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)

Plan the perfect Thanksgiving with our dinner planner—get turkey size, servings, shopping list, and prep timeline based on your guest count and menu preferences. Thanksgiving Dinner Planner is part of None. Explore 1 related tools, including .