celebrate the day with loved ones.

By following this Thanksgiving timeline, you can have a well-organized and stress-free Thanksgiving celebration, allowing you to focus on the joy of the holiday and spending time with family and friends.

Guest List and Invitations

Thanksgiving is a time for coming together with family and friends, and the first step in planning your stress-free Thanksgiving is to create a well-thought-out guest list and send invitations that convey warmth and anticipation. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of this crucial step:

Two Months Before Thanksgiving: Crafting Your Guest List

Two months before the big day, you should begin the process of crafting your Thanksgiving guest list. This early start allows you to consider who you’d like to invite, make any necessary arrangements for accommodating them, and ensure that your guests have ample time to plan their attendance.

• Identify Your Core Group: Start by listing your immediate family members and close friends who are a part of your core group. These are the individuals you absolutely want to spend Thanksgiving with and who hold a special place in your heart.
• Extend the Circle: After listing your core group, think about the extended circle of family and friends. Who do you have strong connections with or who may not have other Thanksgiving plans? These individuals should be included on your list as well.
• Consider Dietary Preferences and Restrictions: Take into account any dietary preferences or restrictions your guests may have. Some people may be vegetarians, have food allergies, or follow specific diets, so it’s essential to plan a menu that accommodates these needs.
• Create a Draft Guest List: With these considerations in mind, create a draft guest list. Jot down the names of those you’d like to invite and make note of any dietary restrictions or special requirements they might have. This will be your starting point.

One Month Before Thanksgiving: Sending Thoughtful Invitations

One month before Thanksgiving, it’s time to send out invitations. This allows your guests to save the date, make necessary arrangements, and show them how much you’re looking forward to celebrating with them.

Choose Your Method:

• Decide how you’d like to send your invitations. You can go traditional with paper invitations, or you can opt for modern and eco-friendly e-vites. Likewise, you can always pick up the phone and invite your guests while having a little chat!  Choose a method that suits your style and your guests.

Craft a Warm Message:

• Whether you’re sending physical or digital invitations, take the time to craft a heartfelt message. Express your excitement about the upcoming celebration and let your guests know how much you’re looking forward to sharing this special day with them.

Include Key Details:

• Make sure to include all the key details in your invitations, such as the date, time, and location of your Thanksgiving dinner. Be specific about any dietary accommodations you’ve made for your guests.

RSVP Information:

• Request that your guests RSVP by a specific date. This will help you finalize your guest list and make necessary preparations, such as ensuring there’s enough seating and food for everyone.

Consider Personal Touches:

• If you’re sending paper invitations, consider adding personal touches like handwritten notes or decorative elements that reflect the Thanksgiving spirit. For e-vites, you can customize the design to make them warm and inviting.

Follow Up:

After sending the invitations, follow up with your guests to confirm their attendance. A simple phone call, email, or text message can help you gauge the number of guests you’ll be expecting.

By diligently creating your guest list and sending thoughtful invitations, you set the stage for a warm and welcoming stress-free Thanksgiving celebration. Your guests will appreciate your efforts, and you’ll be on your way to hosting a memorable and stress-free holiday gathering.

Stress-Free Thanksgiving Menu Planning: A Detailed Approach with Delicious Recipes

One of the highlights of Thanksgiving is the delectable feast that graces the table. To ensure a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving, let’s delve into the details of planning your menu, including recipes for each menu item. (See the end of the blog for the exact recipes for this specific menu or click RECIPES to jump directly to that section.)

Menu Planning: Two Months Before Thanksgiving

Two months ahead, menu planning begins. It’s during this time that you need to decide what dishes you’ll be serving and consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. Here’s a detailed approach to your stress-free Thanksgiving menu:

• Identify Your Culinary Vision: What’s the theme or style of your Thanksgiving dinner? Are you leaning toward a traditional feast, a modern twist, or perhaps a fusion of flavors? Define your culinary vision.
• Core Dishes: Start with the core dishes – the ones that make it to every Thanksgiving table. This often includes the star of the show, the turkey, and classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Appetizers: Consider offering a variety of appetizers to keep your guests satisfied before the main meal. Popular choices include a cheese platter, deviled eggs, or a warm spinach and artichoke dip.
• Sides: The array of side dishes can truly make your Thanksgiving memorable. Think about classics like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
• Turkey: The centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you choose to roast, smoke, or deep-fry it, decide on your turkey preparation method.
• Dietary Considerations: Take into account the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests. Plan for vegetarian or vegan options, gluten-free dishes, and other alternatives to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.

