Thanksgiving Planning: 2 Weeks Before

Here's your printable Thanksgiving Checklist for things to do two weeks before the big feast. And an efficient way to organize your recipes and ingredients list before you make a shopping list.

A shopping list divided by grocery store section is included that you can download and print.

I'm one of those people who actually enjoys grocery shopping. I love it, in fact. But I don't love having to negotiate my cart around a bazillion other shoppers. And, hello, I detest standing in long lines, while I impatiently tap my fingers on the handle of my cart.

I sigh a lot too.

So I like to have my shopping done early, with as little fuss as possible, so I can enjoy picking my squash from an abundance of choices, and whisk through the lines. That's what this week is about.

First, let's review the schedule for our Vegetarian Thanksgiving email series. I've added links to the first three newsletters sent out so far, for those of you who missed them! ⬇️

2 Weeks Ahead Checklist

Here's a checklist of things I recommend you do this week, with more detail in the below sections.

• Create a shopping list. Doing this now gives you ample time to order hard-to-find ingredients online. Once you make your list, compare it against what you already have on hand in your pantry to finalize it.
• Do some preliminary shopping. Shop for non-perishables if you haven't done this yet, and for items that will last 2 - 3 weeks. Also, purchase ingredients for recipes you plan to make ahead this week, and for any practice runs of new recipes.
• Make ahead and freeze dishes. Decide what you'll make ahead and freeze, and make those recipes this week. Cooking and freezing them in advance makes Thanksgiving Day sooooo much easier.
• Clean out your freezer. If you have frozen leftovers you've put off eating, or tubs of ice cream covered with freezer burn, this is the time to create room for dishes you plan to make ahead and freeze.
• Test new recipes. Prepare new recipes for a practice trial run. No one wants unpleasant surprises on Thanksgiving.
• Get festive. Take down your spooky Halloween decorations, and decorate for Thanksgiving. A few harvest accents will make your home feel festive for your guests.

2 & 3 Week Ahead Checklist PRINTABLE : just click on this link and print !

Before Making Your Shopping List ...

Shopping can be incredibly time consuming. I remember a catering project for 18 people I had a several years ago that took me almost all day to complete, including travel time.

Before I make my shopping list, the first thing I do is to make a list of the recipes and their ingredients. It's great to do that all on one page, as you can see below. I divide the list by the recipes I'll make ahead, and the ones I'll make the day before or on Thanksgiving Day.

That way, when I create a shopping list, I know the essentials I must pick up at the market 2 weeks ahead.

Below is the format I use. Just click on the links above to download and print your own.

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Making the Shopping List

There are a few approaches to making your shopping more efficient once you have your chosen recipes and ingredients in hand.

Since your shopping trips will be divided into what you need 2 weeks ahead and 1 week ahead, you can either make one shopping list for everything, and put a checkmark by everything you plan to purchase 2 weeks ahead. Or create 2 separate shopping lists - one for 2 weeks ahead, and another for 1 week ahead.

I like to organize my shopping list by grocery store sections, but if you plan to go to multiple stores, you can also divide it by store.

Below is the format I use. Just click on the links above to download and print your own.

What to Shop For This Week

Shop for produce such as squash, onions, apples and other fruits and vegetables that will last 2 - 3 weeks. Also, if you need pears in any of your recipes, you want to allow enough time for them to ripen, if needed.

Include non-perishable goods on your shopping list that you might not have picked up last week. Examples include flour, sugar, canned pumpkin, packaged stuffing and cornbread mixes and cranberries.

You can also purchase some dairy and deli items on your list this week, such as cheeses, sour cream and cream cheese, as well as eggs. Cheeses can last a fairly long time, when stored correctly, but be sure to check the expiration dates of other dairy items and eggs.

This is a perfect time to pick up any drinks you need, such as wine, beer, liquor, apple cider, sparkling waters and soft drinks. You can store them in your garage or basement, depending on the temperatures where you live, and chill things the night before Thanksgiving.

As a note, start checking the sales fliers for good deals. Most grocery stores will start selling their Thanksgiving foods at the beginning of November at the earliest, and there may be some sales you can take advantage of.

Make-Ahead Dishes That Freeze Well

I like to make as much ahead as I can, so I can relax more on Thanksgiving Day. It's nice to be able to visit with your family and friends from the time they arrive. Here are some dishes you can make ahead and freeze.

Pie Dough / Pies

Make your pie dough now, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a zip lock. Or roll out the crust, line and pie plate and freeze.

Alternatively, many pies freeze very well. In that case, make the entire pie, such as apple or pumpkin pies, and freeze them. Be sure to wrap them in plastic wrap, and slide into a plastic bags that can be sealed tightly.

In all cases, thaw in the refrigerator the night before.

Homemade Vegetable Stock

If you make your own homemade stock, make and freeze it this week. Double bag in resealable plastic bags to use freezer space more economically.

Bread

If you want to make your own rolls, freeze them in a sealed bag, and defrost on your counter on the morning of Thanksgiving Day.

Gravy

Pour into heavy duty resealable plastic bags or double bag, and lay flat in the freezer.

Mashed White Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Celery Root

Completely cool, and transfer to sealed containers, and cover with a layer of plastic directly on the mashed potatoes. Then seal. This helps prevent any freezer burn.

Bulky plastic containers take up a lot of space, so I try to use them as little as possible since I don't have an abundance of freezer space.

Cornbread for Stuffing

Cornbread is tender and crumbly, but if you're using it for stuffing, it will likely be cut up. If it doesn't have to stay completely intact, store in plastic bags, and stack in the freezer. Otherwise, use sealed containers.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is another dish that can easily be stored in resealable plastic bags. Just be sure to completely cool it first.

I hope this is all helpful for you as you plan your own Thanksgiving feast. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.