This week we’ve got family visiting, which always throws a wrench in your plans. When you have guests, a menu can actually be a lifesaver. When you know what you are going to feed a house full of folks, you have peace of mind (no decision making). With a plan you can also purchase foodstuffs ahead of time, on sale or at the lowest price merchant.
My guests will be here for Mon & Tues, but on Wednesday (the day that they leave), we leave as well for 4 days. So I really only need a menu for Mon & Tues, with Wed being a travel day and then the rest of the week at my Mom’s on Long Island. So here is my extremely abbreviated menu plan.
(I know, you feel gypped. And next week won’t be much better-I’m heading to Las Vegas on Wednesday, and Nana will be left to fend for dinner with the kiddos.)
Monday-Hotdogs, Grilled Squash & Potato Salad
The squash was from my garden, the hotdogs and potato salad were purchased at the local grocery store at the last minute because I had failed to do a menu plan ahead of time.
Tuesday-Chicken & Gravy over Biscuits, Green Beans.
I cooked up some chicken last Thurs for the Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad I took to a potluck. I still have 3 chicken leg quarters left, so I’ll pick the meat off, make some gravy and serve it over homemade biscuits. The Beans are in the garden, so we are eating tons.
And that’s it. The whole week’s worth of menu plan. The rest of the time we are off and playing visitor. I’m hoping that we’ll be lucky and my mom will suggest that we all go to Sushi Park at least once. . . I just love that place.
Don’t worry about Frugal Upstate-you’ll have some fun stuff to read here, even though I’ll be on the road. My mom does have internet-and you know me: “have computer, will travel”.
Want some more great menu plans? Head on over to the Organizing Junkie.
I agree, it really helps when guests area visiting and things are out of sorts to have a plan. My grandma does this to the extreme, with menus planned well in advance and many of the dishes prepped or premade and frozen prior to a guests arrival. I think it’s a sweet glimpse into what was likely “normal” when she had a family of 5 at home. I am much less prepared when we have guests, but I do plan at least a straw man of the main meals I want to serve and pre-buy and freeze ingredients where I can to save $.
Have a great trip!
Steph
Thanks Steph!