Now, let’s dive into the menu.  

Appetizers

Cheese Platter with Accompaniments:

• Assemble a variety of cheeses, such as brie, cheddar, and gouda. Add grapes, crackers, and a selection of nuts. Create a beautiful presentation with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers.

Deviled Eggs:

• Hard-boil eggs, cut them in half, and scoop out the yolks. Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce. Spoon the filling back into the egg whites, and garnish with chives or paprika.

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip:

• Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and a touch of garlic. Bake until bubbly and serve with tortilla chips or fresh bread for dipping.

Side Dishes:

Green Bean Casserole:

• Toss blanched green beans with cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and crispy fried onions. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Sweet Potato Casserole:

• Mash cooked sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon. Top with a crunchy pecan and marshmallow topping and bake until it’s lightly browned and bubbling.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:

• Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and caramelized. Add crispy bacon bits for a savory touch.

Main Dish:

Roast Turkey:

• Recipe: Rub the turkey with a mixture of butter, fresh herbs, and garlic. Roast it in the oven until the skin is golden and the meat reaches a safe internal temperature. Baste regularly for a juicy, flavorful bird.

Desserts:

Classic Pumpkin Pie:

• Make a pie crust from scratch or use a pre-made one. For the filling, blend canned pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and a mix of spices. Pour it into the crust and bake until set. Serve with whipped cream.

Apple Crisp:

• Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a bit of flour. Top with a crumble made of oats, brown sugar, and butter. Bake until golden and serve with vanilla ice cream.

By meticulously planning your Thanksgiving menu and incorporating these delicious recipes, you’re well on your way to creating a feast that your guests will remember for years to come. Your detailed approach ensures that each dish complements the others, making for a harmonious and unforgettable Thanksgiving meal.

Creating a Comprehensive Grocery List for your Stress-Free Thanksgiving

One of the keys to a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration is meticulous planning, and a crucial aspect of this planning is creating a comprehensive shopping list. Your shopping list should align with your menu plan, ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients to prepare your chosen dishes.

Here’s an in-depth guide to help you craft a shopping list that leaves no room for last-minute stress.  (See the end of the blog for the exact grocery list for this specific menu or click GROCERIES to jump directly to that section.)

Menu Planning as the Foundation:

• Two months before Thanksgiving, as you begin crafting your menu, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what dishes you intend to serve. Consider your culinary vision, the core dishes, appetizers, side dishes, the main course, and desserts. This foundational understanding will serve as the backbone of your shopping list.

Categorize and Prioritize:

• Once you’ve identified your dishes, categorize them to make the list more organized. Group items based on their department in the grocery store, such as produce, dairy, pantry staples, meat, bakery, and frozen items. Prioritize items based on when they need to be used or if they can be stored in advance. Non-perishable items, like canned goods, dry ingredients, and frozen items, can be purchased well ahead of time, reducing last-minute stress.

Dietary Considerations and Special Requirements:

• Take into account any dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. This may include accommodating vegetarians, vegans, individuals with food allergies, or those on specific diets. Ensure your shopping list includes the necessary ingredients for alternative dishes that cater to these needs.

Checking the Pantry:

• Before embarking on your shopping trip, conduct a thorough review of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Note any items you already have in stock to avoid purchasing duplicates. This step not only prevents food waste but also saves you money and space.

Precise Measurements and Quantities:

• When drafting your list, be precise about the quantities and measurements of each ingredient required for your recipes. This attention to detail ensures you purchase enough of each item without overbuying. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, add ‘2 cups of flour’ to your list.

Be Mindful of Perishables:

• While some items can be bought well in advance, remember that perishable items like fresh produce, dairy, and meat should be purchased closer to the date to ensure their freshness.

Organization is Key:

• Organize your list according to the layout of your preferred grocery store. Group items that are in the same aisle together, making your shopping trip more efficient.

Double-Check the List:

• Before heading to the store, take a moment to review your list to ensure you haven’t overlooked any crucial ingredients. This double-check can save you from needing to make multiple trips to the store.

Enjoy Stress-Free Shopping:

• With your comprehensive shopping list in hand, you can embark on your shopping expedition confidently, knowing that you’re well-prepared to acquire everything you need for a successful stress-free Thanksgiving feast.

By adhering to these meticulous steps, you can create a shopping list that streamlines the entire process, allows for efficient shopping, and ensures you have all the ingredients at your disposal to create a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving celebration.

