Thanksgiving Dinner Planner

- July 18, 2025
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Plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner with this all-in-one calculator. Get personalised recommendations for turkey size, cooking times, side dish quantities, and a complete shopping list based on your guest count and preferences.

Guest Information

Menu Preferences

Timing Information

Advanced Options

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Thanksgiving Planning Tips

Planning a Thanksgiving dinner requires careful organisation and timing. Here are some tips to help make your holiday meal a success.

Plan Ahead
  • Create a menu and shopping list at least 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving
  • Order your turkey early, especially if you want a fresh or specialty turkey
  • Take inventory of your serving dishes, cookware, and utensils
  • Prepare a cooking schedule to ensure everything is ready at the same time
Turkey Tips
  • Allow 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person, or more if you want ample leftovers
  • Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh
Make Ahead

Several dishes can be prepared ahead of time to reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day:

  • Cranberry sauce (3-4 days ahead)
  • Pies (1-2 days ahead)
  • Stuffing prep (1 day ahead, bake day-of)
  • Chopped vegetables (1-2 days ahead)
  • Turkey brine (1 day ahead)