the turkey is done. Can you cook your turkey a day early? We do that and serve it on a platter cut up as cold meat. It frees your oven and the day of for other items. I discovered this year folks cook everything from cranberry sauce, to birds, to dressing, and sides and even rolls in their slow cookers. Casseroles can be cooked in microwaves. Make sure your dish will fit inside and turn. For that matter, if you use a roasting pan, make sure it will fit in your oven. Different sized pans and ovens out there. Menu-wise, do not try any new-to-you recipes for the first time Thanksgiving Day. I tested all my new-this-year recipes a few weeks ago on just us. Caught some deal breaking issues on technique and flavor. Protein- roughly a pound per person. keep in mind teenagers can put food away and so can some adults dressing/grain dish salad veg casserole another seasonal veg rolls/bread? up to you dessert in my case, 6 guests this year: *14-16 lb bird- we like leftovers and can freeze them- cooked day early. *dressing- family recipe, partially made ahead, but completed day of *cranberry gelatin salad- make ahead and un-mold to plate before serving. *butternut squash casserole- family recipe made ahead and reheated *roasted veggies- day of cooking, (other option is microwaved green bean casserole) *Store bought frozen rolls- mine must thaw day before, bake day of. *dessert- I'm making apple cider cream pie, and impossible pumpkin