1. Test Your Oven's Accuracy: About a week before Thanksgiving, check the accuracy of your oven's temperature with an oven thermometer. Preheat the oven to 350°F and once it indicates it has reached the temperature, check the thermometer. If there is a significant discrepancy, you might need to adjust the oven’s temperature settings or have it calibrated.

2. Clean Your Oven: Make sure to give your oven a thorough clean, but do it at least a few days before you start your Thanksgiving cooking to avoid any lingering smells or residue. Use the self-cleaning function if available, but ensure you wipe out any leftover ash or cleaning product residues.

3. Inspect the Elements and Burners: For electric ovens, ensure that the heating elements are glowing red evenly when turned on. For gas ovens, the burner flames should be blue and steady. Uneven flames or spots that don’t glow could indicate a problem that requires replacing the element or burner.

4. Check the Door Seal: The rubber or silicone seal around the oven door can wear out over time, leading to heat loss and longer cooking times. Inspect the seal for any breaks or deformities, and replace it if necessary.

5. Ensure Your Stovetop is Functional: If you have a gas stove, make sure all burners ignite properly. For electric stoves, all elements should heat up quickly and evenly. If you encounter issues, you may need to clean the burners or replace faulty elements.

6. Microwave Maintenance: If you rely on your microwave to reheat items or cook certain dishes, make sure it's clean and functioning well. Check the turntable to ensure it’s rotating properly and that the door seals are closing correctly.

By following these steps, you'll help ensure that your kitchen appliances are ready for the big day, avoiding any mid-cooking mishaps or delays.