Plan Your Thanksgiving Feast with Ease (and Stay Stress Free)

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and whether you’re hosting in Yucaipa, Beaumont, or anywhere in the Inland Empire, having a smart plan can make all the difference. From menu selections to the big bird’s thawing schedule, this year you’ll be set up to host effortlessly.
I’m Casey Garduno with Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty — serving local homeowners for 27 years. Just as I help clients plan successful real estate moves, I’m here to help you plan a memorable, well-organized Thanksgiving. Visit SoldByCasey.com or connect on Instagram @SoldByCasey for more home & living tips.

🥧 1. Set Your Timeline: What to do when

Getting ahead is your best friend. Here's a simple timeline to guide you:

• Two to three weeks ahead: Decide on your guest list, menu, dietary needs (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free). Order your turkey if you’re buying fresh or frozen.

• One week ahead: Finalize shopping list, check cookware and serving ware, clean refrigerator and freezer space for leftovers.

• Three-four days ahead: Start thawing your turkey (see section below), prepare make-ahead casserole one day ahead, wash and cut produce.

• One day ahead: Make side dishes that reheat well (e.g., sweet potato casserole, stuffing), set the table (or at least lay out serving dishes), chill drinks, defrost any frozen dessert.

• Thanksgiving morning: Roast your turkey, warm the sides, pop the bread into oven, finish any last-minute touches, set up drinks bar.

• After dinner: Store leftovers safely within 2 hours; pack up guests; relax and enjoy.

Having a clear schedule like this ensures you’re working with time, not racing against it.

🛒 2. Full Shopping List for the Big Meal

Here’s a comprehensive shopping list you can print out or save to your phone — just tick off items as you grab them:

Proteins & mains

• Turkey (12–20 lbs depending on guest count)

• Butter (for basting)

• Broth or stock (turkey or chicken)

• Ham (optional secondary main)

Side dishes

• Potatoes (for mashed)

• Sweet potatoes or yams

• Green beans or asparagus

• Cranberries (fresh or sauce)

• Stuffing bread or mix

• Onions, celery, carrots (for mirepoix + stuffing)

• Canned pumpkin & evaporated milk (if making pumpkin pie)

• Dinner rolls or bread

Seasonings & pantry

• Salt & pepper

• Sage, rosemary, thyme

• Garlic

• Olive oil or cooking oil

• Butter (extra for baking)

• Flour (for gravy)

• Sugar & brown sugar

• Pecans (optional topping)

• Marshmallows (if doing sweet potato casserole with topping)

Desserts & drinks

• Pumpkin pie (or ingredients)

• Apple pie

• Whipped cream

• Coffee & tea

• Sparkling cider or wine

• Ice and mixers

Miscellaneous

• Aluminum foil & foil pans (for leftovers)

• Food storage containers

• Paper towels & napkins

• Tablecloth & placemats

• Extra freezer space bags

🦃 3. How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Turkey?

This is a big question — and it’s one you want to get right to avoid stress or last-minute surprises. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), using the refrigerator method you should allow about 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds of turkey. USDA+2USDA+2
For example:

• A 15-pound turkey takes about 3 days in the refrigerator to fully thaw. USDA+1

• If using the cold-water method (in a pinch), you should allow roughly 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. Real Simple+1

Thawing tips:

• Keep the turkey in its original wrapper, on the bottom shelf of the fridge so any juices don’t contaminate other foods. Jennieo Turkey+1

• If you go the cold-water route, keep the bird sealed, change the water frequently, and cook immediately after thawing. Real Simple+1

• Avoid thawing at room temperature or on the counter — this can allow bacteria to multiply. USDA+1

Bottom line: Pick a turkey size, calculate your thawing window, and start early — especially important if you’re hosting in Yucaipa or Beaumont where refrigerator space might also be used for side-dish prep.

🍽️ 4. Meal Plan for the Day: the Menu & Flow

Here’s a simple, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving menu and order of operations to keep things smooth:

Menu

• Roast turkey (with herb butter and classic stuffing)

• Mashed potatoes with gravy

• Sweet potato casserole (with pecans & marshmallows)

• Green beans almondine or roasted asparagus

• Cranberry sauce (homemade or store)

• Dinner rolls

• Pumpkin pie + apple pie

• Coffee, tea, and sparkling cider or wine

Cooking flow

1. Early morning: Pre-heat oven, prep turkey (seasoned & in roasting pan) and get it into the oven.

2. While turkey roasts: Prepare mashed potatoes (can go on low heat), prepare sweet potato casserole (can be partially baked ahead).

3. Mid-morning: Make green beans/asparagus, prepare cranberry sauce.

4. About 45 minutes before dinner: Remove turkey, let rest; warm sides, bake rolls.

5. Serve: Carve turkey, set up buffet or plates, ensure drinks are ready.

6. After dinner: Clear table, store leftovers quickly in shallow containers (within 2 hours).

🧡 5. Why This Works for Yucaipa & Beaumont Hosts

Hosting in the Inland Empire (Yucaipa, Beaumont, surrounding areas) comes with unique benefits and needs:

• Homes in our region tend to have generous kitchen/dining space — so plan layout accordingly.

• Weather typically mild in November — you can leverage outdoor space for drinks or appetizer station.

• Local produce markets (in Yucaipa, Beaumont) can offer fresh side-dish items — consider a short local run for fresh veggies.
  Having a plan like this shows you value the home and hospitality-side of your brand — reinforcing your reputation as more than just a real estate agent.

✨ Final Thoughts & Host Tip

When you host with this level of preparation, you’re not just cooking a meal — you’re creating an experience. And in real estate, experience matters. Whether your home is the one being shown next week or you’re planning for a relaxed weekend at home, the same host-mindset applies: plan ahead, use the right tools, get organized, stay relaxed.

If you’d like more home-focused content (kitchen staging for holiday guests, backyard hosting strategies, or even how prepping your home for Thanksgiving can tie into prepping it for sale), let’s connect. Visit SoldByCasey.com or find me on Instagram @SoldByCasey.

Host with ease. Connect with your guests. And enjoy your holiday — you’ve earned it.

https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/thaw-your-turkey-safely-time-thanksgiving?utm_source=chatgpt.com