It’s that time of the year where excitement is in the air.  Yup, you guessed it. It’s the holidays. From all the decorations and festive activities, It’s a time to break away and gather with family, friends and others. If you’re a sports fan, the big games!  

What comes with the holidays, food! You have never seen such creativity crafted in dishes. Many of them come with home cooked favorites you’ve been mouthwatering all year. 

So how do you prepare for the holiday feasts? Start a plan! If you plan on hosting guests, planning ahead will help you big time. You want to plan out all your details. This is where the fun begins. Especially if you love cooking, creativity and decorating. It’s a time to shine and be you. Use a notebook or a document and be specific. It really is therapeutic.  To help you, follow these tips that will make all your holidays enjoyable. 

Let The Feasts Begin!

1. List all the holidays that you celebrate. To help, you can look at your calendar. 

2. If you’re hosting, the number of guests expected.

3.  Check to see if you have enough seats. Also plates, glasses, napkins and silverware.  If children will be in attendance, plastic cups, plates and silverware (for protection).  To really entertain, whip out the table setting arsenal. This includes, table cloth, runner, decor pieces, seat covers for your dining area. Pick a theme. You can pick seasonal colors to set off an amazing holiday mood. To really pick things up, include light music, games, treats, story time, trivia or a surprise getaway with your guests. Perhaps bowling, skating, sport events or a rec center.

4.  Check to see if you have enough room for parking. Are there any parking regulations you should know for your guests? You want to stay vigilant to prevent any unnecessary parking tickets or violations. Also, if alcoholic beverages are served, make note of designated driver’s. Even if you have to take your guests to their home. They can always get their vehicle at a later time. It’s better to be safe than sorry. For the protection of your guests and others on the road.

5. List all the foods you plan on enjoying for each of the holiday’s. You can break it up into breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Can’t leave out beverages, snacks, horderves and desserts. Here is an illustration to give you an idea.

6.  Keep up on sales a few months before the holidays. For this, you want to bookmark all the stores you plan on shopping. Even subscribe to an email list or create an online account. You want to stay on top of getting coupons and discounts. If you have a store rewards card, check to see if it’s also connected to the store’s website. Often, special discounts are activated onto your card only if you have an online account. If not, you can still ask the store manager if they can apply the discount.

7. Then list supporting items you will need for these foods. For example, cooking spray, butter, milk, eggs, flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Don’t forget the wraps. Aluminum foil,  parchment paper, wax paper, plastic wrap, trash bags, ziplock bags, storage containers, and plastic bags. Have these items in stock. Especially parchment paper! Use to prevent your homemade from sticking to your baking pans. You want to save on your time and dish washing liquid.

8. Make a checklist of your seasoning stash. Make sure you have enough in advance. You never know if your favorites won’t be available.

9. Estimate how much space will you need in the refrigerator and freezer.  Primarily, if you’re planning on a large guest count and plan on cooking ahead of time. You need space in your refrigerator. To help, you should have light meals or takeout the week before the holiday. That way, you won’t have any food waste. Especially if you plan on having leftovers. You want to plan ahead. You don’t want to have an overstuff refrigerator.

10. If you happen to have any extra food leftover you don’t want, check with shelters. I know someone in need would love some of your home cooking. As health codes are involved, give them a ring in advance. You can also have your guest take some home with them.  If needed, you can also get a cooler or small refrigerator. Check your neighborhood Target or Walmart. 

11. Check your pantry to see if you have enough pots, pans, and can openers. Serving spoons, spatulas, cutting knives, cutting boards, and oven mitts.

12. Decide if you need to have food warmers. Also enough ice trays. 

13. If you plan on whipping up some homemade treats, check to make sure you have all your supplies. As you may guess, measuring cups, baking pans, and baking materials. Holidays are also a time to be creative so, invest in some stylish platters, cake dishes and storage. To be extra resourceful, can use cake or cupcake carriers for essentially anything! You can store other baked goods in them. Cookies, donuts, and muffins, you name it. Put a nice ribbon or use other decorative material on them. You pick up all these items at a Dollar Tree. You will be in for a treat as they have a variety of stylish decor all for a dollar! You will have a nice set piece to show off for your guess.

14. Can’t leave out the accessories. Decide if you need condiments, scissors, straws, toothpicks, and mints. 

15. Check your cleaning supplies. You want to have a tidy and organized environment for your guests. Don’t wait the day before to do a clean sweep. You don’t want to be tired out and grumpy. Try to maintain a clean environment at all times. I get it, we can’t be perfect all the time. This is one area you want as a good habit. Remember your health!

16. Also, spruce up your areas with a refreshing odor. If you’re into natural products, vinegar, baking soda, oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and vanilla are great deodorizers. A vinegar, dish detergent and water  combo is better than any air freshener. It’s by far one of the best deodorizers and has amazing lasting power. Can get a spray bottle and spritz some in the air. You can also wipe down your counters and surfaces. Remember, you want to keep those germs out. Before use, please check the warning labels to make sure it is safe. You don’t want to ruin any of your fabrics or surface areas. 

17. If you have pets, how will you manage them? Do you have a designated area for them? A gate? Don’t neglect to give them a special holiday treat as well. Keep your pets well loved and spoiled. LoL. 

Holidays are meant to be special. I hope this post helps to achieve this goal. Enjoy the time off the best way you know how. Make every year better than the year before. Think, how can I top last year? What can I do differently? Should I try new foods or activities? Maybe a new dessert? Then start planning.  Use all the tips as your guide. If new ideas come along, right them down. This will help keep boredom from rearing its ugly head. It also can burst forth excitement. Enjoy life like you deserve! I hope you have an enjoyable holiday. 

What are your favorite holidays? Any favorite meals you enjoy for the holidays? How do you prepare for the holidays? Let me know in the comments below.