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Powellful Habits

The Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Prep Timeline!

Published about 1 year ago • 2 min read

Emmaline Powell

Powellful Habit

Let's get prepped & ready for Thanksgiving

Here's what we've got in this week's special Thanksgiving edition newsletter-

  • How much turkey do you actually need?
  • Perfect Thanksgiving cooking timeline
  • Holiday appetizer/snack inspo
  • Perfect Black Friday finds for your favorite foodie

How much Turkey do you really need?

If your anything like me; a bit of a procrastinator and haven't bought your Turkey yet, check out this handy guide from the Kitchen about how much Turkey you really need...

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Timeline

Count down to 2024-11-28T21:00:00.000Z​

Prep Work: Days Before Thanksgiving

2-3 Days Before:

  • Defrost the Turkey: Place the 9-lb turkey in the refrigerator to thaw (about 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs).

Day Before:

  • Prep Vegetables: Chop onions, celery, carrots, and any other veggies.
  • Make Desserts: Prepare pies, cakes, or other desserts.
  • Brine the Turkey (Optional): Brine overnight for extra moisture and flavor.
  • Assemble Casseroles: Prep dishes like green bean or sweet potato casserole. Cover and refrigerate.

Thanksgiving Day Schedule (Assuming Dinner at 4 PM)

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM:

  • Turkey Prep: Season the turkey. If brined, rinse and pat dry.
  • Preheat Oven: Set to 325°F (163°C).

9:00 AM:

  • Start Cooking the Turkey: Place in the oven. A 9-lb turkey needs about 3 hours (20 minutes per pound at 325°F). Use a meat thermometer to check (internal temperature should be 165°F).

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM:

  • Start Prep for Sides:
    • Prep ingredients for mashed potatoes or stuffing.
    • Assemble salads and cold dishes; refrigerate.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:

  • Make Cranberry Sauce or Gravy: Prepare sauces to save time later.
  • Begin Cooking Sides: Start stovetop sides like mashed potatoes or stuffing.

1:00 PM:

  • Check Turkey: Baste if desired.

1:30 PM:

  • Roasted Vegetables: Add these to the oven if making.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM:

  • Rest Turkey: Remove from oven and tent with foil to rest for 30-60 minutes.
  • Bake Casseroles and Rolls: Place in the oven while the turkey rests.

3:30 PM:

  • Final Prep:
    • Make gravy with turkey drippings.
    • Warm any dishes that have cooled.

3:45 PM:

  • Carve Turkey: Slice and arrange on a platter.
  • Set Table: Finalize table settings.

4:00 PM: Dinner is served!

This timeline ensures all dishes are hot and ready for a seamless Thanksgiving feast.

Holiday Appetizer & Drink Inspo

Check out these fun and festive ways to bring some razzle, dazzle to any get together this week or feed your hungry guests while they wait for the main attraction.

Perfect Air-fried Brie Bites - https://www.instagram.com/p/DCzBujgx88K/​

A Festive & Hydrating Mocktail- https://www.instagram.com/p/DCxXqgeRjqy/​

Cheeseboard Inspo- https://www.instagram.com/p/DB7g0UKsVfD/​

Need some gift ideas for the foodie on your list?

Check out some of my favorites for any foodie on your list, that are a major steal for black friday!

This Dutch Oven not only is the perfect edition to cook foods to perfection but also looks beautiful on the stove. Take a pick from 10 choices!

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The ultimate tech gift for the meat smoker in your life! Or just anyone who tends to be nervous about the temperature of their meat (like me lol)

This Pots & Pan set is viral all of the socials and for good reason. The removable handles make these a great addition to anyone's kitchen.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Powellful Habits!

My favorite place for stocking stuffers...

I know it sounds crazy but I am loving TikTok shop for stocking stuffers, well really all of my holiday shopping. I continue to add new items to the showcase daily; but you'll definitely want to check it out with their current Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals. Here's the breakdown from now until 11/28 you get 20% off coupon on orders over $69; here's the BIG kicker every 12 hours that coupon will become available again. On Black Friday it goes up to 30% off.

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Emmaline Powell

Powellful Habits: Wellness, nutrition & finance hacks for thriving moms

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Powellful Habits

Emmaline Powell MBA, RDN

Hey there, I'm Emmaline, and I'm thrilled to have you join our community of empowered millennial moms. At Powellful Habits, we’re all about helping you cultivate healthy finances, wellness, and thriving family dynamics. Expect practical tips, digital & printable tools, and links to the best products that make balancing work, self-care, and family time a breeze. Whether you're looking to boost your nutrition, master your budget, or create unforgettable family moments, you're in the right place! Let’s grow and thrive together, one powerful habit at a time. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let's make life a little more Powellful! 💪💰👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

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