Our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide: The Make Ahead Menu.

It’s here! The holiday season has officially begun, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this year’s Thanksgiving menu — truly our best yet. Everyone, this is Our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide: The Make-Ahead Menu!

Just as I said last year, there’s a big part of me that’s happy Thanksgiving falls late this year (November 27th!) — it gives me more time to plan, prep, and get ready for the Christmas craze. But another part of me wishes it came just a little earlier… only because that would mean even more time to celebrate the holidays!

I know it’s a little silly, but I’m such a Christmas girl at heart — time just feels like it’s moving way too fast these days, and I can barely keep up!

But here we are, the first week of November, and it’s officially time to share my 2025 Thanksgiving Menu. I usually post this on November 1st, but today works just as well! It’s here with plenty of time to plan, order, prep, and get excited — and, of course, to build up our appetites for the cozy holiday season ahead!

I’ve been fine-tuning this year’s menu for weeks, and it’s such a special one — maybe my favorite yet. The focus this year is all about creating a make-ahead Thanksgiving dinner. Personally, that’s my favorite way to entertain — when most of the work is done ahead of time, and I can actually enjoy the day.

When my family shuffles into the studio for the holidays, chaos always breaks loose (in the best way!), and it’s officially go time. I’ll never not be in the kitchen — it’s where I feel most at home — but I love when everything is prepped and ready, so I can feel calm, collected, and really enjoy being with everyone.

I spent time breaking down this year’s menu piece by piece to help guide you as you plan your own holiday dinner. I know everyone puts their own spin on Thanksgiving, but I did my very best to thoughtfully plan out each recipe, the timing, and even how I created this year’s tablescape.

This year, I was lucky to work with an incredible team to help bring my full vision to life — and I can’t wait to finally share it with you! It feels like such a big step up from previous years, and my only hope is that this guide makes your Thanksgiving planning easier, more organized, and (most importantly) inspiring.

Let’s dive into all the details of our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide! You’ll notice a few familiar tips — some are repeats because they’re tried-and-true favorites, and others are new and specific to this year’s menu.

As always, leave your questions in the comments below. I’m your holiday girl, and I’m here to help however I can!

This Year’s Concept:

This year’s Thanksgiving is all about slowing down, cooking smart, and savoring the cozy beauty of the season — without the rush. I wanted everything to feel thoughtful but not overdone: a mix of homemade comfort classics and easy, make-ahead recipes.

The vibe is warm and welcoming — think soft florals, tall taper candles, and low, glowing candlelight. It’s a table that feels curated but still homey, seasonal but never staged.

For me, this menu is about presence over perfection. It’s about giving yourself the space to actually enjoy the day — sipping cider while reheating dishes, not rushing to finish them. Every detail, from the food to the table, says: This is home, and you’re welcome here.

The Make Ahead Menu:

Breakfast

Tip: We usually eat dinner on the later side, so when guests are in town, I love having something special for breakfast. With a little time during the day — and a few dishes prepped ahead — I can casually cook while everyone’s around.

In the afternoon, we always make time to cut down our Christmas tree, and then we eat around 7 pm or even later. It just depends on the year! This year, Baked Cinnamon Apple Butter French Toast is on the breakfast menu, and I can’t wait.

Drinks

Tip: Always have the candles lit and the drinks ready before guests arrive. A warm glow and something to sip on instantly makes people feel welcome. I love offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, so there’s something for everyone.

Thanksgiving Cider Punch

Pomegranate Spice Martini

Appetizers

Tip: I never used to serve appetizers — I didn’t want everyone filling up before the big meal! But over the years, I’ve changed my thinking. The trick is to have a few light bites ready when guests arrive. I like to set out a couple of favorites, especially a beautiful cheese board. It’s always so welcoming — and pairs perfectly with a cocktail in hand.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

French Onion Soup Mini Pies

Thanksgiving Turkey Cheeseboard

Sides

Tip:Make all of these dishes ahead of time, then don’t stress about a thing come Thanksgiving Day. Everything can be prepped in advance so you can actually enjoy the holiday! See my notes below for more tips, tricks, and details.

Mashed Potato Casserole

Make it Ahead Thanksgiving Salad

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Salted Pretzel Honey Butter Biscuits

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Herby Mushroom Croissant Stuffing

Sweet Potato Casserole with Sweet ‘n’ Savory Bacon Pecans

Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Cranberry Sauce
Use your favorite recipe here! I like to simmer fresh cranberries with maple syrup, orange juice, and a sprig of rosemary or sage, plus a pinch of salt, until thickened. I switch it up a little every year, but it’s always delicious and so simple to make ahead.

