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?