© Shutterstock

Check guest list and dietary requirements -

A few weeks ahead of the big day, contact everybody you plan to invite, and make sure you know of any extra guests. Is anybody newly vegan? Any food intolerances? Forewarned is forearmed!

© Shutterstock

Finalize menu -

Once you know who you're catering for, you can plan the meal, from appetizers to dessert. Doing this at least two weeks in advance of the meal will help reduce stress levels considerably.

© Shutterstock

Plan for meat-free guests -

If you've had your mind on the turkey and find yourself catering to meat-free guests as well as meat-eaters, don't panic. Look into easy dishes that can be cooked at the same time as the bird, and which will look and taste like you put the effort in.

© Shutterstock

Have a recipe recap -

Take a look over your favorite Thanksgiving recipes to make sure you know what you need. Also double-check if anything needs to be adapted to cater for any preferences or intolerances.

© Shutterstock

Take a supplies inventory -

Once you know what you want to cook, make sure all your store cupboard essentials are in place. You don't want to realize at a crucial moment that an essential spice is missing and the stores are closed!

© Shutterstock

Delegate tasks -

Make sure you delegate tasks ahead of time, so you don't get stuck in the kitchen all day. Ask guests to bring a favorite dish, and give family members a list of tasks they'll be responsible for on and before the big day.

© Shutterstock

Stock up -

Pre-order your turkey, and get your non-perishable groceries well ahead of time. That way you can avoid huge queues and depleted stocks at the supermarket.

© Shutterstock

Order baked goods -

If you're not a natural baker, the pressure of Thanksgiving dinner might not be the best time to put your skills to the test. Ordering in pies and other baked goods can take the stress out of the occasion. Just don't leave it until the last minute!

© Shutterstock

Clear out the fridge -

You'll need space for ingredients and preprepared dishes, so have a good clear-out of the fridge at least a week in advance of Thanksgiving. Use up leftovers, and maybe get rid of those mysterious jars lingering at the back.

© Shutterstock

Sort out your surfaces -

A cluttered kitchen is a recipe for stress when you're catering under pressure. Sort out which appliances you'll need to prepare the meal, and stash everything else somewhere out of the way.

© Shutterstock

Make a seating plan -

A week or so before Thanksgiving, plan where everybody will sit, and how you will arrange the table. Lit candles next to toddlers might not be a wise move, and you might want to avoid putting opinionated aunts next to highly-sensitive cousins.

© Shutterstock

Read up on bird prep -

If this is your first Thanksgiving rodeo, make sure you know exactly what you're doing when it comes to the turkey. Frozen birds may need several days to defrost, and fresh ones will need ordering well in advance.

© Shutterstock

Clean out the oven -

If you have not cleaned out the oven in a while, you definitely don't want to leave it until just before your judgmental sister-in-law arrives! Get the dirty work done at least a few days before the dinner.

© Shutterstock

Make and freeze bread rolls -

Home-baked bread rolls are a tasty touch that can be prepared well in advance of Thanksgiving dinner. Freezing unbaked rolls and placing them straight in the oven when needed will make sure they taste just-baked.

© Shutterstock

Purée and freeze your pumpkin -

Chunks of pumpkin, sweet potato, and squash don't take well to freezing, but purée the vegetables and you're good to go. Defrost for use in side dishes, soups, and any pies you might be baking.

© Shutterstock

Prepare stuffing ingredients -

Stuffing ingredients like cornbread or homemade stock can be prepped days or even weeks in advance. Stick them in the freezer, and they're ready to assemble on the day.

© Shutterstock

Make and freeze the gravy -

Turkey gravy can be made in advance, and frozen. Just make sure to leave enough time to defrost overnight, and reheat gently, whisking as you go.

© Shutterstock

Make and freeze the mashed potatoes -

Mashed potatoes can also be made and frozen well ahead of time. Be sure to use plenty of butter and cream, as the full-fat dairy protects the potatoes. 

© Shutterstock

Prepare salad toppings -

While the salad itself should obviously be made just before serving, you can toast nuts and make croutons a couple of days in advance. Just store in an airtight container.

© Shutterstock

Make salad dressings -

Salad dressings can be made several days in advance. Just don't add fresh ingredients like herbs or garlic until just before dressing your salad.

© Shutterstock

Prepare green bean garnishes -

Whatever green bean dish you're planning, there's sure to be an element that can be prepared in advance. Almonds can be toasted and frozen ahead of time, and a green bean casserole—minus crispy topping—will keep in the fridge for two or three days.

© Shutterstock

Get the family involved -

Whether it's making cookies and decorations or setting the table, get the kids involved. It can make the buildup to the event less stressful for you, and extra fun for them!

© Shutterstock

Clean in stages -

Cleaning for guests can be a daunting task, but break it down into smaller stages and it can be less of a last-minute stress. Tackle guest rooms at least a week ahead of arrival, and then just give them a spruce-up immediately before guests arrive.

© Shutterstock

Make and freeze soup -

A warming bowl of soup is a nice way to greet overnight guests when they arrive. You can make and freeze this well ahead of time, defrosting in time to welcome your guests.

© Shutterstock

Make lots of ice -

Nobody wants to run short on ice, so make it in batches in the days before Thanksgiving dinner. You can empty each trayful into a freezer bag as you go.

© Shutterstock

Hang the decorations -

Get family members in the mood, and your house looking holiday-ready, a couple of days before guests' arrival. Then no last-minute snapped strings or burned-out bulbs will spoil the effect. 

© Shutterstock

Arrange the table -

Provided no small children or animals are likely to ruin the effect, laying out the table the day before can minimize time-consuming tasks on the day of the dinner.

© Shutterstock

Plan entertainment for the kids -

Make sure you have something planned to keep younger guests entertained before and after dinner. Whether it's games in the garden, or just a selection of holiday movies ready to go.

© Shutterstock

Perfect your cocktail recipes -

Hard work, but somebody's got to do it! In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, you'll want to make sure you've perfected your cocktail making skills to look like a pro on the big day. 

Sources: (Kitchn) (How Stuff Works) (Better Homes & Gardens)

See also: How to survive Thanksgiving with your family

© Shutterstock