You don’t want to be caught without what you need for Thanksgiving dinner, so you need to make sure you know when to go grocery shopping. The best time to go is just before the holiday season so you can get the freshest items.
Order your turkey
There are several factors to consider when you go grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. You should also keep in mind the number of people attending your holiday dinner.
One of the most important aspects of shopping for Thanksgiving is making a list of all of the ingredients you need. This can help you avoid purchasing unnecessary items. It can also save you time.
There are two main types of turkeys: fresh and frozen. If you are planning to buy a fresh turkey, you should purchase it a couple of days before the holiday. However, if you decide to buy a frozen one, you should purchase it at least a week ahead. The reason is that these birds need to be thawed beforehand. Purchasing your turkey early will ensure that you get the best deal.
Another factor to consider is the size of your oven. For instance, if your oven is small, you might want to buy a couple of smaller turkeys instead of one large bird. Also, if you are planning to serve leftovers, you should make sure you buy enough for that.
Once you have a clear idea of how many people you plan to serve, you can start your list of groceries. Make a note of how many of each ingredient you need for the recipe you’re planning to cook.
Many stores require you to place an order as soon as possible. When you’re buying a Thanksgiving turkey, you should buy at least 1-1/2 pounds per person. While this is a decent amount of meat, you may not be able to fit it all in your freezer.
Another tip to keep in mind is to purchase a turkey that is vacuum-sealed. These types of turkeys can last in your freezer for up to 12 months. They are also easy to store.
Depending on the type of turkey you choose, you might need to make a trip to your local butcher or grocery store. However, you can also buy these products online. Some sites even offer bulk purchasing, which can save you money.
Finally, keep in mind that the price of turkeys may be increasing due to the avian influenza outbreak. But if you’re careful and shop around, you can find a deal.
Prepare your beverages
If you are planning a Thanksgiving bash, it’s wise to prepare your beverages in advance. This includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The more adroit among us will even have a drink station set up outside of the kitchen. While you’re at it, make sure to stock up on a few extra bottles of water.
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A well-stocked drink station also helps reduce the stress associated with hosting a big family dinner. The drinks you offer will likely include wine, beer, and soft drinks. You may also want to consider mulled cider, sparkling lemonade, and even coffee for those of you who prefer a caffeine fix.
The most important beverage to offer is probably a nice bottle of wine, but this is not the only way to ring in the season. Other beverages to try include hard cider and iced tea. Keep in mind that if you plan to serve a large crowd, you may not be able to fill each drink bottle with ice. In which case, buy a few extra bottles and keep a few ice cubes on hand.
It’s not a requirement to serve the most interesting or expensive drinks, but the most popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options are certainly a good idea. If you have an ice maker or a large freezer, you can easily keep things cool.
Of course, you can’t serve a large group without ice, but it’s easy enough to pick up a few extras at your local grocery store. Also, if you do opt to purchase bottles of wine, make sure to buy the biggest ones you can afford. They’ll last a long time.
Remember to drink plenty of ozs of the appropriate beverage, as you’ll want to make sure your guests are getting a good buzz throughout the day. One of the best ways to do this is to offer a cocktail or two in the afternoon. Whether it’s a classic margarita or an enticing vodka-based concoction, a good selection of spirits will be the perfect complement to your family’s holiday feast. Alternatively, try serving the drinks at different times to accommodate everyone’s schedule.
Stock up on staples
If you’re planning to host a Thanksgiving dinner, there’s no better time to stock up on pantry staples than now. As the holiday season approaches, you can buy many of your favorite items at deep discounts.
While shopping for your food, you might be surprised to find that some of the ingredients you need are already out of stock. In addition, you may have trouble finding some of your most frequently used items.
The best way to avoid this situation is to make your list and plan your shopping trip ahead of time. This will minimize the chances that you’ll leave the store without any ingredients.
To find out the best time to buy your holiday staples, start by looking at your grocery store’s calendar. You’ll likely want to shop on Wednesday or Thursday. Shop early to get the most variety in size and brand.
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Also, keep an eye out for sales on holiday items. For example, French’s Crispy Fried Onions are often sold for as little as $3.29. They’re a great addition to green bean casserole.
Stocking up on your pantry can save you money in the long run. It’s also a good idea to stock your refrigerator before Thanksgiving. Not only will this help you to save time during the busy holiday season, but it can cut down on your grocery shopping bill later on.
Another item to stock up on is butter. Butter is a common holiday staple and is sometimes on sale. You can stock up and freeze it, too.
Other pantry staples include sugar, salt, and spices. Don’t forget to add in items such as vanilla extract. These ingredients can be expensive and hard to find at other times of the year, so you might be happy to see them on sale during the holidays.
If you’re not the most organized, don’t stress out. You can still stock up on items that you need, even if you’re a procrastinator. Just remember to check the fridge and pantry before making your purchase.
Shopping for your Thanksgiving meal can be stressful. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to have a festive feast for your loved ones.
Avoid crowds
If you are one of the millions of Americans planning to go grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, you need to be aware of the possible crowds. The holiday season can be a stressful time, and you might find yourself panicking about being stuck in a long line at the store.
You’ll be glad to know that there are some simple steps you can take to avoid crowds. First, try to make a list of what you need before you head out. This will ensure that you don’t leave the store without everything you need.
Another important tip is to avoid going to the store during a busy hour. Grocery stores will usually be packed on weekends, and you’ll want to avoid that situation. Also, be sure to wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer.
If you have to visit a grocery store, avoid the day before Thanksgiving. The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year, and many people will be traveling for the holiday.
The best way to avoid the crowds is to get out early. Some experts recommend staying out of the aisles as much as you can. Others say that you should stay at least six feet away from other shoppers.
The CDC advises against shopping in a crowded store, especially on Thanksgiving. Crowds can be a danger to workers and other shoppers, and they could spread coronavirus, a disease that is often caused by close contact.
A good way to keep safe is to avoid crowds altogether. To do this, consider visiting the store in the early morning or late afternoon. Alternatively, you can try curbside pickup. There are also some stores that have limited hours of operation during the holiday, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and find out if your grocery store will be open on the holidays.
While the holiday season can be a difficult time, it’s also a great time to spend with family and friends. It’s easy to forget about the things you’ll need when it’s so busy, so it’s a good idea plan your meals in advance.
