A week out
- Confirm headcount, and how many guests drink wine or beer (21+ only).
- Assign dishes: turkey, stuffing, potatoes, a green vegetable, cranberry, rolls, pies, drinks, ice.
- Start the thaw on the date the planner gives you.
How much of each side (per person)
- Mashed potatoes: ¼–½ lb raw potatoes.
- Green beans: ¼ lb raw.
- Gravy: ½ cup. Cranberry sauce: ⅓ cup.
- Rolls: 1½. Stuffing: a 13×9 pan serves about 12.
- Pie: a 9-inch pie cuts into about 8 slices.
- Wine: about 1 bottle per 5 pours.
Food safety
- Turkey and stuffing are done at 165°F (USDA).
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, 1 hour above 90°F (Nebraska Extension).