I
don't know about you, but I feel like am totally behind the eight ball with
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Perhaps it's the fact my family is doing
Thanks-mas this year…You know Thanksgiving and Christmas all in the same
day. The main reason is because we can't all be together this year for
both holidays so we are combining the two. In August it seemed like a
good idea, but today my family is having a bit of a panic attack trying to get
everything done.
So
how do you plan for the holiday season without losing your mind (or in my case
hair)? Over the years I've collected a few do's and don'ts when it comes
to getting ready for the holiday season and I thought I would share them with
you. I like to call these my Rabido's and Rabidon'ts…It might be a corny
play on my name, but it works!
Rabido
- Take a deep breath, get a pen and paper or, if you're tech savvy, get out your
tablet. No matter what, start a list. I always do when I'm planning a
party or prepping for a holiday. It helps me think clearly and stay
organized.
Rabido
- When creating your list write out what you want your menu to be. This
will help you stay focused so you don't end up with too many carbs and not
enough proteins. Could you imagine forgetting about the turkey? Good Lord
that would be a smack down if I ever saw one!
Rabido
- Use your list to "shop at home". I always do this…I first
shop my cabinets to see what food items I have and what I need to get.
Living in a New York apartment doesn't afford me a lot of space so I don't have
room to over purchase ingredients. I then write down what I need (or don't
need). This saves on time in the grocery store and most of all it saves
on money! I then shop for platters, bowls, glassware, napkins etc.
Rabidon't
- Do not purchase new glassware, plates, silverware or other table top
items! Mix and match what you have. It will make your table
eclectic, save you time and again save you money!
Rabido
- Use what you have at home. Anytime I am looking to decorate my tabletop
I look around and use what I have at home. I work to use items such as
vases, candles, etc that can be reused from holiday to holiday. For
example, do you have burgundy candles from last Christmas? Use those for
Thanksgiving and then keep them out for Christmas this year. Or do you
have glass vases you can fill with cranberries and acorns for Thanksgiving and then fill them with ornaments and peppermints for Christmas? Reusing what
you have saves you time and money.
Rabidon't
- If you're in a time crunch and you are already on the cusp of panic mode, when
creating your list and menu don't try new décor ideas or recipes. The
last thing you want is a décor idea that takes too long (and flops) or a recipe
that doesn't come out right. If you're inclined to try something new do
it weeks before your party. This way you can work out the kinks…
Rabido
- Get organized! Lay out all your platters, bowls, and dishes and begin
labeling them with sticky notes. Turkey for the platter, mashed potatoes
for this bowl and green bean casserole for that baking dish. This way you
can see what you have and what you might need to borrow or purchase.
Trust me…it sounds crazy, but you will be relieved at the end.
Rabido
- Don't be afraid to delegate. So often we want to come out like the hero
of our own dinner party only to find we are just barely staying above water. Asking your guests to help out in some way shape or form will greatly reduce
stress, time and money. But remember, when you delegate be specific and don't be
afraid to ask someone to bring the wine, pie, mashed potatoes or
whatever. Chances are your guests are going to want to bring something so
why not assign what they should bring. This keeps things organized and it
prevents too many bowls of mashed potatoes!
Rabidon't
- By all means if something goes wrong in the kitchen or if someone spills wine
on the couch take a deep breath and let it go. Often I find myself ready
to explode, but when I take a deep breath, laugh and stay relaxed I find my
guests do too and they enjoy the party that much more.
Rabido
- Clean up as you go. Sounds simple, but I always clean as I go when I
cook. This way when it comes time to sit for dinner I know I don't have a
mess to clean up after. Again, this saves time…and we all know time with guests
is the most important thing.
Rabidon't
- don't go crazy with cleaning your home before guests arrive. Give it a quick
dust, vacuum and wipe down the powder room. You'll end up doing a deep
clean after guests leave anyway so why go nuts before they arrive?
And
my final Rabido - be a guest at your own party. Relax, smile and enjoy!
I
hope you find these holiday prep tips helpful and until next time - Happy
Holidays!
Cheers!
