There are so many things to keep track of around the holidays, from big meals to hosting guests to buying gifts. There’s simply not enough brain space to manage it all.
If you’re hosting a holiday meal this year, here are some simple ways to make it easier, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the time with family and friends.
How to Make Holiday Meals Easier
Number One: Plan Ahead!
Most of us have traditional dishes we make year after year, which can make planning so simple! Take a few minutes to plan your typical holiday meal now and start checking things off the list early.
Bonus tip: Create a Menu to save your meal plan for next year! A Menu in Plan to Eat lets you instantly pull up your favorite holiday recipes for next year’s gathering.
Number Two: Have a Detailed and Organized Grocery List
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could only go to the grocery store once this year to prep for a holiday meal? A well-organized list helps you avoid the last-minute rush for forgotten ingredients, so you’re prepared well in advance of the big day.
In Plan to Eat, the shopping list is made for you with detailed ingredients and quantities, so you can buy everything you need the first time!
Number Three: Delegate!
You don’t need to tackle all the holiday food prep and cooking alone. Share your recipe with a family member and let them take over! Letting others help with food prep takes something off your plate and allows them to contribute and feel valued in the process.
Holiday Meal Plan
Use this generic (although definitely influenced by Thanksgiving) guide to plan your next big holiday meal in Plan to Eat!
Helpful Tips:
- Use prep notes on your calendar to create reminders and a visible timeline for your meal preparation.
- Be sure you look at the serving sizes for casseroles and sides so you buy enough ingredients and don’t have to go back to the store!
- Don’t forget to plan meals for the days leading up to the holiday too! Plan quick, easy meals that you can eat as leftovers to minimize your time in the kitchen before the big day.
A few days before:
- Thaw the turkey in the fridge or buy the ham!
- The USDA recommends thawing a turkey one day for every 4-5 pounds of meat (a 20lb turkey can take up to 4 days to thaw!)
- You may also consider brine-ing your bird for 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Making a holiday ham at home? Check out this detailed recipe!
1-2 days before:
- If you’re making stuffing/dressing, cut the bread so it has a chance to dry out.
- Make casseroles and side dishes that can simply be reheated the day of the meal.
- Bake pies, rolls, and breads.
Day of (morning):
- Assemble and make any cold sides/salads, chop your potatoes and veggies, and cook the turkey!
Day of (afternoon):
- Boil and mash potatoes, roast veggies, reheat casseroles and ham, warm bread, carve the turkey, and make gravy.
- Enjoy!
Day after:
- Purchase your annual Plan to Eat subscription at 50% off!
