Thanksgiving Countdown: Make Room in Your Fridge and Freezer

In charge of hosting the big feast this Thanksgiving? If so, start planning now, and you’ll thank yourself later (we promise!). Along with securing RSVPs, pre-ordering a turkey and taking a tally of guests’ dietary restrictions, do yourself another big favor: Clear out your refrigerator and your freezer to make space for the bird and its many trimmings.

Given that most turkeys range in weight from 10 to 22 pounds, you’re going to need to make room in the fridge for the big bird if you plan to defrost it (even more so if you need to submerge it in a brine). But this isn’t just useful a day or two before the main event: Use it to your advantage and make stock, soup and cranberry sauce in advance, then freeze. Pies and other Thanksgiving desserts, like tarts and galettes, also freeze well: simply make the dough ahead of time, freeze, and defrost before filling and baking.

Follow along as we continue to gear up for Thanksgiving! Earlier on our Thanksgiving Countdown:

Plan Your Guest List Now

Get a Head Start With Our Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu

Check Out Our 2015 Thanksgiving Brochure!

Thanksgiving Countdown: Break Tradition With New Recipes

Thanksgiving Countdown: Master Step-by-Step Turkey Prep

Thanksgiving Countdown: Offer a Cheese Plate to Start