Main

Tip: I always like to include at least one vegetarian main course. It’s so nice to have a dish that feels just as hearty and special as the turkey — something everyone at the table can get excited about.

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey

Make Ahead Easy Gravy

One Pot Creamy Vegetable Dumpling Soup

Desserts

Pecan Cookies

Maple Brown Sugar Pecan Cookie Pie 

Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie 

Chocolate Covered Espresso Spiced Pretzels

3-Day Thanksgiving Timeline

TUESDAY (2 Days Before)

• Shop fresh ingredients (produce, dairy, herbs, flowers, turkey).

• Bake pecan cookies+ make Espresso Pretzels.

• Bake Maple Pecan Cookie Pie; assemble Molten Crackle Pie.

• Toast nuts; chop onions/celery/mushrooms.

• Make Cranberry Sauce + cocktail bases.

• Clean + organize fridge.

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WEDNESDAY (1 Day Before)

Cook all sides (fully):

• Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, mac & cheese, green bean casserole, Brussels.

• Cool, cover, label.

Prep other dishes:

• Gravy, dumpling soup base, bacon-wrapped dates, French Onion Mini Pie filling.

Turkey + extras:

• Season turkey; refrigerate uncovered.

• Bake pretzels + biscuits.

• Arrange florals; fully set table.

• Prep cheeseboard; chill drinks.

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THURSDAY (Thanksgiving Day)

Morning:

• Bring sides to room temp.

• Roast turkey.

• Assemble cheeseboard.

• Bake dates + mini pies; warm gravy + finish soup.

Before Guests:

• Light candles/music/fire.

• Set out cookies + pretzels.

• Pour cocktails.

While Turkey Rests:

• Reheat sides.

• Warm biscuits.

• Toss salad.

Dinner:

• Carve turkey; serve buffet-style.

Dessert:

• Bake Molten Pie or serve room temp.

• Serve Cookie Pie with ice cream/whipped cream.

Two-Week Thanksgiving Plan

Turkey cooked fresh Thanksgiving Day | All sides, desserts & drinks made ahead

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving (Friday–Sunday)

Focus: Menu + Planning

• Finalize your menu and guest list — confirm headcount, allergies, and number of adults and kids.

• If guests are bringing a dish, reach out now to confirm what everyone’s making.

• Test any new recipes you’re planning to serve.

• Create a master grocery and prep list, organized by store section (pantry, produce, dairy, frozen, etc.).

• Review your serving dishes, cookware, utensils, and oven space. Make note of anything you might need extras of — like a slow cooker or countertop oven — to help the day run smoothly.

• Plan your tablescape — think color palette, candles, linens, and glassware.

• Create a Thanksgiving mood board for inspiration. Plan your florals — choose a color palette and vessel style. (You can find inspiration below where I’m sharing my table!)

• If you’re ordering your turkey, flowers, or any specialty ingredients, get those orders in now.

• Make a note to start thawing your turkey 5–6 days before Thanksgiving if it’s frozen. I like to buy a frozen, pasture-raised organic turkey — it always turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful.

One Week Before (Friday–Sunday)

Focus: Shopping + Pantry Prep

• Do your big shop for shelf-stable pantry items, drinks, alcohol, and frozen goods.

• Clean out your fridge and freezer to make space. It might feel extra, but trust me — it makes everything so much easier and more organized next week.

• Wash and store your serving platters and glassware. I like to label each piece with a sticky note for the dish it’ll hold — it saves so much time on the big day!

• Check your linens and napkins to be sure they’re clean and ready to go.

• Prep your bar area — stock up on mixers, garnishes, and ice buckets. How much you do here is totally up to you, but a little prep now goes a long way when guests arrive.

Saturday (5 Days Before Thanksgiving)

Focus: Fresh Groceries + Early Prep

• Shop for fresh ingredients: produce, dairy, herbs, flowers, and turkey.
• Start thawing turkey in fridge if frozen (allow 24 hrs per 4–5 pounds).
• Make Cranberry Sauce and chill.

