Kitchen & Dining Holiday Prep
As you’re thinking about the upcoming holiday season, getting ready for guests, planning ahead, and getting organized will be key to having a more relaxed holiday with family and friends.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started.
STOCK UP EARLY
There's nothing worse than being in the middle of making a special dish and realizing you’re missing a key ingredient. Get stocked up early. Grocery stores are stocking basics now through the holidays. Make a list of the basics including: can goods, spices, paper products, entertainment wares, and lastly one that is always forgotten – a few extra take-home food storage containers.
CHECK FOR EXPIRATION DATES
Before you hit the stores with your list - check the “used by” dates on can goods and spices. Chances are some expired. Are you low on spices? It's just not pumpkin pie without cinnamon and gloves.
When putting away groceries, bring the back stock to the front, that way you don't keep some past the expiration date.
SPICES
Did you know spices have an expiration date? Most spices expire within 6 months. If you want your dish to taste as perfect as possible, make sure all your spices are current.
REPLACE DRY GOODS
Have you ever made a cookie that fell flat? What about a cake that just didn’t taste right? Part of the problem may be expired dry goods. Check to see if you have fresh flour, sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. Baking soda and baking powder are equally as important. Stock up before you need them.
TAKE INVENTORY OF HOLIDAY DINNERWARE
Did you check your holiday dinnerware last year before you put them away? Was anything broken that makes you short a place setting? Check what you have now to ensure everything will be ready when you set the table. Launder your favorite holiday linens so they will be fresh for guests.
MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL FRESH
I love the holiday scents right now - pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, and fresh evergreen. Bath and Bodyworks has their new holiday scents. They also have a few amazing choices. If you’re like me, I love making sure my home smells good when I have guests over for dinner or a party. There are so many holiday scents and candles out there now to help make your home smell fresh for any holiday gathering.
HOLIDAY PAPER PRODUCTS
If you see something in the stores that you like, make sure to grab it now while supplies last. Holiday paper goods and plastic wares go quickly. Most stores have them on sale now through the holiday. Get them before they are gone.
Happy Holiday Prep Everyone!