Planning Ahead for the Holidays

While the holidays bring joy, the planning process can sometimes feel overwhelming. From deciding on the menu to shopping for ingredients, there’s a lot to manage. However, with a bit of organization and smart shopping, you can reduce stress and focus on what truly matters: Spending quality time with your loved ones. At South Point Grocery, we understand these challenges, which is why we’ve compiled a helpful list to assist you in getting a head start on your holiday preparations.

Making a Plan for the Best Holiday Party

By starting early and following a well-thought-out plan, you can ensure that the holidays are filled with joy instead of last-minute chaos. Here are our steps for getting organized to make the holiday season easy and enjoyable.

Know Your Schedule

When hosting or attending an event, begin by figuring out the time and location. If you are hosting, finalize your guest list early to determine how many people you need to prepare for. If you are attending, communicate with your hosts (especially if you plan to go to multiple gatherings) to find out if you should bring a dish or contribute in any way. Many people greatly appreciate the offer, as feeding a crowd can be quite challenging.

Take Inventory of Your Kitchen

If you’re hosting this year or bringing multiple dishes to different places, it’s a good idea to take inventory of your kitchen first. Before heading to the grocery store, check if you have baking essentials, spices, or canned goods that you may have already purchased in bulk. This simple step can save you money and help you avoid buying duplicates. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to declutter and organize your kitchen in preparation.

Shop Smart: Buy Now vs. Buy Later

Strategic shopping is the key to avoiding crowded stores and empty shelves.

• Buy Now: Purchase non-perishable items such as canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and frozen pie crusts. Check for sales at South Point Grocery for what you need early in the season.
• Buy Later: To ensure freshness, purchase fresh produce, dairy products, and other perishables closer to your events.
• Don’t Wait for the Turkey or Ham: Turkeys and hams can quickly sell out, especially as the holiday approaches. If necessary, reserve your meat ahead of time or plan your trip to the store a few days before.

Avoid Last-Minute Runs to the Store

Procrastination can be your biggest enemy during the holiday season. Waiting until the day or or day before to gather essentials often leads to long lines, limited options, and unnecessary stress. 

Reheating and Transporting Tips

If you’re not hosting the meal but contributing dishes, planning how you’ll reheat and transport your food is essential. Proper preparation is just as necessary as cooking the dishes themselves. After all, food that ends up on the car floor wastes time, energy, and money.

Transporting Tips

• Invest in insulated bags: These are perfect for keeping hot dishes warm and cold dishes chilled during transit.
• Secure your dishes: To prevent spills, use tight-fitting lids or wrap them in plastic wrap and foil. For added protection, place the dishes in a sturdy box or basket lined with towels to keep them stable.
• Bring fancy dishes but pack food in plastic containers: Of course, we want the table to look lovely during the holidays. But, when you are traveling, it may just be easier to put your food in a plastic container, then remove the food and place it into a fancier bowl once it is time to serve.

Reheating Tips

• Use disposable aluminum trays: they are lightweight, easy to reheat with, and make cleanup simple.
• Keep moisture in mind: Cover dishes with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying while reheating. Adding a splash of broth to stuffing or mashed potatoes can help keep them fluffy and flavorful.
• Stagger heating times: Coordinate with the host regarding oven and microwave availability. If space is limited, consider preparing dishes that can be served at room temperature, such as salads or charcuterie.

By planning, you can ensure your dish arrives at its destination looking and tasting just as good as when it left your kitchen.

Need Help for the Holidays? Visit South Point Grocery!

At South Point Grocery, we’re dedicated to making your holiday planning effortless. From essential groceries to fresh ingredients, we have what you need to create a memorable meal. We also offer pre-orders to ensure you have all the essentials. If you realize you’ve forgotten anything, just call the store, and we’ll have it ready for you when you arrive!