Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and great food. But without careful planning, it can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created an easy-to-follow Thanksgiving checklist that covers everything from planning the menu and setting the table to timing prep and adding those extra-special touches. With a little strategy and a lot less stress, you can host a Thanksgiving that feels effortless and unforgettable.
Planning Your Menu
Thanksgiving magic starts early! About a month before, start creating your guest list and thinking about your menu.
Finalize Your Guest List: With your final head count and dietary needs in hand, you’re ready to choose from a variety of Omaha Steaks convenient and delicious centerpiece proteins, hearty sides, and decadent desserts so you can host with confidence and enjoy every moment.
Craft Your Menu: Thanksgiving is easier than ever with Omaha Steaks. From delicious appetizers and premium centerpiece proteins to savory sides, and indulgent desserts, everything is delivered right to your door, ready to prepare, serve, and enjoy.
- Easy Appetizers: Gourmet Franks in a Blanket, Coconut Shrimp, Italian Salame Sampler, Italian-Style Beef Meatballs
- Traditional Centerpieces: Whole Basted Turkey, Fully Cooked Turkey Breast
- Elegant Alternative Centerpieces: Spiral-Sliced Ham, Boneless Heart of Prime Rib Roast, Butcher’s Cut Chateaubriand
- Effortless Sides: Individual Scalloped Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Creamed Spinach, Sausage & Cranberry Dressing
- Decadent Desserts: Pecan or pumpkin pie topped with Chantilly Crème, Gourmet Cheesecake Sampler, Caramel Apple Tartlets
- Omaha Steaks Wines: 1917 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 1917 Red Blend, 1917 Chardonnay
- Simple Fill-ins: Decide on a few traditional foods you’d like to make yourself or ask guests to bring, such as cranberry sauce or a fresh green salad, to round out the meal without extra hassle.
Thanksgiving is peak hosting season, so shop early! Head over to OmahaSteaks.com or your local Omaha Steaks store. Be sure to check shipping deadlines and confirm delivery dates fit your schedule. Take stock of your freezer and refrigerator space, and double-check quantities based on the final guest count. A little planning now means a lot less stress and a lot more flavor.
Delegate smartly: Take some of the pressure off by asking guests to bring items not covered by your order (think beverages, rolls, and additional side dishes). It’s a great way to share the joy (and the workload).
Pre-Thanksgiving Prep
With the guest list set and menu in place, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Use the last couple of weeks before Thanksgiving to shop, prepare make-ahead dishes, and organize your kitchen. Taking care of the little things now means you’ll be free to savor the moments when Thanksgiving arrives.
Receive and Organize Your Omaha Steaks Delivery: When your Thanksgiving dinner order arrives, place all items in the freezer. Set aside the included cooking instructions for easy preparation later on.
Master the Thaw: Carefully read the Omaha Steaks thawing instructions for each item, especially large items like turkey or roasts. They often need several days in the refrigerator, so plan your space accordingly.
Last Grocery Run: Make a quick visit to your store for any non-Omaha Steaks items, such as drinks and fresh ingredients.
Prepare Make-Ahead Dishes: If your guests aren’t bringing them, whip up dishes like cranberry sauce and salad dressing one to two days in advance.
Double-Check Cookware and Serving Dishes: Make sure you have the necessary roasting pans, baking sheets, serving platters, utensils, plates, and glasses so that everything is ready for Thanksgiving.
The Day Before or Morning of Thanksgiving
It’s time for the final touches. These final steps will help your Thanksgiving run smoothly, allowing you to relax and enjoy time with your guests.
Set the Table: Create a welcoming scene by arranging linens, plates, silverware, glassware, and your favorite decor before guests arrive.
Designate a Drink Station: Set up a spot for beverages, ice, glasses, and all the little extras.
Review Recipes and Cooking Instructions: Create a schedule and familiarize yourself with the specific cooking times, heating times, and temperatures for any foods you’re serving. Here are some recipes to consider:
Turkey Time: Your Thanksgiving Cooking Timeline
The big moment is here, but don’t worry! This easy-to-follow plan breaks down when to start the main course and appetizers.
Early Morning: Calculate your start time using the Omaha Steaks instructions or recipe for your turkey, roast, or other main course. Be sure to account for the resting time and always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Check out the Omaha Steaks Cooking Chart for cook time and recommendations.
Hours Before the Meal: Begin heating your sides so they’re ready once the main course is done resting. Prepare appetizers right before the guests arrive or during the centerpiece’s resting period, following the packaging directions for best results.
Tip: Don’t skip this step! The resting period for centerpieces is crucial. For example, our 10 lb. turkey needs to rest for 20 minutes before serving.
Serving and Enjoying the Food
You’ve done the hard work, and now it’s time to bring it all together. Serve with style, savor every bite, and soak up the laughter and warmth around the table. Here’s how to make these final moments feel effortless – and truly unforgettable.
Carve with Confidence: Many Omaha Steaks proteins, such as spiral-sliced ham and turkey breast, are easy to carve! Looking for some tips and tricks? Check out our guide on How to Carve a Turkey.
Beautiful Presentation: Arrange the food on a platter or in serving bowls for an inviting spread.
Sit Down, Relax, and Savor: With Omaha Steaks handling the most time-consuming prep, you can truly relax, enjoy the food, and spend meaningful time with your guests.
Effortless Desserts: When ready, thaw and serve (or warm if needed) your Omaha Steaks desserts. Add coffee or tea for a simple but elegant finishing touch.
After the Meal: Easy Cleanup and Leftover Wins
The table’s cleared, everyone’s full, and now it’s time to wrap up with ease. Thanks to Omaha Steaks convenient prep and packaging, cleanup is super easy! Here’s how to finish strong.
Simplified Cleanup: Since many Omaha Steaks dishes come ready to heat and serve, clean-up is quicker and involves fewer pots, pans, and prep tools.
Pack up Leftovers: Have some containers ready to send guests home with delicious leftovers.
Plan Your Leftover Meals: Here are a few recipes to turn leftovers into delicious meals!
With less time in the kitchen and more time around the table, Thanksgiving is all about ease, flavor, and meaningful moments. With Omaha Steaks, you can savor gourmet dishes without the stress, freeing you to focus on what matters most: your loved ones. From perfectly cooked mains to effortless sides and desserts, they will be guaranteed delicious. Omaha Steaks is the secret to a delightful celebration that feels as good as it tastes. Here’s to a Thanksgiving that’s truly memorable.
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