Clear
and clean countertops. You will need lots of room to work this
month. Put some of your usual kitchen counter décor into your
Christmas decoration boxes and store it away.
Grab
a beautiful basket. Fill it with festive Christmas paper plates,
napkins and cups. Add a bow and some holly. It will look pretty
on your counter and cut down on dish washing.
Make
ahead. After you make your menu, star the items that can be made
ahead. Spread the make-ahead items out on your calendar.
Think
about how you will serve the food at your party or buffet. With
the menu in mind, lay out the serving pieces and label each with
a sticky note. Anyone helping can then fill platters or bowls
without asking you what dish you want to use and where to find
it.
Plan
for the unexpected. It happens. Create an extra couple tins of
cookies or loaves of banana bread as gifts for the sudden guest.
Also plan ahead for a couple of extra appetizers. Either you
will need to offer a snack you didn’t plan on or you will
suddenly need something to carry to a party.
Organize for next year now. As you gather recipes together for
the holiday, keep them together in a binder or folder for next
year. Add your menus, shopping and gifts lists and you are off
to a good start for next year.
Think
easy. A simple well made meal is a delight. A supper of a salad,
yummy casserole or soup and warm bread is always welcome.
