As autumn breezes swirl through the air, it’s easy to blink and suddenly find yourself at Thanksgiving. This holiday, with its elaborate preparations, can sneak up on even the most seasoned hosts. While you might leave planning your weeknight dinners until the last minute, procrastinating on the Thanksgiving front is not advisable.
For a traditional Thanksgiving spread, a turkey at the center of the table is a must-have. Roasting a turkey is typically a once-a-year task, making it easy to forget important details like when to purchase the bird. Fortunately, turkey experts are available to guide us through the process. Here’s all you need to know about when to buy your Thanksgiving turkey.
When it comes to buying a fresh turkey, Evan Gunthorp, owner of Gunthorp Farms in LaGrange, Indiana, suggests purchasing the bird the week of Thanksgiving. If you prefer to buy from a local farm, calling ahead to see if pre-ordering is necessary is a wise move. Pre-ordering ensures that you will have a turkey and also helps farmers prepare for the holiday rush. Fresh turkeys usually start appearing in grocery stores about a week before Thanksgiving, so checking with your local store about their turkey arrival is a good idea.
Purchasing a turkey the day of Thanksgiving is not recommended, as stores are likely to be sold out. Even if you opt for a fresh turkey and don’t need to worry about defrosting, planning for brining ahead of time is important, as it can be done up to 48 hours in advance.
If frozen turkey is your choice, feel free to snag one as early as you like, as long as you have freezer space. As Mary Alice Coffey, a turkey expert for Butterball, advises, when you see a frozen turkey in the size you desire, go ahead and purchase it. Starting your turkey shopping now is a smart move to ensure you get the size you want.
Now that you’ve sorted out the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal, take a moment to browse through some of our favorite Thanksgiving apps, sides, desserts, and more. With the right planning and preparation, your Thanksgiving celebration is sure to be a memorable one.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.