There are probably three times a year when my planning (as far as grocery shopping) goes into overdrive. Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas – and this year, Thanksgiving gets a notebook. Usually a phone list will do, but not this time.
So I’m kinda into the details and the grocery list is 4 pages – probably could’ve been longer.
It is THAT serious.
This is my first time (as a full grown adult) hosting the holiday for extended family. There will be a lot of people. I have to come correct. No pressure.
Listen. I want to share the wealth…so I’m going to let you in on some of the meal planning processes that I employ to make things a little easier.
You don’t need the notebook – but it really does help keep it all together in one place.
1. Write out your menu (obviously), but divide it into categories – Appetizers, Mains/Proteins, Sides (Veggies + Starches), Breads, Desserts, Drinks (I have an amazing drink recipe – we had to refill a big beverage cooler – it’s THAT good), etc.
2. FRESH PAGE – now, break down your menu items one by one, listing the ingredients you need for each dish (please add measurements if needed).
3. FRESH PAGE – THIS I learned from a fabulous chef (Hey Melissa!) and it saves me so much time in the grocery store. And it doesn’t matter which one I go to, because we all know the layouts are always different.
YOU NEED CATEGORIES!
You’ll go back to your menu breakdown (where you listed all your ingredients) and categorize them (one category at a time) into the following sections:
• Dairy (eggs go here!)
• Meats
• Dry Goods
• Frozen Foods
• Produce
• Bakery/Deli
• Alcohol (wine, beer, etc)
• Household (paper towels, foil, storage bags, toilet paper, soap, etc).
GET A FREE PDF SHOPPING LIST BELOW!!
4. List DONE – take action.
To make things easier for me – and so I’m not pushing two carts around the store. I’m splitting the shopping into two days.
Yesterday, I took care of the Dairy, Dry Goods, Frozen, and Household categories. Tomorrow, I’ll take care of the rest so they’ll be the freshest they can be.
5. Oh, and if you’re really into details…
FRESH PAGE – Outline your meal prep. Some things to think about…What can you chop before hand? What dishes need to start cooking first? How long will it take to complete them? Think about your fridge space, your oven use, stove top burner availability etc. List. It. Out.
Take out your serving dishes – if you’re fancy like that. Take pieces of paper or post-it notes and mark which serving dish is for what.
Y’all, details matter. And it helps lower the stress level. Plus, if you happen to need help, someone else can join in easily. Just follow the plan….
Wishing y’all an early Happy Thanksgiving!
If details aren’t your ministry but you want to get better at detailing your life, check out all the products that can help you out right here on my website.