Plan your Easter menu

With only ten days to go before Easter Sunday, it’s time to nail down your holiday entertaining plans. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Meal planning

-Create shopping list-Invite guests

-Order any special items, such as a honey baked ham

-Plan table decorations and favors

Gifts and cards

-Shop for Easter basket trimmings

-Send cards and e-cards

-Send gift baskets to relatives

-Put together Easter baskets

Traditions

-Dye eggs

-Make cookies and treats

As always, write each task in your daily planner so you are to complete it on time.

The essential task for the next few days is to plan your Easter menu and shopping list. (Or, if you are purchasing a complete meal from a local restaurant or grocery store, order it now!) Are you hosting your extended family? Attending a family potluck? Now is the time to figure out what you’ll make, and what you’ll need. Whether you prefer ham, lamb or tofu, review your favorite recipes or find some new ones online or in a specialty magazine.

To get the Easter POPS Planning Guide, see the Planning Guide page of this site. It provides spaces to write down the cookbook and page number of the recipes you’ll use. Or, if your recipes are on cards, collect them in an envelope and attach it to the planning guide. I’ve also included a shopping list to fill in as you review your recipes. Check them off as you pre-purchase these items.Over the next few days, Holiday Hints will bring advice, ideas and tips for tackling table decorations, easy but sophisticated recipes and natural egg dyes to complete your Easter preparations.