So much to do and so little time to do it! Don’t worry it will all get done! First things first you need to make your list! Yes another list. If your hosting Christmas Eve or Christmas Day your going to have to get in your shopping, prepping, cooking and cleaning. No problem.
Friday: Start your list. What you need to do, and what day it needs to be done.
Saturday/Sunday: Make your shopping list and check it twice. You won’t have time to run out for anything at the last moment.
Saturday:
- Clean the refrigerator out.
- Go grocery shopping.
- Go to the Liquor store.
- Anything you can clean, chop, cut or slice do so before you even put it away. Like the celery for the stuffing, or the lettuce for salad. Clean it and chop it and put it in baggies as soon as you get home from the grocery store. This will save you a lot of time this week when its time to prep food.
- Start cleaning. Concentrate on areas that your guest will be in. This is mostly going to be your living areas. Close the bedroom doors if you can’t get to them. Put a little extra effort into the powder room and the dining room. Be sure your kitchen is clean and sparkling. No one wants to walk into a dirty kitchen and then eat food from there!
- If you have any last minute wrapping to do, get it done today.
- Anything you can prep and make now do so. Many things can be done ahead of time. If you have any questions be sure to ask me or Robyn.
- Set your table. Get it all set up and throw a sheet over it.
- Figure out all your serving dishes and serving spoons now. I’ve said before, have a “go to table”. Place all your serving dishes there. Also put your coffee cups, creamer, sugar, to go containers, etc. Anything you may need or use that day put on or under this table. This way you (or your MIL) won’t be rummaging through cabinets looking for the gravy boat.
- Do any last minute cleaning today. If your hosting today, be sure you have fresh guest towels out and plenty of toilet paper in the bathroom. Give everything a quick once over.
- Delegate. Give everyone something to do. Take out the garbage, set up chairs, unload the dishwasher, sweep the floor, whatever needs doing. Make a list of what you need done and put someones name next to it. Let the family know that you expect these chores done by a certain time and specify that time! I usually send my husband out of the house on mindless errands like getting bread or ice. He tends to either get in the way or get on my nerves. So he is better off out of the house!
- If your hosting don’t wait till the last minute to start things. First thing you should do is give the house a quick clean up.
- Take a shower
- Start heating up foods you’ve already prepared.
- Get your “bar” together. Put out glasses, ice, and wine. Put out your appetizers. Give yourself a glance in the mirror, apply some lipstick, put on a smile and greet your guests!
- See how easy that was! All you need is a plan of attack. Make your list and stick to it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Relax and don’t forget to enjoy the holiday! You deserve it!
Ha ha! I laughed when I read the part about sending your husband on mindless errands. I discovered a couple years ago it works GREAT to have him go get those last minute items. However, I did have to get used to the fact if I send him to the grocery store I will have to answer at least one phone call! But now that I expect it, it is not so irritating! ;)
ReplyDelete