Checklist for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, now is the time to pull together a plan. BHG.com, the online companion to Better Home and Gardens magazine, offers this helpful checklist for planning a stress-free holiday:

Early November

• Invite your guests; plan for their special food needs.

• Make a list and shop for paper goods, including containers for leftovers.

• Make a list and shop for nonperishable groceries.

• If needed, order a fresh turkey now.

• Decide on dishes and linens (clean and iron them now).

• Make sure you have enough tables and chairs.

• Check out serving dishes, flatware and glasses.

• Make decorations and place cards.

One week ahead

• Review recipes.

• Make a cooking schedule, including an hourly timetable the big day.

• Check thaw time for frozen turkey.

• Prepare guest room.

• Line up needed high chairs, cribs or booster seats.

• Get out games and movies to entertain kids.

Four days ahead

• Use the fridge to begin defrosting turkey.

• No ice maker? Make cubes now and store in freezer bags.

• Finish major housecleaning.

• Put up nonperishable decorations such as wreaths.

Two days ahead

• Chill beverages.

• Buy flowers for the table.

• Shop for perishable items.

• Set out bread for stuffing.

• Make cranberry sauce.

• Complete light housecleaning.

• Put up all decorations.

One day ahead

• Clean vegetables. Peel potatoes; place in a pot of cold water. Keep all in fridge.

• Make dishes that can be prepared ahead. Prepare stuffing.

• Check bathrooms.

• Set the table.

Thanksgiving Day

• Get out serving pieces.

• Fill condiment dishes; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

• Delegate tasks such as pouring drinks and watching the kids.

• Remove turkey from fridge for one to two hours.

• Preheat oven. Add turkey and baste every half-hour or according to your recipe.

• Brew coffee 20 minutes before serving.

• Check turkey for doneness. Let turkey rest, covered, for about 20 minutes before slicing.

• Heat food in microwave if all burners are busy.

• Make gravy and last-minute vegetables.

• Set out refrigerated dishes including condiments.

• Heat bread or rolls.

• Pour drinks.

• Carve turkey.