Holiday meal planner
If you are worried about hosting this year’s feast, this holiday meal planner will help get you organized and prepared. From what to do weeks out to having a plan the day of, we’ve got you covered.
Holiday hosting made easy so you can relax and enjoy the meal just like you are one of the guests.
Each year, I am the host of Thanksgiving dinner. It is a holiday I enjoy not only as the host but as the guest as well.
When I first started hosting, I was a frazzled mess. I would start the day before dawn, running around doing things so that by the time our guests arrived, I was an exhausted mess.
I eventually learned that hosting is similar to a project and once it is broken down into steps it is much easier to complete.
I know the end result, a calm, relaxing holiday dinner; what I was missing was the plan.
Why are meal plans so helpful?
Meal plans are more than just a glorified to-do list. It’s a menu, action list, and schedule all rolled into one.
Once you have a plan set, all you need to do is follow along, checking things off as you go.
And just like magic, you will see your home and table take shape almost like magic.
Be sure to grab the FREE Holiday Meal Planner Pages below! Use them to organize all the details of your holiday feast.
Remove the Stress
Hosting dinner for family and guests is a big ask. There are so many things that need to be prepared that often go beyond getting food on the table.
Yes, the meal is the highlight of the day, but other areas also need to be ready.
- Guest bathroom
- The entryway
- The family room
- The driveway
With so many areas needing our attention, having a plan will help keep you on track.
Read our tips on how to do a cozy guest room setup.
Making a Holiday Meal Plan
A few weeks before the meal, it is good to sit down and map things out. This is your advance planning and it will help you to relax more as the day approaches.
The Meal
Start by making a menu for the meal. Gather up your recipes and take into consideration the guests that will be in your home. Choose dishes that most will enjoy and add in a few for picky and young eaters.
Hosting Tip
Look for dishes you can make ahead of time in your crock pot. Things like mashed potatoes and desserts are great dishes to get done the day before.
Shopping List
Take your menu and break it down into ingredients. Categorize the items according to your store aisles. This saves time in the store, so you aren’t running back and forth through each aisle searching for missing items.
Don’t forget to add any necessary kitchen supplies or decorations to your list as well.
Hosting Tip
Clear off a shelf in your pantry to put holiday purchases. This will help you find things more easily as you need them.
Prep Schedule
Now that you have a menu and shopping list, plan out when you will prepare each dish. Some dishes can be made ahead of time, while others need to be cooked right before serving. Write down the prep schedule on a separate sheet of paper, or use the FREE planner pages provided below.
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Hosting Tip
Ask guests to bring dishes you know they are able to make. Younger guests can bring drinks or appetizers, and older guests can bring a family heirloom dish. List out who is bringing what so you can keep your menu organized.
Home Prep
The week before, give your home a quick spruce-up, paying close attention to the guest bath and entryway. Clear out any clutter, wipe down counters, and clean the floor.
Hosting Tip
Clear off hooks in the entryway and add a chair to make removing shoes easier for older guests.
Table Prep
Make sure you have enough seating and dishes for everyone to use. Set out extra plates, cups, and utensils in case any are needed.
Hosting Tip
Set up stations for coffee and desserts. This will allow your guests to help themselves and remove a task from your list.
Outside Prep
Be sure you are ready for the cars by having a plan for parking. If you can, relocate your vehicles to another area to free up space. Keep the closet spots for older guests.
Hosting Tip
If you have older children in the home, assign “parking attendant” to the most responsible. As guests arrive, they can ensure everyone has a spot that allows them to leave early if needed.
Finishing Touches
On the day of the meal, put out fresh flowers or festive decorations to add that special touch to your home. Don’t forget to set out condiments and serving utensils near each dish so guests can easily serve themselves.
Hosting Tip
Add a bit of personalized fun with family photos from the past or place settings. These extras can spark fun and joyful conversations with your guests.
Day Of Timeline
Make a timeline for the day of the event, listing out when you will start cooking each dish and when guests are expected to arrive. This will help keep you on track and ensure everything is ready in time.
Hosting Tip
Don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. Remember that the most important part of hosting is spending time with loved ones and creating memories together.
And here’s a little secret: only you will know what did not get done! Your guests will have no idea if you forgot to put the holiday napkins out.
Having a holiday meal planner is a great way to help you prepare for the day without getting overwhelmed. Start early with the menu and shopping list, give your home a quick spruce up, and pre-make dishes for a stress-free and enjoyable meal.
With a little planning, you can enjoy your holiday feast just like you are one of the guests.
