Get Ready for Thanksgiving with the Help of Martha's All-Encompassing Checklist

From planning the dinner menu and upgrading your cookware to making your home inviting for guests, our founder has everything you need to host a fabulous holiday gathering.

table set for thanksgiving with harvest decor
Photo: Courtesy of @modernglamhome

Whether it's your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner or you're planning a Friendsgiving celebration with your nearest and dearest, inviting guests into your home requires a little legwork. Luckily, Martha has great advice and must-have tools, housewares, and more that will make planning your Thanksgiving menu, preparing the guest room for overnighters, and creating a festive atmosphere so simple.

Planning the Menu

Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, but it's also about enjoying delicious food. That's why it's important to plan a menu loaded with delicious recipes that your guests will appreciate. In addition to choosing tasty mains, Martha can help you plan out a selection of tasty appetizers, mouthwatering sides, and wine that all of your guests will enjoy.

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Choose Your Appetizers

martha stewarts appetizers cookbook

Impress your guests with a new recipe or two, courtesy of Martha herself, the consummate hostess who has perfected party fare. This book will give you plenty of inspiration for light and incredibly delicious hors d'oeuvres to kick off the celebration.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart's Appetizers: 200 Recipes for Dips, Spreads, Snacks, Small Plates, and Other Delicious Hors d'Oeuvres, Plus 30 Cocktails: A Cookbook, $27.50, amazon.com.

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Make Sides Simple

martha stewart kitchen ready to bake scalloped potatoes

By simple, we mean less work, not less flavor. Make the job of hosting a little simpler by picking up one of Martha's delicious ready-to-enjoy sides. All you need to do is heat them up in the oven and they'll taste as if they were made from scratch that very day!

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Kitchen Ready to Bake Scalloped Potatoes, Martha Stewart Kitchen Stores Only.

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Build a Charcuterie Board

martha stewart charcuterie box

Nothing impresses more than a charcuterie board, and Martha has made it easy for you to build a showstopper at home. Our founder, along with her team of food editors, packed this box with their favorite meats, finger foods, and a bright, flavorful mustard so you can mix and match the different offerings to discover your favorite pairings.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Charcuterie Box, $102.99, martha.com.

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Order the Wine

martha stewart wine co arranged on rattan cart
Courtesy of @modernglamhome

Save yourself time and let the wine come to you! Order single bottles—or packs of three, four, six, or 12 wines—to be delivered straight to your door, courtesy of Martha Stewart Wine Co. All of the bottles have been selected by Martha herself, and there are curated packs intended for accompanying holiday feasts.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Wine Co., from $12.99, marthastewartwine.com.

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Serve Something Sweet

martha and marley spoon cream cheese-swirled pumpkin pie with chocolate shortbread crust

You want to make Thanksgiving dessert from scratch but you need a little help—if that sounds like you, let Martha guide you through the process. Just for November, Martha & Marley Spoon will offer meal kits with sumptuous and unique Thanksgiving-inspired desserts, like this pumpkin pie with a chocolate crust. Your guests will never have tried anything like it.

Shop Now: Martha & Marley Spoon Cream Cheese-Swirled Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate Shortbread Crust, from $56.95 per week, marleyspoon.com.

Must-Have Tools for Thanksgiving Dinner

Now that you've figured out the menu, it's time to make sure the kitchen is well-stocked with the essentials you'll need. From carving knives and cutting boards to mixing bowls and casserole dishes, Martha has you covered with everything you need to pull off a fabulous feast.

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Buy Your Carving Essentials

martha stewart goswell 3-piece carving board set

You've prepared a perfect turkey, but now it's time to carve it. Without great carving tools, your holiday centerpiece might make it to the table looking somewhat less than spectacular. This three-piece set is designed specially for this task—it includes a carving board with ample room to accommodate your bird and tools that will cut through the turkey like butter.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Goswell Three-Piece Carving Board Set, $75, martha.com.

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Invest in a Large Roaster and Rack

martha stewart collection stainless steel 8-quart covered oval roaster with rack

A good roasting pan is essential in every kitchen, but especially on Thanksgiving. This one will help you cook a beautiful turkey thanks to its even heating capabilities and removable; the included rack allows for all of the delicious drippings to be caught in the bottom of the pan so that they can be saved for gravy.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Stainless Steel Eight-Quart Covered Oval Roaster with Rack, $79.99, macys.com.

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Select Oven-to-Table Cookware

martha stewart 7-quart enamel on cast iron dutch oven

For stuffing that is crisp on top and fluffy in the center, or other side dishes or casseroles that you plan to make, this cast-iron Dutch oven is exactly what you need. An added bonus? They go from oven to table with ease, which means you won't have to dirty an extra dish for serving.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Seven-Quart Enamel on Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $39.98, samsclub.com.

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Stock Up on Mixing and Measuring Tools

martha stewart collection good tools for mixing and measuring

The key to a perfect Thanksgiving pie? Precision. Baking is all about accurate measurements, and Martha's collection has all of the items you could possibly need to whip up delicious baked goods.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Good Tools for Mixing & Measuring, from $12, macys.com.

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Bring Home Beautiful Bakeware

martha stewart vanowen 12 inch stoneware baker

You'll reach for Martha's stoneware bakers when prepping delicious sides and desserts this Thanksgiving, but you'll also use it all year long—it's that good! Pick one up now and consider it an early holiday gift to yourself. You deserve it.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Vanowen 12" Baker, $30, martha.com.

