Last Updated on December 19, 2022
Thanksgiving is generally celebrated for two things.
The first is to commemorate the ‘First Feast’, which was held by the English colonists together with the Native Americans, in recognition for helping the former begin new lives in a new land. The second is to give thanks for a good harvest; which is why it’s held in late November.
With turkey carving, gravy-making, and lots of decorating, most people consider it just as stressful as Christmas (if not more). Is there a way to make this holiday less overwhelming and more enjoyable?
What should you do before Thanksgiving?
Cooking may take center stage during this time, but that’s not all that you’d be doing. From testing new recipes, making centerpieces, to cleaning, shopping, and sending invitations, it’s one of the most stressful days of the season. So don’t wait until the last week to plan, delegate, and make-ahead.
PLAN. Make a list and check it twice. Non-perishable items can always be purchased ahead. Settle on a menu. Take out the linens for ironing and the silverware for polishing. Decide your décor. Jot down a cleaning schedule. What happens if someone wants to sleep over?
DELEGATE. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask family members for help. From three to two weeks before, you can begin assigning specific tasks. Who prepares what dish? Who’s in-charge of decorations?
MAKE-AHEAD. Chefs say you can cook turkey a day ahead to avoid major stress. Just make sure to spoon over drippings or broth to keep it moist inside your refrigerator.
Gravy, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie can be made a day or two in advance. Cranberry sauce on the other hand, can be made 10 to 14 days ahead.
What about people who can’t attend at all? Everyone appreciates a good meal. So it’s important to make them feel they can still be included – albeit a little bit differently. Why not prepare a to-go dinner they can easily pick up from your doorstep? You can deliver food yourself if they live close by, too.
Also, don’t fret about whether or not someone can make it for dinner. Appreciate their presence, regardless of when they stop by. Understand that a few people just want to come over for coffee and cake; while others may want to come early to spend more time with you.
Beautiful Thanksgiving Invitations
Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, opting to highlight the good despite the challenges. While Turkey Day may look different today, adding your own modern twist to it can make it extra special – particularly for someone who might be celebrating it alone.
Whether you decide to invite them in person or online, here are several Thanksgiving invitation templates for your fall dinner:
1. Thanksgiving Poster with Harvest
Nothing spells fall quite like apples, corn, and a giant pumpkin! And that’s exactly what’s on the cover of this adorable cartoon flyer by Barsrsind.
Download Thanksgiving Poster with Harvest
2. Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Flyer
Is your restaurant or store holding a Turkey Day special? Announce it in style with this orange-and-black themed invitation template by Muhamadiqbalhidayat.
Download Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Flyer
3. Thanksgiving Flyer
Print-ready, fully editable, and clad in fall color, this thanksgiving flyer from Aiyari is ideal for community or corporate events.
4. Thanks Giving Pack
Graphicook presents this set that includes delightful templates for both print and digital invitations.
5. Thanksgiving Flyer
Planning something special for November? This simple yet impactful flyer by Guuver will say it for you.
6. Thanksgiving
The complementary colors in this invitation flyer by Graphr are sure to make a statement wherever they are placed. The best part? It’s free for commercial use.
7. Vintage Thanksgiving Invitation
The warm, bright yellow hue of this vintage invitation template calls to mind Autumn leaves and the deep, loving friendships we have formed throughout the year.
Download Vintage Thanksgiving Invitation
8. Thanksgiving Dinner Flyer
Promote your Thanksgiving party, carnival, market sale, or any fall event with ease using this tempting invitation flyer by KMZVRLab. May or may not include turkey legs.
Download Thanksgiving Dinner Flyer
9. Thanksgiving Dinner Flyer
Want to throw a 50s- or 70s-inspired turkey dinner? Let this retro Thanksgiving invitation from Miaodrawing convince your guests that your feast is worth the wait.
Download Thanksgiving Dinner Flyer
10. Thanksgiving Event Flyer
Modern, quirky, and playful, this event flyer from Guuver is a top choice for those who prefer something different from regular invitation styles.
Download Thanksgiving Event Flyer
11. Vintage Thanksgiving Celebration
Sometimes, the best way to draw people to a good Thanksgiving feast is with an old-fashioned look, just like this Aiyari Graphic template.
Download Vintage Thanksgiving Celebration
12. Thanksgiving Bash
Before you take out that turkey for carving, don’t forget to send out this turkey-inspired invite to your family and friends.
13. Thanksgiving Celebration
Autumn tones make this endearing invite design just what you need for that upcoming fall feast.
Download Thanksgiving Celebration
14. Thanks Giving Flyer
Give your invites a contemporary appeal using this modern template from Azruca.
15. Thanksgiving
Blue and red hues may not feel a lot like Fall; but it’s definitely attention-seeking – exactly what you need in an invitation template. Created by Graphr.
16. Happy Thanksgiving Flyer
It can be hard to turn down a slice of pecan or pumpkin pie, even when you’re full to bursting! No wonder it was used for the front of this KMZVR.lab flyer.
Download Happy Thanksgiving Flyer
17. Thanksgiving Flyer Templates
Cartoon illustrations of autumn elements and a proper seasonal theme make this BrandPacks Thanksgiving invitation a standout in the game.
Download Thanksgiving Flyer Templates
18. Thanksgiving Flyer
A simple concept with an artistic interpretation of the season makes a quick but memorable invite concept, just like what Monograph is presenting.
19. Thanksgiving Day Flyer Set
This universal and easy-to-customize template from The Good Store is great for announcing events and/or venues in an eye-catching design.
Download Thanksgiving Day Flyer Set
20. Thanksgiving Flyer
Mark your calendars for a great celebration and make sure your guests get to your place with no trouble using this simple and direct template from Muhamad Iqbal Hidyat.
21. Thanksgiving Celebration Flyer
Autumn theme and Pilgrim motifs make this invitation template a must-have for those memorable Thanksgiving events.
Download Thanksgiving Celebration Flyer
22. Thanksgiving Invitation Template
Chic events call for chic designs. And very few invites say it better than this Thanksgiving design template from Pixejoo.
Download Thanksgiving Invitation Template
23. Thanksgiving Day Flyer Template
Give thanks this Turkey Day using this landscape invitation template that’s easy to edit and customize.
Download Thanksgiving Day Flyer Template
24. Thanksgiving Flyer Template
Autumn themes are always appropriate for a classic Thanksgiving event invite, and this Romecreation template gives your event that coveted rustic touch.
Download Thanksgiving Flyer Template
25. Thanksgiving Flyer Template
There’s a reason vintage art makes great invites: some traditions are meant to stay no matter how fast time has moved on. Show the same spirit with this old-fashioned flyer design.
Download Thanksgiving Flyer Template
26. Thanksgiving Day Invitation Card
Customize the perfect invite using swappable elements that capture the essence of Thanksgiving – all thanks to this Valeri Si creation.