We’re a week away from Thanksgiving and the countdown is on, which means even the most experienced hosts should be preparing their home for the holidays. From making sure my serveware is sparkling, to planning party cocktails, these tips help me keep my cool every Thanksgiving while delivering a holiday to remember.

One Week Before Thanksgiving
A week before my guests arrive, I make sure my home is clean and begin setting up my holiday décor. I’ll visit Pinterest for tablescape and décor inspiration and come up with all kinds of fun ideas. This year, I’m decorating my Thanksgiving table with mini pumpkins and gourds and marking each guest’s spot with a handwritten place card.

6 Days Before Thanksgiving: Menu Made & Bar Stocked

Now I’m double-checking my holiday menu and likely picking up my turkey. I’ll also begin planning which cocktails or specialty drinks I’d like to serve. It’s also important to me to have my Under-Counter Refrigeration Unit and bar stocked ahead of time; this gives me peace of mind that I got ahead of the game a bit as the holiday quickly approaches. This year I’m surprising my family with my current favorite drink—a very cherry mule (a splash of vodka, a spritz of lime juice, a heavy pour of ginger beer, and garnish with cherries).

5 Days Before: Practice Makes Perfect

I love having friends over for a special dinner the weekend before Thanksgiving — in fact, it’s become a tradition. Hosting a Friendsgiving gives me the perfect opportunity to heat up my oven and practice my menu in advance. I usually cook a delicious chicken or turkey and try out some new appetizers I’m planning to make for the big day itself. Of course, it always turns out so well my friends don’t know it’s only practice…

3-4 Days Before: Prep Non-Perishables
As the holiday approaches, I like to put together my shopping list and pick up all non-perishables ahead of time. Having all essential baking ingredients such as canned pumpkin, flour, or brown sugar at the ready helps me feel prepared.

I’ll also clean out my refrigerator and freezer so they’re ready to accommodate a variety of pre-baked goods and all the delicious leftovers. I also make sure that my favorite glass containers are clean and at-the-ready to store anything from extra cranberry sauce to leftover mashed potatoes.

2 Days Before: Pie Prep

What’s Thanksgiving without apple pie? Here’s my favorite pie secret: I like to create my fruit pies a few days before the holidays and freeze them unbaked — this sets the crust and makes it less likely to become soggy. The best part: there’s no need to defrost the pie day of Thanksgiving — I simply pop it directly into the oven and bake.

1 Day Before: Last Minute Additions
Being my favorite holiday of the year, I’m counting down the moments I get to host my family. I love nothing more than delighting them with delicious recipes and an evening filled with new memories.

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