How I Prepare For a Big Holiday Meal
There’s a moment every holiday season where I look at the menu, the oven schedule, the list of side dishes, and I take a deep breath. A big holiday meal isn’t just cooking — it’s choreography. Timing, space, temperature, and tiny decisions that decide whether you’re calm… or frantic.
Over the years, I’ve figured out a few ways to make the kitchen feel less chaotic and more like what it should be — a place where memories actually get made.
Here’s what I do before a big holiday meal to keep myself sane (and actually present).
1) I clear fridge space… before groceries come in
Not after — before.
I toss old leftovers, wipe shelves, and make room for trays that are coming. Nothing makes me more stressed than trying to cram a new dish into a packed fridge.
2) I prep + pre-cut what I can the day before (even if it’s just the basics)
Not full meal prep — just the things that make cooking day feel easier.
I’ll chop onions, celery, carrots, herbs… sometimes even measure out the flour for gravy or the butter for mashed potatoes.
If a recipe allows it — I’ll fully make ahead parts too:
- cranberry sauce → always better the next day
- salad dressing → tastes stronger after it sits
- stuffing bread cubes → I toast/bake them in advance
- veggies that roast well → I’ll pre-cut and store them in airtight containers
Taking 30 minutes the day before saves HOURS of emotional energy the day of.
3) I put sticky notes on serving dishes
What dish goes in what bowl — decided ahead of time.
No searching. No guessing.
This also keeps family from grabbing the dish you need for sweet potatoes.
4) I make one sauce or gravy base ahead
Gravy, cheese sauce, cranberry sauce — anything that keeps well.
One thing done early saves HOURS of emotional energy.
Anything that can sit overnight and improve in flavor — I treat as a gift to my future self.
5) I pre-measure spices into small containers
So instead of reaching for 8 things while stirring, I grab one.
It feels like TV chef life.
It makes cooking feel lighter.
6) I plan oven timing like a puzzle
Roast, bake, broil — all with different temps.
I decide this the night before so I’m not math-guessing under pressure.
7) I keep a “trash bowl” on the counter
All peels, ends, scraps go into one bowl.
Less walking to the garbage. Less clutter. More flow.
8) I make a “before guests arrive” list
It’s always the tiny things that slip your mind — warming rolls, finishing garnish, reheating that one side.
A 5-item list keeps me grounded.
3 Things I Almost Always Make Ahead
These are the easiest “prep the flavor early” items — and they genuinely make the biggest difference on the big day:
- cranberry sauce (tastes better after overnight chill)
- stuffing bread cubes (toast/bake ahead so they don’t get soggy)
- herb butter (for rolls + turkey brushing, and it smells like heaven)
Just having these three things done makes me feel like I already started winning before I even turn the oven on.
At the end of the day, the food matters… but not as much as the feeling.
Holiday meals are never perfect — and they’re not supposed to be. They’re meant to be warm, shared, lived in.
I always remind myself:
it’s not the fancy moments that stay with people — it’s the real ones.
Here are some of the tools I keep in my own kitchen and use often when prepping recipes like this one:
Silicone Cooking Spatula Set — https://amzn.to/4ipMhzv
Stainless Steel Knife Set — https://amzn.to/4pBn7jF
Premium Heat-Resistant Ground Beef Smasher — https://amzn.to/43Zzwpb
Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Scraper/Chopper — https://amzn.to/3M4LzLU
KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt 2-Pack Set — https://amzn.to/4rx3kDY
The Original Pro Chopper – Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer — https://amzn.to/48aqgBf
Silicone Baking Mat, 3 Pack Reusable Baking Mat, Non-Stick — https://amzn.to/48jzMAI
Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 10 Piece for Cooking and Baking — https://amzn.to/3Y2uPaB
Pyrex Essentials (3-Piece) Glass Mixing Bowls Set For Prepping, Baking and Cooking — https://amzn.to/4p5UMC2
Want more behind-the-scenes tips like this? Check out our What’s Inpiring Our Holiday Menu for cozy seasonal inspiration and stress-free holiday ideas.
