Thanksgiving Guide: Make-Ahead Recipes, Family Activities & More

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we want to make the holiday as easy as possible for you! Here are some ideas you might find helpful. In this post you’ll find family activities, a menu plan, Thanksgiving recipe ideas, and make-ahead meal ideas. Hope you find this helpful!

THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES

It never hurts to have some activity ideas up your sleeve. Here are a few that your family might enjoy!

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• Make a Thanksgiving Tree – A family activity that all can participate in. Free printable included.
• Table Talk Cards – Great conversation starters!
• 30+ Thanksgiving Crafts – Want to keep those little hands busy? Here are some great ideas.
• Set out a puzzle. I personally love Ravensburger Puzzles. They are high quality and don’t fall apart!

TRY OUR HOLIDAY MENU PLAN

Sometimes, we just need a clear plan laid out for us. Here is a great plan that all goes well together!

MAIN COURSE: Holiday Ham with Cranberry-Orange Glaze (In addition to turkey, of course!)

SIDE DISH: Ultimate Bacon and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes. These are a total crowd pleaser!

SALAD: Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

DESSERT: Pumpkin Dump Cake. Love this twist on pumpkin pie!

THANKSGIVING RECIPE IDEAS BY CATEGORY

APPETIZERS

• Small Bites Board – Place an assortment of snack items out. Cheeses, crackers, etc.
• Hummus & Veggies – Tasty and not too filling. Need to save room for that turkey!
• Homemade Chex Mix – This has been at my Thanksgivings for YEARS. Be warned, it’s addictive!

SIDE DISHES

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Made in the Instant Pot to save time!
• Sweet and Savory Roasted Carrots – A yummy twist on baby carrots
• Simple Boiled Baby Potatoes – Quick and easy.
• Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples – So rich and tasty.
• Autumn Chopped Salad – Trust me. This one is a WINNER.
• Easy Hashbrown Casserole – A total crowd pleaser.
• Ultimate Bacon and Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes – You can’t go wrong with these!

MAIN COURSE

• Turkey. Duh.
• Holiday Ham with Cranberry-Orange Glaze

DESSERTS & DRINKS

• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte  – Such a treat to have before or after a Thanksgiving meal!
• Puppy Chow – A fun munchie to have around.
• Snickerdoodle Cookies – These are SO good. Fun to have kids help with the prep too.

MAKE AHEAD RECIPES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Looking for some make-ahead ideas for Thanksgiving? We’ve pulled out a collection that we think would work great to prep ahead of time. Such a sanity saver!

MAKE-AHEAD SOUPS FOR THE SLOW COOKER OR INSTANT POT

• Instant Pot Tomato Soup – makes large batch!
• Slow Cooker Cheddar and Bacon Potato Soup – Perfect to prep ahead and throw in the slow cooker later.
• Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes – Hearty, yet healthy.

MAKE-AHEAD APPETIZERS

• Ham and Cheese Sliders – A kid favorite. I make these for groups all of the time.
• Mini English Muffin Pizzas – Let kids help make these!
• Asian Lettuce Wraps – A great appetizer to have out.

MAKE AHEAD SIDE DISHES, DESSERTS, AND DRINKS

• Ultimate Bacon and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes – Prep ahead 2-3 days before and refrigerate. You could also prep them WAY in advance and freeze before baking. Just be sure to give them time to thaw!
• Easy Hash Brown Casserole – A classic.
• Pumpkin Dump Cake – A great twist on pumpkin pie.
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte  – Such a treat to have before or after a Thanksgiving meal!

BAKE AND FREEZE FOR GUESTS

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
• Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cake – in From Freezer to Table cookbook
• Mixed Berry Scones – in From Freezer to Table cookbook

OTHER TIPS & TRICKS

• 3 Safe Ways to Thaw Frozen Food – If you’re prepping ahead and freezing meals, make sure you are thawing food properly.
• Top 10 Hospitality Tips & Tricks – Practical ideas to use if you are hosting!
• 20+ Easy Meal Ideas for Groups of People – Need more meal ideas? Check out this roundup.