For the home cook, Thanksgiving isn't a day, it's a week. Getting the full complement of Thanksgiving Day dishes on the table next Thursday without killing yourself means spreading the work out — and around — as far as possible.

And here's a concept: Delegate some of the work to others. Buy some things ready-made: Gourmet delis such as Diamond Head Market and Foodland Beretania offer very high-quality options in side dishes. Artisanal breads are becoming more widely available. Bakery pies are perfectly acceptable.

Look over the timetable inside. You can customize it to your family's Thanksgiving custom: a sit-down dinner at Grandma's, an imu at Uncle's, a carport party at Auntie's, a Cajun-style deep-fried turkey or a bird barbecued at the beach.

All require planning and preparation.

Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.