Setting the Perfect Thanksgiving Table: Elevating Your Decor and Tableware

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, setting the perfect table is an essential part of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Whether you opt for a classic autumn theme adorned with pumpkins and candles or a more modern, minimalist look, taking time to decide on your table decor and settings can truly enhance the overall dining experience and aid in helping you achieve your goal of a stress-free Thanksgiving. Let’s explore this in more detail:

Classic Autumn Charm:

If you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of classic autumn decor, consider incorporating elements like pumpkins, gourds, and candles into your table setting. Here’s how to embrace this traditional style:

• Centerpiece: Start with a beautiful centerpiece that features a mix of pumpkins, gourds, and fall foliage. Arrange them in a wooden crate or a rustic container for a charming touch.
• Candles: Add a warm, inviting glow to your table with pillar candles or tea lights in autumnal colors like deep orange, rich red, and rustic brown. Place them in decorative candle holders or lanterns.
• Tableware: Opt for rustic or earth-toned tableware to complement the autumn theme. Consider using ceramic or stoneware plates, complemented by cloth napkins in warm hues.
• Place Cards: Craft personalized place cards for your guests using fallen leaves or mini pumpkins. These can also double as thoughtful party favors.
• Linens: Dress your table with a tablecloth or runner in fall-inspired colors or patterns, like plaid or autumn leaves.

Modern Minimalist Elegance:

For a more contemporary and minimalist approach to your stress-free Thanksgiving table, embrace clean lines, simplicity, and a sense of refined elegance. Here’s how to create this modern look:

• Neutral Color Palette: Stick to a neutral color palette, such as whites, grays, or muted pastels. A simple white tablecloth can serve as a great base.
• Sleek Tableware: Opt for modern, minimalistic tableware in solid colors or subtle patterns. Consider matte or metallic flatware for an added touch of sophistication.
• Simple Centerpiece: Create a striking centerpiece with a single vase filled with fresh white or pastel flowers, such as calla lilies or hydrangeas. Alternatively, use a single, eye-catching statement piece, like a modern sculpture.
• Glassware: Choose clean and elegant glassware, like stemless wine glasses or crystal goblets, for a modern touch.
• Place Settings: Keep place settings uncluttered. Use minimalist place cards with each guest’s name written in an elegant, modern font.
• Linens: Minimalist napkins in a solid color, neatly folded, add a touch of refinement.

Personalized Touches:

Regardless of the style you choose, consider incorporating personal touches into your table decor and settings. These can include:

• Homemade Decor: Craft your own table decor elements, such as place card holders, napkin rings, or table runners, to add a personalized touch.
• Family Heirlooms: Incorporate family heirlooms like antique dishes, silverware, or table linens to infuse the setting with history and sentimental value.
• Photo Place Cards: Include small photo frames at each place setting with a cherished family photo. This encourages conversation and adds a personal touch.
• Gratitude Notes: Provide small cards and pens for your guests to write down what they’re thankful for, then collect and read them aloud during the meal.

As you decide on your table decor and settings, remember that the goal is to create an inviting and harmonious space for your guests to enjoy their Thanksgiving meal. Whether you lean towards a classic autumn theme or a more modern, minimalist approach, let your personal style and creativity shine through in your choice of tableware and decorations. Your table will serve as a beautiful backdrop for the feast and the memories you’ll create with your loved ones.

Creative Thanksgiving Leftovers and Storage Ideas

After the delightful stress-free Thanksgiving feast, there will undoubtedly be leftovers. Rather than letting them go to waste, use these creative recipes and storage tips and turn you stress-free Thanksgiving meal into stress-free Thanksgiving leftovers!

Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches:

• Transform leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into delicious sandwiches. Add some stuffing and a slice of cheese for an extra treat.

Turkey Pot Pie:

• Dice up leftover turkey and mix it with vegetables, gravy, and herbs to create a comforting pot pie. Top with flaky pastry for a hearty meal.

Cranberry Relish Chutney:

• Blend cranberry sauce with orange zest, a dash of cinnamon, and a bit of sugar to create a zesty chutney. Use it as a topping for your sandwiches, roast, or even as a dip.

Sweet Potato Pancakes:

• Mash up your leftover sweet potatoes, add a touch of flour and an egg, and fry them into sweet potato pancakes. Serve with maple syrup for a tasty breakfast treat.

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake:

• Combine a slice of leftover pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream and a bit of milk to create a decadent milkshake.

Storage Ideas

Freeze for Future Use:

• If you find yourself with more leftovers than you can handle, don’t hesitate to freeze them. Leftover turkey, gravy, and vegetables can be stored for a later date.

