Shoppers who want to buy a frozen turkey need to get one by Monday.

The countdown is underway to Thanksgiving, and that means it's time to start thinking about what's going on the table.

"We are responsible for butternut squash soup, some smoked salmon for appetizers, and some hot apple cider for the kids," Central Market shopper Andrea Maher said.

Maher, like many others, has a lot of cooking to do over the next few days. She's starting early and knows exactly what she has to do.

The experts say being well prepared is key.

"It's just knowing exactly what you're going to cook. Having an idea. Having the game plan of what you're going to actually cook," Abigail Scruggs with Central Market said.

If your plan includes turkey, now's the time to start planning.

		WATCH THE VIDEO
	A stress-free holiday News 8’s Jenna Hiller has more on how to prep for your Thanksgiving meal this week. Helpful holiday hints Hiller gets some tasty tips from Central Market Selling Manager, Abigail Scruggs.

"If you're going to buy a frozen turkey, don't buy it later than Monday. Otherwise, you're going to have a frozen turkey on Thursday," Scruggs said. "A fresh turkey you buy the day before, and you can prep it up and it's not going to take up all the room in your refrigerator."

Most people don't have a lot of time to prepare the big feast, so Scruggs advised to buy ready-made when possible.

Items like gravy, stuffing, vegetables and mashed potatoes are all available pre-cooked at local grocery stores.

Maher agreed it's alright to cut corners.

"I think the most important thing is bringing everyone together and having a good time," she said. "If you want to cook it all, great. If not, just make sure there is no stress," she said

	Early shopping is an easy way to ensure a stress-free holiday.

If you really need to save time and stress with your Thanksgiving preparation, most local grocery stores and even some restaurants offer Thanksgiving to go.