Event Template
Thanksgiving Day Celebration
A warm and festive Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. This template includes venue preparation, traditional feast, gratitude activities, and entertainment to create a memorable holiday gathering filled with appreciation and togetherness!
Duration
1 Days
Destination
Your Home or Venue
Group Size
20 People
Template Statistics
Days
1
Event Duration
Places
8
Locations
Tasks
58
Activities
Type
Premium
Template
General Tasks
Tasks to complete before or during the event
- Order fresh turkey (2 weeks before) or buy frozen (3 weeks before)
- Plan menu and gather recipes for dishes
- Send invitations and ask about dietary restrictions (3 weeks before)
- Purchase non-perishable ingredients and decorations (2 weeks before)
- Buy fresh ingredients, produce, and last-minute items (2-3 days before)
- Create shopping list organized by grocery store sections
- Prepare make-ahead dishes (pies, casseroles can be made 1-2 days early)
- Plan kids' activities and print coloring pages
- Prepare leftover containers and labels
- Create playlist with background music for the day
- Coordinate potluck assignments if guests are bringing dishes
- Purchase wine, cider, and beverages (1 week before)
- Plan seating arrangement considering family dynamics
- Prepare timeline for cooking on Thanksgiving morning
Event Itinerary
Day-by-day schedule and activities
1
Day 1
8 locations planned
5 tasks
Day Tasks
- Confirm final headcount with guests (day before)
- Thaw turkey if frozen (check timing requirements)
- Set out serving dishes and utensils night before
- Prepare backup seating for unexpected guests
- Check that bathrooms are stocked and clean
Locations
Venue Setup & Decoration
Main Dining Area
$40 decorations
- Set up dining table with fall-themed tablecloth and centerpieces
- Arrange autumn decorations (pumpkins, gourds, colorful leaves)
- Prepare name cards and seating arrangements
- Set up gratitude wall or gratitude jar station
- Create kids' activity corner with coloring pages and crafts
Preparation
Final Meal Preparation
Kitchen
- Roast turkey and monitor temperature
- Prepare stuffing and gravy
- Cook side dishes (mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans)
- Bake dinner rolls and warm in oven before serving
- Prepare cranberry sauce and condiments
Cooking
Guest Arrival & Appetizers
Living Room
- Welcome guests with warm cider or wine
- Serve appetizer platters (cheese board, deviled eggs, veggie tray)
- Encourage guests to write gratitude notes for the gratitude wall
- Put on background music (soft jazz or acoustic playlist)
- Set up football game on TV for those interested
Reception
Gratitude Circle & Blessing
Dining Area
- Gather everyone around the table
- Have each person share what they're grateful for
- Read gratitude notes from the gratitude wall
- Say blessing or toast before the meal
- Take group photo before sitting down
Tradition
Thanksgiving Feast
Dining Area
$400 food and drinks
- Carve and serve turkey with gravy
- Pass around side dishes family-style
- Ensure everyone has drinks and condiments
- Encourage seconds and save leftovers
- Share family stories and memories
Dining
Dessert & Coffee
Living Room or Dining Area
$60 desserts
- Serve traditional pies (pumpkin, pecan, apple)
- Offer whipped cream, ice cream, and coffee
- Set up dessert buffet for guests to help themselves
- Clear main dinner dishes and pack leftovers for guests
Dessert
Games & Entertainment
Family Room
- Organize Thanksgiving trivia game
- Set up board games or card games for different age groups
- Watch football or holiday parade recordings
- Conduct family charades with Thanksgiving themes
- Kids' activities: turkey handprint crafts, pin the feather on the turkey
Activities
Farewell & Leftovers
Kitchen/Entryway
- Package leftover containers for guests to take home
- Exchange hugs and thanks with departing guests
- Give out party favors (mini pumpkins, gratitude cards)
- Start basic cleanup and dishwashing
- Reflect on the wonderful day together
Closing