How to Create a Thanksgiving Shopping List and Not Forget Anything

Heather says:

Here we are, two weeks out from Thanksgiving and it’s time to get serious about making sure we’re ready for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Today it’s time to make your Thanksgiving Day Dinner shopping list and because I firmly believe that with rare exception, businesses should be closed on the holiday. Let’s try really hard to not have any reason to run out for one last thing.

Making the list today will hopefully give you time to take advantage of some sales and spread the cost over at least two grocery runs.  In many households this makes the expense a little easier to absorb. Unless you’re paid monthly and then well, it won’t help at all, I’m sorry.

First grab your Thanksgiving Day Menu and all of the recipes, even if you think you know them by heart.

Next open up a spreadsheet in Excel, Google Drive, or Open Office -have you ever tried Open Office? It’s free and compatible with Microsoft products, so you don’t have to shell out mega bucks for their proprietary software. There’s nothing for me to disclose, I simply love the tool. If you don’t want to install Open Office.

Once you have your spreadsheet open, list your recipes across the top, one per column. Under each recipe list the ingredients. If a recipe calls for apples, list the number after the ingredient apple x 3 or chicken stock x 2 qt. This won’t take up the whole spread sheet.  This creates mini-shopping lists for each recipe.

Next take a good look at your guest list for a rough headcount and then pull up this post: How to Estimate How Much to Make for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Now, multiply or divide each of your recipe ingredient amounts as needed for your Thanksgiving Dinner.

On the lower half of the spreadsheet start new columns. I like to divide my list up by grocery store departments: butcher, dairy, dry goods, produce, etc. Cut and paste each item into the appropriate column combining when appropriate ie 2 apples for the dressing  + 14 for the pies = 16 apples.

Save and print your grocery list and don’t forget to shop your pantry before heading to the store. (This just means crossing off the items you have on hand). Don’t forget, if you rarely bake to test your baking powder to be sure it is still effective.

Check your spices, too.

Oh and if you have a lot of company coming to stay, don’t forget extra toilet paper. Yes, it’s important, you’ll thank me later.

Remember, it’s still too early to buy your produce, save that for Thanksgiving week.

Just for fun, what recipe are you most looking forward to this year?