• Clean out the fridge.
• Start thawing your frozen turkey. Note that thawing in the fridge will take one day for every 5 pounds of meat. A 15-pound turkey will require three days to thaw thoroughly. 
• Polish silver and wash glassware. 
• Clean house and make sure you have what you need for houseguests.
• Call and confirm guest list.
• Assess table, chairs, and linens, if you need to borrow, make arrangements.
• Finalize your grocery list.

• Purchase fresh produce.
• Make pie crusts and refrigerate (if you haven't gone the frozen route).
• Clean and press table linens, set the table or decorate the buffet, lay out serving pieces, and set up the bar.

• Wash and prep produce.
• Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity and make turkey stock for gravy.
• If you're brining your turkey, give it no more than a 24-hour soak.
• Assemble stuffing but do not put it in the turkey until just before roasting. Better yet, put it in a separate pan, moisten with your homemade turkey stock, refrigerate, and bake it on Thanksgiving day. 
• Bake pies. 
• Arrange frozen dinner rolls on a sheet pan and thaw overnight in the fridge. (Otherwise, thaw at room temperature on Thanksgiving morning.) 
• Make one more quick run with the vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth. 
• Purchase and arrange fresh flowers. 
• Make sure your camera is charged and ready.

This is when all your advance work pays off and you look like a genius. Yes, there might be dishes to be prepared on the day, but you won't be in a panic. Do remember to map out oven and stove time for items brought by guests. Here's what you might have to plan for:

• Stuff and roast turkey (or bake dressing). 
• Mash potatoes.
• Make gravy. 
• Toss salad. 
• Warm or bake bread and rolls. 
• Arrange appetizer platters. 
• Whip cream for desserts. 
• Chill or open wine. 
• Heat cider, make coffee.

Congratulations! Now give yourself a solid hour or more to relax and get yourself ready to greet your guests.