Thanksgiving Prep Made Easy
By Laura McManus, President of Mackenzie Limited & Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes & More
Thanksgiving is more than a meal; it’s an occasion. A table surrounded by family, interesting stories, and exchanges, and a perfectly roasted turkey with all the requisite side dishes that somehow pulls everyone together. Add the array of festive desserts, and the celebration is complete, whether it’s for 2 or 20. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but mainly because the delicious meal sets the backdrop for a day with those that I hold dear.
But behind every effortless celebration is a bit of planning (and maybe a few shortcuts). Here I’ll share some of my tips and tricks, as well as my favorite products that can keep you out of the kitchen and help you enjoy time with family and friends. I’ll also share how to get ahead, so when the big day comes, you can focus on the fun, not the frenzy!
1. Start with Your Game Plan
Before the grocery lists pile up, take a moment to map out your celebration:
Guest count: Confirm who’s coming and if anyone has special dietary needs. Once you have an accurate count, you’ll know how much you need to make or order.
Menu balance: Mix tried-and-true family favorites with one or two fresh additions. Each year, I always make the same stuffing, but I will usually try 1 or 2 new side dishes, and you’ll always find different desserts on the table.
Timing: Work backward from mealtime. What can be prepped or ordered in advance? I like to get as much done in advance as possible, as it saves stress on the day.
Build your menu around a few make-ahead dishes. Our fully prepared Thanksgiving dinners, delivered and side dishes, like Crème Fraiche Mashed Potatoes, Corn Soufflé, Cranberry Sausage Stuffing, Homestyle Gravy, and our signature Stuffed Turkey Breast, arrive frozen and ready to bake, giving you back hours of prep time. If you prefer a full, traditional turkey, our Pre-Cooked Turkey is a seasonal best-seller.
■ Pro Tip: Order well in advance! Everything arrives frozen, so work on making room in your freezer; that’s usually the hardest part. During the holidays, both FedEx and UPS can be overloaded with deliveries, so save yourself any stress and order well in advance. My recommendation is to order to ship to yourself the full week before Thanksgiving at the latest; that way, it's tucked away in your freezer instead of in transit.
2. Create a Cozy, Stress-Free Setting
The secret to a memorable Thanksgiving celebration isn’t just what’s on the plate; it’s how it feels. Try these simple touches to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving gathering:
Layer textures: a soft throw, linen napkins, flickering candles, and even a handmade centerpiece using what is still growing in your garden, all help set the tone. I’ve even created centerpieces using a special bowl filled with flowers mixed with vegetables like artichokes and mini pumpkins. Get creative and let your personality show here.
Choose a theme: harvest tones, classic ivory, or even modern gold. I always set the table the night before so I can wake up to calm, not clutter. And, one less thing to worry about on the day of. Is setting the table not your thing? Nominate a creative family member to take charge of this.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource
Let’s be honest, no one wins a medal for stress. If cooking isn’t your thing, order a complete Thanksgiving meal delivered (appetizer, turkey, sides, dessert, the works) and let it arrive at your door. You can still take credit for hosting a feast; you get to focus on what you love, and you just won’t have to do all the cooking. And if you don’t want to tell anyone that you didn’t cook for hours, your secret is safe with us.
Shop our curated Thanksgiving dinners — from gourmet appetizers to traditional turkey to decadent Beef Wellington — all delivered frozen, ready to bake and serve.
■ Pro Tip: I like to cook my own turkey, but I’m not a baker. I usually choose a selection of offerings from our collection of gourmet desserts, and it always includes our Cognac Pumpkin Cheesecake (this has been a tradition for almost 20 years). This year, I’ll add our Gingerbread Cake and my daughter’s all-time favorite, Sticky Toffee Pudding. If a family member is a baker, I’ll usually ask for someone to bring their specialty so we can all try.
4. Add a Little Extra Magic to the Celebration
Small details go a long way: A place card or a single sprig of rosemary tied with a bow on each napkin. A signature cocktail (think cranberry spritz or bourbon cider). A playlist of soft jazz or acoustic classics in the background. The small details make your guests feel welcome and cherished, and go a long way towards making the gathering personal.
In years past, I’ve put out place cards with each guest’s name handwritten, so everyone knows where to sit when it comes time for dinner, and it makes them feel extra welcomed. You can also create a custom place setting by individually wrapping one of our Pumpkin Truffles to create a stunning place setting for your guests.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy It
At Mackenzie Limited, we’ve spent over 35 years helping families bring elegance and ease to their tables, whether it’s a special birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other festive occasion. From our kitchen to yours, we hope this Thanksgiving is filled with laughter, gratitude, and maybe a slice of Pumpkin Pie, too.
We spend months planning and preparing our Thanksgiving meals with a single thought in mind: we want to provide you with elegant, delicious gourmet foods that will save you time and stress, so you can enjoy the occasion without spending hours shopping and cooking. We know enjoying special days with loved ones is a cherished experience – so we want you to enjoy every minute!
Stay Tuned: Next on The Inside Dish: Thanksgiving Appetizers: Start the Celebration Off Right