This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.

Tomorrow begins Thanksgiving week, and if your home is anything like mine, this is the moment when everything starts to speed up. Kids are home more, grocery stores get crowded, and your kitchen becomes the center of the universe.

The good news? A smooth week doesn’t require a complicated plan.
Just a clear, simple Thanksgiving prep timeline that spreads out the work so you’re never scrambling the night before.

And if you tackled yesterday’s Thanksgiving kitchen prep, then you already have a huge head start. Clear counters, a rough plan for your table and buffet, and open space to actually cook — those things make this timeline feel effortless.

Let’s walk through the week in a way that feels doable, calm, and realistic.

Your Thanksgiving Prep Timeline (Simple & Stress-Free)

This is the short version — the one that keeps you moving without loading your plate with more than you need.

Use what fits, skip what doesn’t, and adjust based on your menu.

Sunday – Fridge Reset + Final Grocery Run

This is your “get ready for the week to start” day.

Today’s tasks:

• Final grocery run (earlier = better)
• Clean out the fridge
  • Toss old leftovers
  • Consolidate half-used sauces
  • Make room for casseroles + ingredients
• Chop make-ahead veggies
  • Onions, celery, carrots, peppers
• Prep pie crust or pull store-bought from the freezer
• Check serving dishes & utensils
• Wash linens if you didn’t do it Friday
• Review your guest count

Starting with a clean fridge and full pantry makes the rest of this Thanksgiving prep timeline feel so much easier.

Monday – Early Prep Day

This is the quiet day of the week. Anything you do today pays you back later.

Today’s tasks:

• Make cranberry sauce
• Chop vegetables for stuffing
• Prep turkey brine if you’re brining
• Bake rolls or desserts that keep well
• Iron or steam your tablecloth
• Set up your beverage station
• Pull out serving platters + label them
• Begin setting the table if space allows

Your future self highly approves of Monday prep.

Tuesday – Pies, Casseroles & Final Chopping

The work picks up a little here, but you’re still far from the rush.

Today’s tasks:

• Make pies
• Assemble casseroles (cover + refrigerate)
• Prep salads
  • Wash greens
  • Make dressings (store separately)
• Finish chopping vegetables
• Lay out and label serving utensils
• Quick tidy of guest areas

By the end of Tuesday, most of your heavy prep is already behind you.

Wednesday – The Big Prep Day

This is the last major day in the Thanksgiving prep timeline — but if you’ve stayed on track, it won’t feel overwhelming.

Today’s tasks:

• Prep turkey (brine, dry, season, or get roasting pan ready)
• Make stuffing or prep ingredients
• Finish casseroles & appetizers
• Set the entire table
• Vacuum + tidy main spaces
• Empty dishwasher
• Pull out coffee maker, mugs, and to-go containers

This is also the day I double-check the buffet layout so everything flows smoothly tomorrow.

Thursday – Thanksgiving Day

This is where the timeline pays off and everything clicks into place.

Today’s tasks:

• Turkey in the oven
• Rotate casseroles
• Heat or reheat sides
• Make gravy
• Dress the salad right before serving
• Place appetizers out for snacking
• Light candles and enjoy the day

You already did the work. Now it’s just following through.

Daily To-Dos

Here’s your tiny checklist for today:

• Review the Thanksgiving prep timeline
• Circle or note what applies to your menu
• Begin your grocery list
• Check fridge space
• Confirm your grocery run day
• Decide what time you want Thanksgiving dinner served
• Get ready for a smooth Sunday start