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A Last-Minute Thanksgiving Cleaning Checklist

Shifrah Combiths
Shifrah Combiths
With five children, Shifrah is learning a thing or two about how to keep a fairly organized and pretty clean house with a grateful heart in a way that leaves plenty of time for the people who matter most. Shifrah grew up in San Francisco, but has come to appreciate smaller town life in Tallahassee, Florida, which she now calls home. She's been writing professionally for twenty years and she loves lifestyle photography, memory keeping, gardening, reading, and going to the beach with her husband and children.
published Nov 20, 2021
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On Kitchn: A Thanksgiving Dinner Outdoors (Image credit: Leela Cyd)

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. And you’re hosting. If you started planning weeks ago, you’re in great shape to pick up and get to the real work of having guests and preparing a very special feast. If you’re only getting around to preparations now, don’t despair! Here’s a list of practical things to take care of so your mind and heart are free to enjoy Prepare for Guests

A \Happy (Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

Clean the House

  • Clean up common area clutter.
  • Clean the bathrooms your guests will use.
  • Dust and vacuum.

Meal Prepping

  • Clean out the fridge so you have room for new items.
  • Compare your list against items you may have at home.
  • Grocery shop.
  • Plan out a detailed timeline of what you will cook when.
  • Do whatever you can do ahead of time to make cooking flow smoothly. I usually start making my pie crusts and desserts about three days out.
  • Check out frozen turkey thawing requirements.
Sarah’s Small & Stylish Brooklyn Apartment (Image credit: Lauren Kolyn)

Dining Room

  • Do a final count of dishes and serving platters. Fill in any gaps either by purchasing what you need or by being creative with your plans.
  • Do a quick final cleaning (dusting and vacuuming/mopping).
  • Decorate the table. Remember that simple touches can be just as elegant and loving as an elaborate set-up.

IN SEARCH OF A DEEP CLEAN?

Part One: The Thanksgiving Host’s Complete Cleaning Checklist

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: A Last-Minute Cleaning Checklist for Thanksgiving