The Day-Before Thanksgiving Checklist

It’s the day before Thanksgiving which means… game time. The calm before the gravy-soaked storm. This is where future-you either says “thank you” or “why did you do this to me?” So let’s set ourselves up to glide into tomorrow like the hostess with the mostest.

Here are a few easy things you can knock out today so tomorrow actually feels fun:

1. Set the Table Tonight

Do it now while the house is still semi-civilized. Lay out your plates, silverware, napkins, glassware, and whatever little flourish makes your table feel like you. (Candles, patterned linens, that one dramatic serving bowl you never use but definitely bought for “a moment.”)

2. Chop Everything

Onions, celery, herbs, the whole veggie squad. Pre-chop and store in containers so tomorrow you just grab, toss, sauté, repeat. Your future self will be forever grateful.

3. Prep Your Sides

Cranberry sauce? Done. Stuffing mix? Prepped. Casseroles? Assembled and chilling. Do everything short of actually hitting “bake.”

4. Set Up Your Drink Station

It’s The Maximalist, so obviously drinks matter. Stock your bar, chill wine, slice citrus, and set out glassware. A good bar setup basically hosts itself.

5. Check Your Serving Pieces

Pull out the platters, gravy boat, pie server, and every oversized bowl you own. Label them with sticky notes so you’re not scrambling for “the big one” while something burns.

6. Take a Moment for Yourself

Light a candle, play a playlist, sip something festive. Hosting is a vibe, and you set the tone.

Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection. It’s about warmth, great food, and filling your home with people (and smells) you love. Do a little prep today and tomorrow will feel easy, joyful, and wonderfully maximalist. 🥂🦃✨