Hosting a weekend event or entertaining guests can be a lot of fun, but it also requires careful planning, especially when it comes to feeding everyone. A well-thought-out menu plan can make all the difference between a stressful day in the kitchen and a smooth, enjoyable experience. To help you ace the art of menu planning and execution, here are some tried-and-true tips that will keep you organised and prepared.

1. Start Early: Detailed Menu Planning

The sooner you start your menu plan, the better prepared you will be. Here’s how to get started:

• Seasonal Inspiration: Use online lists of seasonal fruits and vegetables to help you plan dishes that are fresh and in season.
• Categorise by Meal Type: Organise recipe ideas under headings like Breakfast, Entrée, Dessert, etc., so you have a clear view of each meal.
• Serving Ware & Presentation: Include images of how each dish will be served and allocate serving dishes for each item to save time later.
• Cooking Times & Garnishes: Make sure you note the cooking time for each dish and any special garnishes, so nothing is overlooked.
• Consider Oven Space: Plan meals with your available oven and stovetop space in mind, to avoid overcrowding your kitchen during cooking time.

A good place to start is El Gusto’s Meat Menu Pairing recommendations  CLICK HERE

2. Colour-Coded Shopping Lists 

Once your menu is set, create a colour-coded shopping list:

• Use a different colour for each day and a different shade for each meal. This makes it easy to adjust or remove items if your plans change.

3. Organised Freezer Storage

Label and organise your freezer:

• Sort items by the day they will be used and label each one with the meal it is for and what it is.
• Reserve one freezer drawer for extras that can be used at any time, and make sure there’s an accessible spot for ice.

4. Refrigerator Organisation

A well-organised refrigerator will save you a lot of time:

• Use large containers or bags for prepped salads, with smaller resealable bags inside for things to add in last minute. E.g., nuts
• Label shelves with masking tape and a marker for easy storage and retrieval of everyday items like milk and butter, especially as your home helps will be using these items most days.

5. Pantry Preparation

Clear space in your pantry and use containers to separate ingredients for each meal:

• This will make it easier to find exactly what you need when you need it, minimising kitchen chaos.

6. Don’t forget to feed your home helps!

If you’re away at the meeting, having something simple prepared for your home helps to eat can ensure they are not only looked after, but can help refresh your home without the stress of not eating!

7. Print & Display Your Weekend Meal Plan

Once your menu is finalised, print it and place it in a display folder for quick reference. Be sure to include:

• When to defrost items
• Guest lists for each meal
• Any special dietary needs or allergies
• Necessary recipes
• Cooking times
• Serving ware, cutlery and crockery locations
• Table seating plan
• Any additional reminders

8. Evening Check-Ins

Each evening, review the next day’s menu with your house help. There is no such thing as being too organised—this will ensure everyone is on the same page.

9. Prepare Sauces & Veggies in Advance

Make your dips, dressings and sauces ahead of time, and chop all vegetables. Store them in produce bags and label with colour-coded stickers for easy access during meal prep.

10. Create a Day-By-Day To-Do List

Give your house help a daily to-do list that includes:

• The cleaning schedule
• Menu and meal prep tasks that can be completed during the meeting
• Preparations for the next day

11. Daily “Team Meetings” with Your House Help

Arrange a brief team meeting each day to discuss:

• Who is responsible for cooking what and when
• Any additional grocery needs or last-minute tasks

12. Prepare Allergy-Friendly Options

Keep one or two backup meal options ready for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions, as meal allocations can change close to serving time.

13. Impromptu Snacks

Prepare a few easy snacks for unexpected guests who might drop by before or after meals. Having these ready will help you stay hospitable without extra stress.

14. Make Extra Food

Always cook a little more than you think you will need. You never know when you might need to invite last-minute guests or accommodate extra servings.

15. Create a Plan B for Unexpected Changes

Flights get delayed, meetings run long, and guests can end up staying longer than planned. Having a Plan B ensures you are always prepared. Some great options for backup meals include: –

• Pies
• Hot dips
• Filled focaccia
• Cheese platters
• Slices or bars
• Savoury scones
• Muesli bars
• Cookies

Stay Flexible and Prepared

The key to executing a seamless menu plan is preparation and flexibility. By organising your meals, shopping and kitchen well in advance, you will be ready for anything that comes your way—whether it’s a last-minute guest or a change in the schedule.