Holiday Planner

While I've already been thinking about the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, I haven't actually been planning well.

At least that is what occurred to me when I read Africankelli's blog post on her very organized plan. And so inspired, I thought I'd start giving my plans another look. Okay, a first look. After all, I am in charge of both holiday meals for my entire family. Add to that our yearly holiday open house party between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

So let the planning begin!


November

Week 1

• Finalize menu for Thanksgiving Dinner.
• Plan tablecloths, dishes, tableware, etc.
• Buy nice napkins.
• Assign dishes/other items for family members to bring.
• Inventory pantry and make grocery list.
• Rummage through coupons and sale papers.
• Begin purchasing non-perishable items.
• Ask brother about his in-laws meal time and plan around.
• Call parents to invite when time for meal is established.
• Plan a holiday craft project and invite kids from children's church.

Week 2

• Holiday - Veteran's Day
• Purchase groceries needed.
• Prepare cooking/make-ahead schedule.

Week 3

• Plan Open House menu and make guest list.
• Pick up Mr.W from airport.
• Purchase last-minute groceries.
• Buy wine for Thanksgiving, Open House and Christmas.
• Cook, cook, cook!
• Shop black Friday - focus on Christmas gifts.
  

Week 4

• Create open house invitation flyer and email out.
• Print and deliver invites to neighbors and family without email.
• Make icebox fruitcake for gift-giving.
• Put up Christmas tree and decorate.
• Hang garlands and wreath at front door.
• Children's church craft project.

Week 5

• Bake cookies for open house.
• Finalize open house menu.
• Make grocery list.
• Prepare make-ahead and open house cooking schedule.
• Start planning for Christmas meal.

Week 6

• Shop for groceries for open house and Christmas meal.
• Tidy home; rearrange furniture for open house.
• Cook, cook, cook!

Week 7

• Finalize Christmas shopping and wrap gifts.
• Iron table linens.
• Plan Christmas tablescape.
• Prepare make-ahead and Christmas cooking schedule.

Week 8

• Purchase last-minute groceries.
• Cook, cook, cook!
• Pass out from exhaustion.

Did I forget anything? Probably... but my lists change over the course of time. I'm sure this one will get bigger and bigger!