Sunday (4 Days Before)

Focus: Desserts + Sweets

• Bake pecan Cookies – sharing the recipe soon!
• Make Chocolate-Covered Espresso Pretzels.
• Bake Maple Brown Sugar Pecan Cookie Pie.
• Prep or bake the Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie – if you have space/time, I like to serve this warm. But it’s delicious no matter what!
• Toast any nuts you’ll need for casseroles, salads, or desserts.
  (Or make it easy on yourself — most grocery stores sell toasted or even candied nuts that work perfectly!) Don’t be afraid to take advantage of store-bought shortcuts. There are so many amazing, high-quality options that can save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Monday (3 Days Before)

Focus: Soups, Sauces, Appetizers, Drinks

• Make Make-Ahead No Drippings Gravy; refrigerate.
• Make Herb and Vegetable Dumpling Soup (stop before dumplings) – sharing the recipe soon!
• Prep Bacon-Wrapped Dates (stuff + wrap, refrigerate unbaked)
• Make French Onion Soup Mini Pies – sharing the recipe soon!
• Mix Cocktails (no bubbles yet):
  • Thanksgiving Cider Punch
  • Pomegranate Spice Martini – coming soon!
• Chop onions, celery, and mushrooms; store for stuffing/soup.
• Confirm floral delivery/pickup date (tomorrow or Wednesday).

Tuesday (2 Days Before)

Focus: Cook and Finish Sides
Fully cook these dishes — they’ll just need reheating on Thanksgiving Day:

• Mashed Potato Casserole – sharing the recipe soon!
• Sweet Potato Casserole (bake with topping)
• Herby Mushroom Croissant Stuffing
• Baked Macaroni & Cheese – sharing the recipe soon!
• Crockpot Green Bean Casserole – sharing the recipe soon!
• Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (roast 90%, finish day-of)
• Prep Thanksgiving Salad: wash + dry greens, make dressing, store separately.
• Cool and cover all dishes tightly – label with reheating instructions.

Wednesday (1 Day Before)

Focus: Bread, Turkey, Florals, and Table

• Bake Salted Pretzel Butter Biscuits – sharing the recipe soon!
• Prep Turkey: pat dry, season, rub with herb butter, refrigerate (cheesecloth on). Totally optional with my cheesecloth method, but if you want to be ahead of schedule, you can do this!
• Pick up/arrange florals; set them in vases and keep cool.
• Set your table: linens, florals, candles, name cards, serving dish labels.
• Assemble cheeseboard components (slice cheese, prep nuts, fruit).
• Chill cocktails, wine, and sparkling cider. If needed, bring in a mini fridge or cooler for additional drinks
• Clean/prep kitchen for the big day

Thursday (Thanksgiving Day)

Focus: Roast, Reheat, Relax

Morning

• Take sides out of fridge to come to room temp (60–90 minutes)
• Roast Herb and Butter Turkey
• Assemble Turkey Cheeseboard – cheese is happier at room temperature, so you can prepare this well in advance
• Bake French Onion Soup Mini Pies and Bacon-Wrapped Dates.
• Warm Gravy and finish Soup (add dumplings).

Just before Guests Arrive

• Light candles, turn on the music, light the fire, set the mood
• Set out appetizers, Snickerdoodles, and Espresso Pretzels to have for snacking
• Pour Cider Punch and Pomegranate Martinis; garnish with herbs + citrus.
  

While Turkey Rests

• Reheat all sides (325–350°F covered, uncover halfway if needed, follow recipe-specific directions if listed).
• Warm Pretzel Butter Biscuits.
• Toss the salad.
• Light candles on the dinner table. Do any last-minute touches. It’s almost time! Kids are great to put to work here. Just a tip!

Dinner Time

• Carve the turkey, make sure the gravy is hot and steamy
• set out all sides, make sure everything is hot.
• Serve dinner buffet-style—the only way to do it in my family.

Dessert

• Bake Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie 30–40 minutes before serving. Or serve room temperature.
• Serve the Cookie Pie with ice cream or whipped cream

Friday (Day After Thanksgiving)

Focus: Rest, Decorate for Christmas + Enjoy

• Make Turkey Soup or Sandwiches with leftovers.
• Reheat casseroles for brunch.
• Enjoy leftover cocktails chilled
• Decorate for Christmas! It’s time. I’m more of a Cyber Monday shopper

Ending the Night:

Deck the halls with Mom’s popcorn and cranberry garland

Every year we sit by the fir and string popcorn and cranberry garland strands for our family tree. It’s the perfect way to end Thanksgiving night and one of my favorite traditions!

We make our strands using moms sewing kit, just a needle and string. They are so fun and easy to make!

For the Tablescape

Shop my table below

Everyone made this special holiday evening come to life!

Photography by Johnny Miller

Props by Sarah Smart

Creative Producer/Styling by Jess Damuck

Wardrobe by Caitlin Harvey

Our 2025 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide: the Make Ahead Menu.