Simple Thanksgiving Planning Checklist 

I love cooking for the holidays! As a planner, here are some tips for creating a simple and stress free holiday.

I think a lot of the stress free part comes from planning ahead. This list can easily be started a week before Thanksgiving. Also, give other people tasks like bringing a side dish, or having your children help with the cleaning, or putting your husband in charge of the grocery store list.

Here’s 14 tips on how to have a simple Thanksgiving.

1. Decide what you are going to cook – come up with your list of your favorites

2. Decide if you are going to have your guests bring something – if you are putting someone in charge of a dish, it’s probably best to ask them to make something rather than say “bring whatever you want”

3. Here’s some ideas on food categories for Thanksgiving:

  • Appetizers
  • Turkey
  • Gravy
  • Stuffing
  • Side dishes
  • Desserts
  • Drinks

4. Make the grocery list – once you plan out what you are making, look up the recipe and come up with your shopping list

5. Don’t forget the extras – when you are making your grocery list, make sure to have things stocked like water, drinks, toilet paper, extra toothbrush (always a great thing to have on hand with guests)

6. Clean the house – get the house ready for guests, make the beds, and roll out the air mattresses. My secret to cleaning is to get a big tub or box and add all the misc things in that. Then sort through that box once guests leave.

7. Defrost the turkey – this part is important if you want to make sure you have a main dish to eat

8. Clean out the fridge – it’s important to make room for the food and turkey

9. Set out the cups, plates, etc. – prepare the other items you will need for the festivities

10. Set the table – this can be fun with adding pumpkins, small vases filled with flowers, or colorful placemats

11. Start prepping – I like to prep a few days before, this means cutting up things like onions, celery, apples or making the cornbread for the stuffing

12. Make it fun – this can be making a Thanksgiving playlist, come up with a craft for the kids, or find out when the games are playing

13. Confirm the guest list – make sure to double check the guest list and remind people on the times they should show up 

14. Relax, and take some time to reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving and what you are thankful for

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Simple Thanksgiving – Food Organizer

Here’s some help with the cooking!

You Fill in the Blanks

Appetizers
Meats
Side Dish
Extras
Dessert
Drinks

Here are some ideas (and probably my list)

Appetizers



 Roasted carrot dip, Caramelized onion dip, Crackers, Pita chips
Meats


 Turkey, Ham
Side Dish


 Green beans, Mashed potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, Stuffing
Extras


 Rolls, Gravey
Dessert


 Pumpkin pie, Pecan pie
Drinks


 Sparkling cider, White wine, Dessert wine, Special cocktail

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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