Take some time today to meal plan every day up until Christmas as well as Christmas dinner (I promise you will thank me later). Spend time in the kitchen today taking stock of what you have, what you need, and what meals you will make your family each night for dinner. Be sure to look at your calendar for any nights you have plans. If you need to take a dish to an event, mark that on the meal plan, so you know how to prep and shop.

If you have dinner at another home or event, revel in a night off! Either way, it goes on the meal plan. Make life easier by utilizing LOOP (Leftovers On Purpose) meals and frozen meals whether they are yours or store bought. Once you are all planned out, make a list of ingredients you need to buy as well as perishable items you will need to buy last minute.

Another great idea to make your life even easier is to have a frozen meal swap with friends. You can do this one of two ways: One way is to invite (with Evite of course) your friends to your home. Everyone brings ingredients to make a meal of their choice that is freezer friendly (enough to share with however many friends are joining in on the fun). Then you all help with the cooking, family portions are placed into gallon zip lock bags ready to freeze, and everyone goes home with a variety of meals to freeze and enjoy throughout the month.

Another way is for everyone to make something at home (enough to share family portions with anyone participating), freeze them, and swap them with friends. This way, you might have made a huge batch of soup, but you might end up with soup, enchiladas, lasagna, and a chicken casserole.

Assignment: Spend some Time in the Kitchen

1. Create your meal plan for the rest of the month.
2. Plan your baking list so you know what you need to bake and when you’re going to do it.
3. Plan out your Christmas dinner.
4. Make a shopping list of all necessary ingredients. Divide list into non-perishables and perishables.
5. Shop for non-perishables and the next few days’ meals.
6. Make a list of things you will need to buy at the last minute.

Plan on making at least two LOOP meals a week. Cook twice, at four times.

Planning a party over the holidays?  Be sure to include grocery items you might need. Need some party ideas, check out the possibilities over at Evite.

For More Details: Get Yourself Organized For Christmas – Page 102

Supplies: 1) Calendar  2) Meal Plan  3) Paper for Lists

Share Your Thoughts:

How did you feel about planning out all the meals? Did this make shopping easier? Any great LOOP recipes to share?

Having a party and want to add party supplies to this week’s shopping list? Check out this list from Evite to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. You’ve got this!