Plan Like a Pro: Create Your Thanksgiving Menu and Shopping List

🛒 Week 3: Plan Like a Pro: Create Your Thanksgiving Menu and Shopping List

A little planning now means a lot less stress later! This week, it’s all about getting your Thanksgiving menu and shopping list in order so you’re not scrambling through crowded aisles searching for marshmallows or sweet potatoes the night before the big meal.

At Organizing With Leslie, based in Southeast Louisiana, we know that planning ahead is one of the best ways to bring peace and order to the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving in Hammond, Covington, Mandeville, Ponchatoula, or Madisonville, an organized plan makes all the difference. With clear lists and simple systems, you’ll save time, money, and sanity and focus on what really matters, enjoying your celebration.

Step 1: Choose Your Recipes and Finalize Your Menu

Start by gathering your favorite recipes such as Louisiana favorites like cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, or pecan pie, along with your family classics and new Pinterest finds. Once you’ve decided what’s on the table, jot everything down in one place. Having your full menu visible makes it easy to see what ingredients you need and what you already have.

Step 2: Make a Detailed Shopping List

Divide your list into two sections:

• Non-perishables: canned goods, spices, baking supplies, and dry ingredients

• Fresh items: produce, dairy, and meats

This simple separation helps you shop in stages. You can grab non-perishables early, and save the fresh items for the week of Thanksgiving, avoiding those last-minute grocery store rushes.

Step 3: Stock Up Early

Don’t wait until shelves are empty! Stock up now on pantry staples, spices, and baking essentials. Buying early not only ensures you have everything you need, but it also spreads out your holiday spending over a few weeks, another smart way to stay organized and stress-free.

Step 4: Create a “Thanksgiving Prep Bin”

Designate a bin or basket for all things Thanksgiving. You can use it to store non-perishable ingredients, table linens, candles, or even special serving dishes. When the big day arrives, you’ll know exactly where everything is. No more searching through cabinets or drawers at the last minute.

The Goal

By the end of this week, you’ll have a complete Thanksgiving plan: menu, shopping list, and prep bin ready to go. No chaos, no forgotten ingredients, just calm, confident, and organized holiday prep.

✨ Want to take the stress out of holiday organization?
Let Organizing With Leslie help you create a kitchen and home that make hosting effortless. From pantry organization to seasonal prep systems, we’ll help you stay ahead of the chaos.

👉 Visit OrganizingWithLeslie.com today and fill out the contact form to schedule your personalized home organization consultation in the Louisiana Northshore area!