Making the Thanksgiving List and Checking It Twice (1 Week Away)

By:

Related To:

woman grocery shopping

After some serious editing and input from the diners, you've finally narrowed down the big menu and you're ready to spring into action. Yes, it's still too early to start roasting the turkey, but one week out is the perfect opportunity to stock up on the non-perishables you can safely shop for ahead of time — and forget about until Thanksgiving morning. The less last-minute scrambles to the supermarket the day of, the better.

• Cross-check: Now that you've been dreaming up recipes all week, it's time to take inventory of your pantry and write up a master shopping list. Plan out what you can buy ahead (potatoes, onions, garlic, salt), what you can't (fresh fruits and vegetables) and exactly when you're planning on making each dish (and who's going to make them).

• Semi-homemade: If you're anxious to get to the grocery store, now is the time to pick up the extras that you won't be making from scratch. Snatch up the frozen pie crusts and canned cranberry sauce before the stores sell out.

• Replenish your staples: If you're going for homemade pies this year, make sure you're all stocked up on sugar, flour and butter. You can also pick up fresh or pre-cubed bread for your stuffing.

• Red or white — or both: Now that you know what you're making and how many guests you'll be having, you can buy the wine ahead of time and cross it off your list. Consider rewarding yourself with a glass for all of your do-ahead savvy planning. Here are  10 Ways to Be the Wine Hero of Thanksgiving.

Next Up

Thanksgiving Chicken Should Be Your New Main Course

Evoke the classic holiday flavor (and scent!) without tackling an entire turkey.

The Best Wines to Pair with Thanksgiving Turkey

Our expert sommelier provides several affordable picks that’ll highlight your bird's beautiful roasted flavors.

Everything You Need to Know About America's Favorite Canned Pumpkin

There's a reason everyone grabs Libby's for the holidays.

All the Ingredient Substitutions You Need for Thanksgiving

If something goes missing or a guest arrives with a last-minute request, don't panic. Here's how to substitute nearly every traditional Thanksgiving ingredient.

6 Ways to Turn Your Favorite Thanksgiving Pie into Cake

Now you can have your cake and eat pie too!

Food Network Magazine: November 2012 Recipe Index

143 recipes (plus 35 side dishes!), including make-ahead breads, 50 easy appetizers, and an Iron Chef-worthy Thanksgiving spread

All Your Thanksgiving Dinner Questions — Answered!

Got a burning (ha!) question as you're prepping for Turkey Day? Don't worry — our experts have fast solutions to every puzzler.

Get a Head Start on Thanksgiving Dinner: 5 Easy Recipes to Make the Day Before

From cranberries to stuffing, cut your cooking time in half on Thursday by crossing a few of these off your list by Wednesday (if not sooner).