How do I start?
Small steps, people. Small steps.
Here's a daily breakdown of Shabbos prep tasks spread throughout the week.
In my experience, no two weeks are the same - but a general plan makes it so much easier.
Sunday
Take a couple minutes to sketch out your menu (check out these menu ideas by Jaime Geller). If you have the time, bake challahs and freeze. You can also set aside a portion of the dough to make fresh homemade pizza for dinner!
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Motzei Shabbos: set up the candles for next Shabbos, and enjoy melava malka! This meal - even if it's just a hot drink - nourishes the luz bone and is a tremendous mitzvah.
Monday
Mondays are Mondays - there's no way around that. Keep it light by setting simple goals - an easy baked good recipe (double up so you can just bake every other week!)
Spend 3 - 5 minutes cutting t.p, foil and saran so they're ready when you need them on Shabbos! Fold the foil in half for storage, and ball up a few pieces of saran wrap to use as needed to cover leftovers. Paper prep is a great job for the kiddos. 👧🧒
Tuesday
It takes literally five minutes: whip up a great new (or tried & true) dressing for a salad, and a marinade for your fish, meat, or chicken (6 marinade ideas here).
That's all!
Tuesday is a GOOD GOOD day. 😉
Wednesday
You're getting closer! Today's the day to take all the veggies out of the crisper and get peeling - carrots, celery, onion, turnip, sweet potato, whatever you need for soups.
If you've got more time, check a few heads of romaine lettuce and dry it. Store between layers of paper towel in airtight tupperware container and it'll stay fresh through Shabbos!
Thursday
This is a big day, no surprise! Time to cook most of your Shabbos food, if not all. Put up and simmer the soup, put together all the cholent ingredients (in a ziploc or the actual crockpot) and stick it back in the fridge. Cook the fish and/or meats, and veggies.
If you like your food super fresh, have it all prepped and ready to go and bake it Friday. Otherwise, bake it Thursday evening and have a relaxed Friday.
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Super bonus points if you can set your Shabbos table Thursday night, including flower arrangements if possible.
Friday - Erev Shabbos!
No matter how organized you are, there's always something left for Friday - that's just how it is! Hopefully most of the work is done, and you can just put finishing touches on your dishes.
FriIf you can make time cut up a salad, fill the water urn, set the lights, etc... and maybe even take a little power nap?!
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If your week got out of hand and you're still at square one, check out Shabbat in an hour. And stay calm, Shabbos is coming!