Thanksgiving Supplies Stock Up Now

Stocking Up for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a mere two weeks away. Although this seems like plenty of time to shop for essentials, the busy lives we lead mean the tendency to procrastinate is strong. Stocking up early will prevent last-minute grocery store runs and allow you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are prepared for the holiday. Let’s face it – no one wants to spend the day before Thanksgiving fighting over the last turkey in Aisle 7. Shopping for the necessary ingredients now for your Thanksgiving feast means a more relaxed holiday for everyone.

Make Your List (And Check It…Twice)
Before you can shop for your Thanksgiving feast, you need to be clear on what you are serving. Not having your meal planned out ahead of time ensures a late-night trip to the store for something you’ve forgotten. If children will be attending your Thanksgiving dinner, include some kid-friendly foods. Chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese may entice children to eat when a mountain of cranberry stuffing and asparagus in Hollandaise sauce will not. Be sure to add non-food items such as aluminum foil, napkins, table decorations and serving trays. Your list should include things like the turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, spices and seasonings, vegetables, beverages, pies and other desserts. It is also a good idea to buy some kid-friendly crafts or activities. Coloring books will suffice, but an art project, such as painting Christmas ornaments or making other seasonal decorations, will keep them occupied longer. Got it all on the list? Good. Onward we go…

…To the Grocery Store
Grocery stores can be a madhouse this time of year. No parking, long check-out lines and less-than-friendly shoppers. If you can, shop early (before 8 a.m.) or late (after 9 p.m.). It is easier to concentrate on what you need to get without worrying about being run over by a shopping cart. Begin with the turkey. You need to account for 1-½ pounds of turkey per guest. While that sounds like a lot, once the bones and giblets are removed, it really isn’t that much. Once you have found the perfect turkey, fill your cart with the rest of the things from your grocery list. Do not neglect to buy the staples that you are sure you already have in your pantry. The Thanksgiving goblin has been to your house and stolen everything you thought you had.

Thanksgiving Vacation
If you will be traveling for Thanksgiving, you are not off the grocery shopping hook. Be sure to ask your hostess what you can bring. If no instructions are given, a casserole and a dessert are always welcome. Remember to purchase a bottle of wine, table bouquet or other nice hostess gift.

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together in celebration of their blessings. It is not a time for last-minute dashes to the grocery store or bored and unruly children. Planning and shopping for your Thanksgiving dinner well ahead of time ensures everyone has a holiday to remember.