So it’s your turn to host to big holiday dinner? Don’t stress out! Whether you’re planning for five or 15 (or 50!) you should plan your meal the same way.

Start planning early. Have a general idea of what you want to cook in October for your Thanksgiving meal and in November for your Christmas meal.

This allows plenty of time to start purchasing grocery items as they go on sale. Watch your Brookshire’s ad for sales!

Think about canned items like veggies and soups for casseroles. Stock up on boxed mixes and seasonings like cornbread, stuffing mix, salt, pepper and those obscure spices. You can even buy items like fresh green beans, broccoli, corn on the cob, and even your turkey and freeze them!

Keep a holiday meal list. Three weeks out you should finalize your meal plans. List what you plan to cook and under each item make a list of needed ingredients. Go through and scratch out what you’ve already purchased and continue marking them off as you buy. Make a list of “one-week” items. This is your milk, eggs and cheese list. This list will keep you from having to rush back to the store at the last minute and fight the holiday crowds.

Let your family help. Holiday meals should be a family event. Organize your meal’s recipes and divide them among your family to help prepare. Let each family member prepare their holiday favorite.

Published 11/07/08