The hardest part of hosting for me is the serving and the cleanup, so this list covers slow cooker liners, serveware, leftover containers and dish supplies. Nearly everything is low cost and makes the day after the feast far easier. (Note: This list ...
These liners make cleaning the slow cooker after a big holiday side dish a one minute job, which is a gift when the sink is full. They fit most oval and round models. I buy a box early and keep a spare.
A second liner brand I trust for keeping sticky stuffing and mac and cheese from welding to the pot. They are heat safe and just get tossed afterward. I would stock a couple boxes before the holiday weekend.
Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liners, 4 ct
Inexpensive plastic containers you can send home with guests so leftovers do not eat your fridge space. They stack and the lids snap on. I buy a big pack so I never worry about getting them back.
Glad - GladWare Entree Food Storage Containers
A mix of sizes with snap lids for turkey, gravy and sides, perfect when you want to pack up plates for family. They are freezer safe and stack neatly. I would buy a value set before the holiday.
TakeAlongs® Food Storage Containers
A strong plastic wrap that clings to dishes without tearing, ideal for covering make ahead sides and the pie plates. It saves the day when you run out of foil. I add a roll to the grocery order.
Saran Wrap Premium Plastic Wrap - 100 ft - 3 pk
Unbleached parchment for lining pans, covering pies and roasting vegetables without sticking. It makes pan cleanup easy for the holiday baking marathon. I buy a roll early because I use it constantly.
Parchment Baking Paper
A collapsible rack at Target that gives you extra drying space when the dishwasher is full, then folds flat. It suits small kitchens that host big meals. I would grab it with a Target Circle offer.
Plastic Collapsible Dish Rack with Drip Tray White
A simple ceramic gravy boat from Target that makes the table feel set without a big spend. It pours cleanly and looks good in plain white or green. I would pair it with a Target Circle deal.
Ceramic Gravy Boat Green - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
A sturdy stoneware serving bowl for mashed potatoes or green beans that is microwave safe, so you can reheat sides right in it. It suits anyone building a serveware set slowly. I watch for a Target sale.
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Stoneware Serve Bowl
A warm wood bowl for rolls or salad that makes the buffet look styled, and it is a good size for a crowd. It is a Target find that works beyond Thanksgiving. I buy it during a home sale.
75oz Mango Wood Serving Bowl - Threshold
A large white porcelain bowl for mashed potatoes or stuffing, with a soft curved edge that looks pretty on the table. It goes with any dishes you already own. I would add it to a Target order on sale.
96oz Porcelain Swerve Serving Bowl - Threshold™
A rinse aid helps glasses and serving dishes come out of the dishwasher clear and dry after a big meal. It suits anyone with hard water or a heavily loaded machine. I buy a bottle before guests arrive.
Finish Jet-Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid
A tablet cleans the unseen buildup in the dishwasher before the busiest week of the year, so loads come out fresh. It suits anyone who notices a smell. I buy a box in November and run it first.
Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets - 6 Count
A brush with a built-in soap reservoir that speeds up scrubbing roasting pans and casserole dishes. The handle stays comfortable and it stands on its own. I buy a spare so a second person can help wash.
OXO Good Grips Soap Dispensing Dish Brush
A plant based dish soap that cuts through gravy and grease and is gentle on hands during a long cleanup. It suits people who want fewer harsh scents. I stock up when it goes on sale.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dish Soap 19oz x6
A classic dish soap that cuts through grease from the turkey pan and sticky pie plates. It is cheap and strong, so I buy a big bottle for the holiday week. It is easy to stock up on in a deal.
Palmolive Ultra Strength Original Liquid Dish Soap
A pump bottle that looks nice by the sink when guests wander into the kitchen, with a mild scent. It works well on everyday dishes and is easier to dose than a squeeze bottle. I buy it for the look and the value.
Method Dish Soap Pumps | 18 fl oz Sizes & Refills
If you set up a buffet, these fuel cans keep serving trays warm for about two hours. They suit anyone hosting a crowd with limited stovetop space. I buy a pack early and keep spares in the pantry.
Sterno Ethanol Gel Fuel, 2.25-Hour Burn
Sturdy paper plates that do not bend under a loaded turkey dinner, for the kids' table or an overflow crowd. They cut dish washing in half. I buy a big pack in a sale so I am not stuck.
Chinet Premium 8 3/4" Paper Plates, 36Count
Plain removable labels for marking leftovers with the date or naming dishes on the buffet. They peel off clean from glass and plastic. I buy a pack early, since they are cheap and handy for potlucks.
White Removable Labels with Sure Feed, 1" x 2 5/8" 6460
A booster that removes hard water spots from glasses and serving ware, ideal if your dishwasher leaves a film. It is great before guests arrive. I buy a bottle in a sale and run it a day or two ahead.
Lemi Shine Natural Dish Detergent Booster 24oz
Disposable roasting pans with lids that make it easy to bring a dish to someone else's house or roast a spare side. They suit anyone avoiding cleanup. I buy a multi-pack because they sell out in November.
Reynolds Kitchens Heavy Duty Disposable Aluminum
Glass containers with leak proof lids that are great for sending leftover turkey and sides home with guests, and they go from fridge to microwave. They suit people who dislike stained plastic. I buy during a sale.
Bentgo® Glass Leak-Proof Food Storage Set (4-Piece)
Gentle scrub pads that clean nonstick pans and pie plates without scratching them. They suit anyone washing delicate cookware after a big meal. I buy a pack and rotate them since they are cheap.
Scotch-Brite® Dobie™ All Purpose Cleaning Pad
A heat resistant silicone mitt that is easy to wipe clean after handling the turkey pan. It suits anyone who has burnt a hand on a casserole dish. I buy an extra pair so two cooks can work.