Thanksgiving dinner is fast approaching, and chances are, you probably have a running Costco list for all the last-minute ingredients you forgot to pick up. It's not just about the food—though we can't resist Costco mashed potatoes or apple pie. There are a few other items you shouldn't leave behind. Trust us: they'll make for a much smoother holiday.
Costco aisles are full of everything you need to solve those common Thanksgiving issues, from running out of clean pans to not having enough seating. We also know that the warehouse can get pretty crowded this time of year, so we don't want you to head in there without a plan.
Ahead, we have your ultimate guide to navigating Costco as Turkey Day nears. If you spot the below items on the shelf, we really recommend snagging them, especially if you're playing host this year. Grabbing them in person is one of your best bets for making sure things arrive on time. But if you're extra worried or need a little more convenience, we also included some Amazon alternatives, so the Prime devotees can take advantage of that two-day shipping. Either way, the time to procrastinate is over.
Festive Table Decor
Setting the table might be one of the last steps in your Thanksgiving prep, but it's also one of the most important. Even the smallest touches can make your whole spread look more inviting. Go sleek, with flameless candles wrapped in fairy lights, or go with a cute, nostalgic LEGO arrangement of flowers. Even glass LED ornaments could be fun lighting adds, and you can use them for the Christmas season right after. You'd be surprised how much cute stuff you can find on Costco's shelves, and you'll be glad you brought it home.
WNP Glass Flameless LED Candles
LEGO Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece
Homemory Flameless Candles with String Lights
Extra Bakeware
You might think you have enough pots and pans for your Thanksgiving feast. But, if you’re getting down to the wire and you have nowhere for your cookies to go, your kitchen quickly becomes a juggling act. An extra baking sheet or two can save you quite a bit of headache, even if you just need somewhere safe for pots to rest. Costco has everything from multi-piece bakeware sets to single baking sheets, so make sure every bit of dough and batter has somewhere to go.
Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Baking Sheet
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven
Essential Serveware
After all your hard work slicing, dicing, cooking, and baking, your Thanksgiving menu deserves a beautiful display. Costco has plenty of finds for keeping food looking Instagram-ready, not to mention organized and warm. A heavy-duty warming tray is perfect for all of your hot sides to rest on, and an acacia wood serving set is your dream charcuterie setup. And you can never go wrong with an extra-large grazing board. It could be the last-minute platter you need.
Chefman Electric Warming Tray
Nambe Cooper Triple Condiment Server
BIRDROCK HOME 18" Herringbone Grazing Serving Board
Leftovers Storage
When the meal is wrapped up, and guests are heading home, you’ll want to save some of the food for yourself, but not all of it. Instead of hunting down matching Tupperware sets in your cabinet, have a guest-ready leftovers station where everyone can grab some food to go (and save you some fridge space). It'll also make your storage easier—less questionable tinfoil trays and more clear containers, so you know exactly what's inside. Everything from plastic to heavy-duty glass is available on Costco shelves.
Tupperware Heritage Collection Food Storage Container Set
Snapware Total Solution 10-Pc Glass Food Storage Containers Set
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers with Lids
More Seating and Sleep Space
Whether your guests are just staying for dinner or staying for the week, a little extra space to lounge is necessary. There has to be somewhere to rest after all that delicious food, right? Get rid of the image of hard plastic folding chairs that are uncomfortable to sit in, though. Costco actually has upholstered alternatives that look right at home around any dining table. Even an extra pouf for the kids to sit on is a small, easy upgrade. And for the overnighters, we found an air mattress that is so luxe, they'll be happy to snooze on it. It even comes with a headboard!
Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Queen-Sized Air Mattress
MECO STAKMORE School House Folding Chair
Signature Design by Ashley Chevron Handmade Woven Pouf
Janae McKenzie is the Associate Shopping Editor at House Beautiful, where she regularly covers the best of the best in home brands. Since joining the House Beautiful team in 2023, Janae regularly creates seasonal gift guides in addition to reviewing and evaluating home decor, bespoke furniture, and accessories. Janae also routinely tests viral products, from luxury sheets to high-tech air purifiers, determining quality and guiding readers to the best purchases possible. Janae holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and began her career at Food Network shortly after graduation. She also covers relevant shopping deals and celebrity news in the home space, a skill she honed during her tenure as a news writer at Glamour. When she’s not writing or scoping out the next mattress to test, you can find her hunting for trinkets to add to her bookshelf or artfully arranging her Playbill collection.
