How to Organize a Cozy Cottage Thanksgiving Party

A cozy cottage with a fireplace screams for a cozy Thanksgiving dinner party. A small gathering of friends or family at Thanksgiving begs for a celebration that is rustic and casual. Creating a traditional menu and foods that is to be enjoyed by all. The key ingredient for success is good food and great planning.

A few weeks before

Determine the date and time for your dinner party. If your party is held on Thanksgiving Day, then the planning is easier. Create your guest list and create your invitations. Send out the invitations. Create a timeline for the party.

A week before

Create the dinner menu. Prepare two separate grocery lists. One list will be for the nonperishable items to buy now. Another list will be for the perishable items that will buy a few days before the Thanksgiving party. Purchase a frozen turkey or order a fresh one. Select table-cloth, napkins or place mats. Buy table mats and napkins if needed.

Four days before

Thaw the frozen turkey in the refrigerator. Buy a fall centerpieces for the table or side tables. Buy other decorations for room and porch. Add twinkle lights and candles around the rooms.

Two days before

Purchase the remaining grocery items. If you ordered a fresh turkey, arrange to pick it up. Make other fall decoration for the table, such as place cards. Clean dining area and begin setting up your table. Start decorating your dining and living rooms areas as well. Bring in fresh cuttings of holly and evergreens; dress cuttings with fresh mums and fall leaves. Don't forget to decorate the front door and entry area.

The day before

Finish setting up tables and decorating. Make the fresh cranberry sauce and refrigerate in an airtight container. Make vegetable casserole, soup, appetizers and refrigerate in airtight containers. Chop onion and celery for stuffing and refrigerate in airtight containers. Bake pumpkin pies and whip the cream.

Thanksgiving Day

Make dressing and stuff turkey. Roast turkey and prepare the mashed potatoes and gravy. Prepare salads and sweet potatoes. Warm up casseroles, soup and appetizers. Set out appetizers and drinks as guest begin to arrive.