Step 1

. You can prepare some of these dishes in advance. Some can be frozen and reheated from frozen, others can be made and stored in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Check individual recipe for full make ahead instructions.

Step 2

. Once you have decided the main dish that you will be serving (and all the other dishes), prepare as much as you can in advance. Whether that is chopping vegetables, marinating meat, or throwing together a salad. You can store all the prepared ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Step 3

. Take out the fancy holiday dinnerware, flatware, glasses, placemats, and napkins and set the table the night before. It's one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving.