Before the feast: prep your brain, then your shelves
The lists, the invites, the menus—here we go! 🎄 Before grocery runs multiply, a quick inventory saves time, money, and headspace. When I start thinking about everything that needs to get done, I pause and reset—sometimes more than once a day. Not from frustration, but from being over-excited (and a little anxious!) for all the festivities. This guide channels that energy into simple, focused steps.
Quick-Start Sweep (10 minutes)
- Power sort: expired → trash/compost; near expiring → “use-up” bin; duplicates → consolidate.
- Wipe zones: a fast pass on shelves, door bins, and crumbs.
- Group like with like: baking → baking, snacks → snacks, condiments together.
Good enough is good enough. We’re after clarity, not perfection.
Pro tip
- Park your “use-up” bin at eye level in the fridge.
- Label opened items with a date (masking tape + marker).
- Keep a running list on your phone or print the sheet below.
Build Your Use-Up List
These are ingredients you already have that should star in this week’s meals.
- Proteins: rotisserie chicken, sausage, tofu, leftover ham/turkey
- Produce: herbs, salad bags, apples/citrus near their prime
- Dairy & eggs: open cream/half-and-half, shredded cheese, yogurt
- Grains & carbs: rice, pasta ends, rolls, tortillas
- Sauces/condiments: cranberry sauce, pesto, salsa, broth
- Random gems: nuts, jarred peppers, beans, frozen veg
Plan 2–3 meals that intentionally use these first. Money saved, waste avoided.
Staples to Stock (Holiday-Smart)
Baking Basics
- Flour, sugar (white/brown), baking powder/soda, yeast
- Vanilla, cocoa, chocolate chips, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
- Parchment, foil, cooking spray
Breakfast & Brunch
- Oats, pancake mix, syrup, jam
- Eggs, bacon/sausage, frozen hash browns
- Coffee/tea, hot cocoa, juice
Fast Proteins
- Canned tuna/chicken, beans, lentils
- Frozen meatballs, shrimp, chicken strips
- Broth/stock (veg/chicken/beef)
Meal Starters
- Rice, pasta, couscous, stuffing mix
- Jarred sauces (marinara, alfredo), pesto
- Canned tomatoes, gravy, cream soups
Flavor & Snacks
- Olive oil, vinegar trio (balsamic/red/white)
- Mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire
- Nuts, crackers, chips, holiday cookies
Leftover Helpers
- Storage containers, zip bags, foil sheets
- Freezer labels/tape, markers
- Disposable take-home containers for guests
Leftover Plan (3 Easy Frameworks)
- Rollovers: Protein + Base + Sauce. Example: turkey + rice + gravy/pesto.
- Bowls/Skillets: Grain + Veg + Protein + Crunch (nuts/croutons).
- Soup/Stew: Stock + aromatics + chopped leftovers + starch (noodles/rice).
Label, date, and freeze portions you won’t eat within 3–4 days. Future-you will cheer.
Inventory Sheet — Pantry + Fridge
Print and tape inside a cabinet or on the fridge. Update as you shop and cook.
| Category | Item | Qty | Use By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantry: Baking | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
| Pantry: Grains/Pasta | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
| Pantry: Canned/Jarred | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
| Pantry: Snacks | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
| Fridge: Produce | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
| Fridge: Dairy/Eggs | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
| Fridge: Sauces/Cond. | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
| Freezer | __________________ | __ | ____ | _______________________ |
Use-Up List (priority)
| Item | Lives In | Plan To Use | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| __________________ | Pantry/Fridge/Freezer | __________________ | ☐ |
| __________________ | Pantry/Fridge/Freezer | __________________ | ☐ |
| __________________ | Pantry/Fridge/Freezer | __________________ | ☐ |
Tip: Keep the sheet visible. When you can see it, you’ll use it.
Get Local Guides & Easy Wins
Houston • Kingwood • The Woodlands—grab holiday lights maps, kid-friendly events, markets, and more.
Download the app: search “The Livable Forest” in your app store. Or tap here to browse guides now: linktr.ee/thelivableforestcommunity
