It’s Thanksgiving week! This year, we’re headed to my parent’s house, and I am thrilled to show up with a few side dishes and let my mom host. I put together a Thanksgiving Checklist to help you not go to the store 20 times between now and Thursday.
And this isn’t a grocery list, but rather a list of the 10 things you are most likely to forget or run out of during the holidays. Take a look and let me know what you’d add to the list.
My #1 goal is to have a stress free holiday. These tips will insure I am sitting on my couch, laughing with my aunts and cousins, as opposed to frantically running to the store everyday.
Last Minute Holiday Shopping List
1. Ziplock Bags
2. Aluminum Pans
3. Napkins
4. Paper Plates and Plastic Cutlery
4. Paper Towels
5. Dish Liquid
6. Trashbags
7. Toilet Paper
8. Salt + Pepper
9. Aluminum Foil/ Plastic Wrap
10. Toothpicks
For the procrastinators, I have also added a few simple and delicious Thanksgiving sides from some of my favorite bloggers.
Finally, I thought I would include a couple breakfast/ ideas for those expecting out of town guests. They will expect a meal other than Thanksgiving dinner and these are some great options!
A casserole would be perfect to serve a house full of guests before the big feast or even the day after (unless you are a leftovers-for-breakfast kind of family!)
Sweet: Coconut French Toast Casserole
or, try one of these!
Another solid option is to set up stations. Some ideas would be:
Oatmeal Station: make a large pot of oatmeal in the crock pot. Serve with half and half, dried fruit, fresh fruit, granola, nuts, coconut shreds, and brown sugar.
Omelets-in-a-Bag: This is also a tailgating favorite! I was skeptical at first, but the omelets come out tender every time. You need:
- Freezer Safe Quart sized plastic bags
- A Pitcher of this: 12 eggs cracked and 1/2 C half and half. Whip the mixture till combined well and frothy.
- 3 C shredded cheese
- Your favorite omelet ingredients. ex. cooked bacon, sausage, diced ham, mushrooms, onion, chopped spinach, etc.
Get a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Have your guests write their name on the ziplock and fill the bag with 1/2 C of the egg mixture and as many toppings as they want (don’t forget the cheese!). Seal the bags, and drop in the water. Let simmer for 10-13 minutes. Cook up to 6 bags at a time; maybe more if you have a VERY large pot.
parfait station: Even easier than omelets! You will need:
- plain or vanilla yogurt
- honey or maple syrup
- assorted and chopped fruit (ex. strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, bananas, etc.)
- granola (Try my Coconut Granola or my Pumpkin Pie Granola)
- chia seeds
- shredded coconut
- cute bowls or jars
Your guests start with a reasonable bowl of yogurt and add their favorite toppings.
Do you have any favorite dishes that I might have missed? Do you host Thanksgiving or visit friends and family. Let me know if you found my list helpful!
Marissa is a wife to Texans Offensive Lineman #79, mother to a baby girl named Joy, a baby boy named Jeff, and a lover of food . She loves to feed people on game day and try new recipes during the week. 