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Look for Sharp Knives

martha stewart 14 piece knife block set

Every chef knows that the secret to streamlining meal prep is having a variety of different high-quality knives. This 14-piece set from Martha delivers, and it even includes six steak knives to complete your table settings.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart 14-Piece Knife Block Set, $73.33, wayfair.com.

Set the Table

The meal is handled, but where will you eat? Not only does a beautifully dressed table make your home feel more festive, but having it set and ready before your guests arrive will save you valuable time. With Martha's beautiful pieces, crafting a cohesive, celebratory, and seasonal table for your Thanksgiving feast is simple.

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Choose Thematic Serveware

martha stewart harvest collection serveware
Bryan Gardener

Harvest-inspired, yet timelessly elegant, Martha's serveware pieces set the tone for a delicious, seasonal holiday meal.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Serveware, from $12, martha.com.

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Select Thematic Designs

martha stewart pumpkin tureen with lid and ladle

What could be more perfect for a Thanksgiving tabletop than this pumpkin tureen? Ideal for soups, stews, or other warm meals (that will stay warm, thanks to the lid!) this charming dish can also be used for a mulled beverage or to even hold a bountiful bouquet of flowers.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Pumpkin Tureen with Lid and Ladle, $24.98, samsclub.com.

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Display Desserts Beautifully

martha stewart patterson ceramic cake stand

Give your desserts the attention that they deserve with this classically beautiful ceramic cake stand. Because it's available in three sizes, you can mix-and-match your display or stack the smaller stands on top of the largest one to make a DIY dessert, hors d'oeuvres, or cheese tower.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Patterson Ceramic Cake Stand, $45, martha.com.

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Stock the Bar

martha stewart wine co. seasonal sips
Bryan Gardener

Let Martha Stewart stock your bar for you! Her seasonal sips collection, available at Martha Stewart Wine Co., features all of the best flavors that autumn has to offer, which will perfectly complement your Thanksgiving dinner.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Wine Co. Seasonal Sips, from $16.99, marthastewartwine.com.

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Set Out Bold Dinnerware

martha stewart dining and entertaining collection
Courtesy of @asimplystylednest

Unique shapes, colorful patterns, and warm tones are all brilliant choices for your Thanksgiving table, and Martha's dinnerware collection at Macy's has all of the bold and beautiful options you could want.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection, from $30, macys.com.

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Bring Out the Pro Bar Tools

martha stewart collection glassware and barware collection

What's a festivity without a signature drink? Shake, stir, and strain your favorites like a pro thanks to Martha's extensive barware collection. Not only will you have all the tools needed to be a certified at-home bartender, but you can also stock up on elegant and classy barware to make your drinks all the more special.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Glassware & Barware Collection, from $42, macys.com.

Prep for Guests

Whether your guest space hasn't been used in a while or you're looking to make some changes, it's a good idea to think about what you can do to make these spaces more comfortable—and festive!—for loved ones who might be spending the day. In addition to refreshing the bedroom, set out some seasonal décor to make your space extra inviting.

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Upgrade the Bedding

martha stewart collection tomorrows heirloom quilt

Make your house a home away from home with hospitable touches like a warm and cozy quilt. With this beautiful, well-constructed blanket on their beds, your guests are guaranteed a good night's sleep.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Tomorrow's Heirloom Quilt, from $220, macys.com.

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Streamline Storage Space

martha stewart the everyday system pantry storage

Get yourself organized for a season of hosting and make space for guests to store their items or luggage with the help of Martha's Everyday collection at California Closets. The customizable and modular storage solutions can fit into almost any space in your home, so there will be no clutter left unattended.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart The Everyday System™ Pantry Storage & Three-Bin Cabinet Storage, $2,018, californiaclosets.com.

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Hang Seasonal Wreaths

martha stewart led pre-lit oak and acorn 24 inch wreath
Evi Abeler

Glimmering and glamorous, Martha's wreath certainly sets the tone for a celebration. This piece of décor is super versatile—it can start by lending warmth and sparkle to your Thanksgiving space, then continue to shine brilliantly through the new year.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart LED Pre-Lit Oak & Acorn 24" Wreath, $99, martha.com.

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Make Your Space Festive

martha stewart green alpine pine artificial christmas tree with white lights

These trees take inspiration from nature while also giving off a warm glow, and they'll make your space so inviting. Sure, some may say it's a little early for Christmas decorations, but we think these trees are beautiful enough that they should enhance the ambience of your space throughout fall and winter.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Green Alpine Pine Artificial Christmas Tree with Clear/White Lights, $117.99, wayfair.com.

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Invest in Timeless Furniture

martha stewart isla accent chair

Even if you've hosted during the holidays for years, it's always nice to go all out for your visitors. Treat your space to a little update before friends and family arrive by bringing in a beautiful piece of furniture from Martha's collection. This timeless accent chair will work with just about any décor scheme.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Isla Accent Chair, $649, amazon.com.

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Play Up the Cozy Vibe

martha stewart fresco rod window curtain panel pair champagne

It's the details that truly complete a space, and a sleek pair of curtains could be exactly the touch your home needs to bring everything together before your guests arrive! This light hue will help make your home feel warm and comfortable for guests.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Fresco Rod Pocket/ Back Tab Window Curtain Panel Pair 84" Champagne, $109.99, amazon.com.

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