Save time in the kitchen with this holiday meal planning guide. It’s packed with easy and practical tips to help you enjoy the holidays.
Looking for kitchen hacks and tips to save time cooking over the holiday season?
Me too. As the “get stuff done” person in our family, that means that even when I have a day off from work, I don’t have a day off from parenting and homemaking.
I need to plan regular meals. Plus fun meals. And Christmas baking. Don’t forget a treat for a party. And breakfast – these kids want it every day.
I want it to be magical, but I need a few shortcuts. Because honestly, I cannot do it all – nobody can. But what we can do is do the important parts with a little planning.
Holiday meal planning tips
Here are a few quick and simple tips to help you get started.
1. Start planning early.
Get started on holiday planning before December. I usually start in November, but I know plenty of people who start earlier to do things like shopping for gifts and creating a budget. You’ll avoid any last-minute surprises when you spread the work out over 8 weeks instead of 2 or 3.
2. Stick with traditions.
I love trying new things, and there’s no reason not to. But when it comes to holiday meal planning, sticking with some of your family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes will help you simplify. For example, make the traditional Christmas dinner, but try a new cookie recipe when you have time to experiment.
3. Stock your pantry.
When in doubt, buy an extra. As you do your regular weekly grocery shopping, stock up on holiday staples like flour, sugar, chicken stock, and anything you know you’ll use frequently. Not only will this ensure you don’t have to make a last-minute trip to the store, but it will also save you if the stores run out of something.
4. Write it all down.
There’s no way you’re going to remember everything, so write it all down however it makes sense for your organizing style. You can use cute printables like my Thanksgiving meal plan and holiday planner.
You can also just make several lists with a pen and paper or the notes app on your phone. I like to have a master to-do list, then keep a running list for groceries and gifts.
5. Enlist friends and family to help.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about extended family crowding into the kitchen to make holiday meals. After all, you’re celebrating together.
When you’re hosting dinner, ask family members to help you in the kitchen. Or turn your meal into a potluck and cook the main entree while you have guests bring their favorite holiday side dishes and desserts.
Food prep and cooking schedule
November
- Clean the oven.
- Deep clean the kitchen (even behind the refrigerator).
- Test the kitchen thermometer to make sure it’s accurate.
- Shop for cooking tools like a disposable roasting pan or any staples (like a vegetable peeler) that you’ve been meaning to replace.
- Stock up on household items like paper towels, parchment paper, and zip-top bags.
- Make a menu for specific events and start 2 grocery lists: one for non-perishables that you can purchase in advance and one for fresh items to buy closer to your events.
- Place catering and specialty food orders.
Beginning of December
- Plan, plan, plan! Get all of your holiday events and travel plans on the calendar. Confirm dates with friends and family.
- Taken inventory of your tableware to be sure you have enough; shop if necessary.
- Clean the China, silverware, table linens, and any specialty servingware you’re using.
- Sharpen kitchen knives. If you don’t know how to do this yourself, you can take them to a professional. Sur La Table offers knife sharpening.
Mid-December
- Shop for non-perishable foods, including alcohol.
- Bake holiday treats like cookies and desserts that either will be enjoyed all month long or shared in a holiday cookie exchange. Save time by doubling your cookie dough and freezing half for last-minute baking.
- Make appetizers and side dishes for Christmas dinner that can be frozen and reheated.
- Empty and clean the ice maker in your freezer if you have one. Don’t forget to turn it back on so you have fresh ice.
Week before Christmas
- Shop for fresh food and do any food prep tasks that you can, like chopping vegetables.
- Create a schedule for Christmas Day cooking so you know which dishes are going in the oven when.
- Plan a general idea of where food will go, such as on a buffet, and how guest traffic will flow. Rearrange furniture if necessary.
Christmas Eve
- Make a breakfast for Christmas morning that can be reheated in the oven, like a breakfast casserole or one of these Christmas breakfast ideas.
- Prepare any food for Christmas Day that you haven’t done earlier in December. The less you have to actually do on Christmas Day the more you can relax and enjoy it.
Christmas Day
- Follow your planned cooking schedule and don’t be afraid to ask for help if something unexpected comes up.
- Since most of your cooking tasks were done ahead of time, don’t forget to sit and enjoy the holiday!
- Pack up leftovers after dinner for easy reheating the next day.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
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