Thanksgiving Planning

I've been off work this entire week and that has given me some time to plan out my dishes. I try to cook as little as possible on the big day. Even though our family room and kitchen are all in one, I still hate being chained to a stove while everyone else is visiting or watching the game. So I make as much as I possibly can ahead of time. I usually plan on beginning my cooking with the desserts the weekend before Thanksgiving. But,if you still haven't gotten a move on, not to worry. You have plenty of time.
Here's what my game plan looks like:
Sunday- shop for the meal to beat the crowds
place frozen turkey in the frig to begin to defrost(if using a fresh bird skip this step)
make pie dough for pies, leave in frig for later

Monday- make the pies and other desserts, place in frig
bake the sweet potatoes for the souffle and store in frig

Tuesday- make the stuffing and cranberry conserve
make sweet potato puree for souffle
prep the souffle, stopping just before adding the egg whites

Wednesday- prep the brussel sprouts and blanche them(for brussel sprouts and
bacon)Oct. '11
pick the turkey up from meat market
place turkey in the brine in the a.m.
make the mashed potatoes
make the rolls
buy the flowers and set the tables
make the artichoke dip

Thursday- 9:00- watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
10:00- prep the cocktail weenies and the cranberry/brie bites
remove the turkey from brine and prep it for the oven
put the turkey in the oven and prep basting liquid
will baste turkey every 30 minutes
12:00-put the brie bites,cocktail weenies and artichoke dip in the oven
prep the crackers and plates
make cocktails or open the wine
1:00- put out goodies and welcome family and friends
3:00- put the mashed potatoes and stuffing in the oven
finish the souffle and put in the oven
make the brussel sprouts and place in oven to stay warm
prep my serving station(island in the kitchen)
3:30- remove turkey from the oven, tent with foil and let rest
strain the liquids in bottom of the pan
make the gravy
rolls and butter on the table
4:00- carve the turkey and place on platter
remove the dishes from the oven and set out with serving spoons
get drinks on the table
put out gravy and cranberries
Call everyone to the table!
put the coffee on before sitting downt