Storage Essentials:

• Invest in airtight containers or ziplock bags to store your leftovers. Label containers with the date to ensure you know when they were prepared.

Find storage containers and bags HERE.

Crafting an Unforgettable Stress-Free Thanksgiving Celebration

With careful planning and organization, you can host a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner that impresses your guests and leaves you with delightful leftovers to enjoy in creative ways. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness, and by following our step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure that the focus remains on the joy of the holiday rather than the stress of the preparation. Whether you’re planning for the big day itself or considering creative leftovers, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your Thanksgiving celebration.

Classic Thanksgiving Recipes and Grocery List

Recipes

Below are recipes for a stress-free Thanksgiving menu as well as a grocery list for your grocery shopping needs: (For the printable version of these Recipes and Grocery list click HERE.)

Appetizers

Cheese Platter with Accompaniments

Ingredients:

• Assorted cheeses (Brie, Cheddar, Gouda)
• Grapes
• Crackers
• Assorted nuts
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Edible flowers (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

• 1. Arrange the cheeses on a serving platter or board.
• 2. Scatter grapes around the cheeses.
• 3. Place crackers and nuts in small bowls and arrange them on the platter.
• 4. Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs among the items for a decorative touch.
• 5. Optionally, add edible flowers for a pop of color.

Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Dash of hot sauce
• Chopped chives or paprika (for garnish)

Instructions:

• 1. Hard-boil the eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 9-12 minutes, then cool and peel.
• 2. Cut the boiled eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks.
• 3. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, paprika, and hot sauce.
• 4. Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg white halves.
• 5. Garnish with chopped chives or a sprinkle of paprika.

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Tortilla chips
• Fresh Bread

 Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
• 3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly.
• 4. Serve with tortilla chips or slices of fresh bread for dipping.

Side Dishes

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
• 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 6 oz crispy fried onions

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and soy sauce.
• 3. Add the blanched green beans and toss to coat.
• 4. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with crispy fried onions.
• 5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until it’s hot and the onions are golden brown.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, mashed
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• 3. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans.
• 4. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden and the casserole is hot.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• 2. Toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• 3. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and caramelized.
• 4. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.

Main Dish

Roast Turkey

Ingredients:

• 12-14 lb turkey
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• Sage, freshly chopped (Approx. 2 tablespoons)
• Thyme, freshly chopped (Approx. 2 tablespoons)
• Rosemary, freshly chopped (Approx. 2 tablespoons)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• 2. Remove giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey dry.
• 3. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• 4. Gently separate the turkey skin from the meat and rub the herb butter mixture under the skin and all over the turkey.
• 5. Roast the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up, for about 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Desserts

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 15 oz canned pumpkin
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• Whipped Cream (for serving)

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.
• 3. Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
• 4. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk.
• 5. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes, until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
• 6.  Serve with whipped cream.

Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced apples (peeled and cored
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions:

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 2. In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• 3. Transfer the apples to a baking dish.
• 4. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour.
• 5. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• 6. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
• 7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• 8. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Grocery List

Here’s a detailed grocery list for the stress-free Thanksgiving recipes above, with total quantities and measurements of all recipes combined:

Produce:

• 1 small bunch of fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 cups grapes
• 6 medium-sized apples (for the apple crisp)
• 1 lb fresh green beans
• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts
• Small bunches of fresh herbs (chives, sage, thyme, and rosemary)
• 5 cloves garlic

Dairy and Refrigerated Items:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese (8 oz – for the cheese platter)
• Gouda or similar cheese (8 oz – for the cheese platter)
• Brie cheese (8 oz – for the cheese platter)
• Whipped cream (for serving with pie)

Pantry Staples:

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Dash of hot sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1-¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1-1/4 cup granulated sugar

Canned and Packaged Items:

• 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 14 oz can artichoke hearts
• 15 oz canned pumpkin
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup pecans
• Assorted nuts (for cheese platter)

Meat and Proteins:

• 4 slices bacon
• 12-14 lb turkey

Bakery and Bread:

• Fresh bread (for serving with the spinach and artichoke dip)

Frozen Items:

• 16 oz bag chopped spinach
• 1 9-inch pie crust (or homemade)
• Ice cream 

Miscellaneous:

• Tortilla chips (for serving with the spinach and artichoke dip)
• Crackers (for the cheese platter)
• Fresh or dried edible flowers (optional, for garnish)

Head to the BLOGS page to read more about planning, decluttering and organizing.

Plan a Stress-Free Thanksgiving