Sunday, August 24, 2014

Stop Shopping Last Minute for Thanksgiving

Every year another Thanksgiving rolls around, and that means it is time to go grocery shopping to make sure all the items have been purchased for the ideal Thanksgiving meals. Whether this is for Thanksgiving brunch, lunch, or dinner there can often be an item that has been forgotten from the store. Included below are tips to avoid last-minute Thanksgiving grocery shopping.

Make an ideal grocery list before going to the grocery store. This might sound like an easy task, but even then sometimes items can be not written down or forgotten completely. So really sit down and buckle yourself to making the grocery list of your dreams. To start, simply think about what it is you plan on serving for Thanksgiving dinner.


Following a recipe for ingredients helps cut costs at checkout.

Following the recipes of the entrees being cooked will not only help give you an idea of what is needed from the grocery store but will help you to avoid overspending and having to go back for last minute Thanksgiving grocery shopping. Take a look at every one of the recipes, write down what items are needed (not measurements).

Once you have written down these items, take a look in the pantry and the refrigerator to see what items you already have. If you have any of the items needed for these recipes, cross them off the starter list you have created. Next take a look at what is left on the list, this is exactly what you need for your recipes this Thanksgiving, and only this.

If you plan on buying any pre-made items, place these on the starter list as well. Next place down any beverages that will be purchased, this can be great wines to serve, milk or soda pop for the kids. No matter what items are purchased pre-made, place these all here. Now that you have written down your first draft of the grocery list, it’s time to get it rewritten and organized. If you are a consistent shopper at your grocery store you know its layout. Make this grocery trip a short and easy one as well.  Put the items in your list into sections.

Putting the groceries into sections by frozen, dairy, packaged and produce will help to avoid running back and forth from aisle to aisle.

The final step of this process is going to the store and getting the shopping trip over with. So if you have a mobile app that will hold your grocery list, use that now. If not, remember to post your grocery list on your fridge to grab before you go. Stick a post-it on the horn of your car, so you don’t forget before driving away.

Now that you have your grocery list ready, know exactly what you need, go to the store. Not only will not have a single worry about having to have do any last minute grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, but the whole process will be eliminated and you will have nothing to worry about this holiday season.


What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

36 comments:

  1. I am so bad about doing this at the last minute. I really do need to do just what you said and plan it all out well in advance.

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  2. We've never hosted a Thanksgiving meal so I actually haven't bought anything. But this post is helpful because I can pass this along to my parents or Mother-in-law. They are always talking about what they need to pick up just days before Thanksgiving.

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  3. I'm a last minute buyer... and that means the store is full, I have to wait in line a long time, and the cream corn will inevitably be out of stock. ;) Seems like a smart idea to just plan ahead!

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  4. Great idea. We had hosted Thanksgiving up until two years ago when it got to be too much for me LOL.

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  5. Excellent ideas. I am thinking about roast turkey, stuffing, scalloped potatoes, homemade yeast rolls, green bean casserole, and pie. This is definitely a good time to get the grocery list for Thanksgiving written out and carried through.

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  6. Our family splits the dishes among everyone who is able to bring something. It helps me not make things last minute - and I don't get overwhelmed with ten different dishes!

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  7. This is a great idea. I am always the person who is at the grocery store the day before or the weekend before picking up items. lol

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  8. My favorite dish is breakfast when I make a chile relleno casserole! I'm not too into turkey and other fixings.

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  9. I haven't even thought about turkey day! Though it will. Be here before you know it!

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  10. I'm the world's worst for shopping at the last minute for Thanksgiving. I need to be better prepared this year.

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  11. I always try to shop in advance for Thanksgiving. It's so important to make a thorough list and avoid last minute trips to the store.

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  12. Oh my gosh, my neighbor and I were just talking about Thanksgiving dishes!! I LOVE stuffing so darn much...yum!!

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  13. I'm so bad...I'm a last-minute shopper for just about everything. I find it hard to even THINK about Thanksgiving yet. I guess that's part of my problem :)

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  14. My mom actually cooks Thanksgiving dinner and it's amazing! She plans ahead and has been doing it so long she never misses a beat!
    ~Amanda

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  15. I totally was not thinking about shopping for Thanksgiving yet! I can't wait for it, though - I sure love my food!

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  16. I have to have a grocery list. It really helps stay on budget.

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  17. We host Thanksgiving at our house a lot. I always forget something at the store and have to go back before the big day. LOL

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  18. I am the absolute WORST when it comes to procrastinating for Thanksgiving shopping. Christmas, too. I'm the guy in the store the day before picking through the turkeys that have ripped bags or that are 8 pounds.

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  19. I really should follow these tips. I probably won't, but I should... =D

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  20. My mom has the best recipe for sausage stuffing and oatmeal stuffing. It wouldn't be thanksgiving without them!

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  21. I'm glad that I don't have to prepare Thanksgiving dinners because I am a very last minute shopper! I'm better off just having to bring one dish for the meal.

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  22. I am totally feeling the anxiety now! I am NEVER prepared for Thanksgiving. :(

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  23. I try to get my menu set a month in advance! Then shopping is much easier

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  24. I'm always the last one in the store shopping the night before Thanksgiving. I need to plan better for this year.

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  25. I'm absolutely horrible about last minute shopping for holiday cooking. I don't know why. I'm the one that cooks it. You'd think I'd make it easier on myself.

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  26. This year I will be making my first Thanksgiving dinner! I need to not be last minute on this one!

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  27. Great tips for Thanksgiving cooking. I start stocking up in September (for anything frozen and or canned) to save time and money

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  28. Great tips for Thanksgiving. I stock up starting in September (frozen and canned items) to save money and time

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  29. I preplan and buy most things ahead of time but usually wait for the last minute turkey sales because they tend to be cheaper as markets are trying to unload the turkey stock. My favorite Thanksgiving dish is the pumpkin pie!

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  30. I always shop last minute, I'm so awful. No matter what the occasion. I'm a last minute shopper, must stop!

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  31. Love the tips! I'm always shopping last minute and I need to get better about that!

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  32. Great advice. It's always nice to think ahead especially during the holidays.

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  33. I feel like you were talking directly to me. LOL! I will put these to use.

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  34. I'm horrible! I always shop last minute. I am the one running out an hour before dinner haha.

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  35. Thanksgiving is one of my favourite meals. I love stuffing and mashed potatoes.

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  36. I always buy last minute. Especially holiday meals.

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