During the holidays we use our kitchen more than any other time of the year. We will bake cookies. We will host family and friends for dinner. Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve give us plenty of opportunities to use all our dishes, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, appliances, and panty items. This makes it a perfect time to make decisions about what kitchen items are still relevant, needed and useful.
- Check your pantry supplies. Use website stilltasty.com to determine whether your spices or other pantry staples need to be replaced. Make a list of staples you need to replace.
- Will you use fine china for special dinners this holiday season? Many don’t. Many people are finding that they don’t want to use precious storage for sets of dishes which do not fit their lifestyle and aesthetic. You need not feel guilt if you don’t want to use your grandmother’s china this holiday season – live the life that is authentic to you.!
- Check your glassware. Do you have enough for your group? This is a great time to wash dusty wine glasses and toss any chipped or cracked glassware.
- Clean out the fridge and freezer. Toss old and expired food. Wipe down the shelves and replace your baking soda air freshener to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh. Write a list of condiments and other fridge staples that you need to purchase on your next trip to the store.
- Check your oven. Is it clean and functioning properly? Do you have a reliable meat thermometer?
- If your holiday table includes tablecloths and cloth napkins, have your linens pressed at your dry cleaners. Discard stained or worn out items. Donate items which no longer fit your aesthetic.
- Evaluate cookbooks you haven’t used recently. If you have a cookbook you are saving for a couple of recipes, take a photo of the pages, or tear that page out and save yourself some shelf space! Embrace online recipe resources, often you’ll find helpful preparation tips others have added or reviews of the recipe you want to try.
- What do you cook and bake regularly? What pans, gadgets, utensils have you NOT used in the past two years? You know the type of gadget I mean, that device for peeling apples, or the mini loaf pan you got as a gift but never used? Don’t forget, your cupboards should only be 80% full, so you can access what you need easily.
- If your guests have special food requests, add those items to you shopping list now. My parents don’t enjoy the coffee we drink, so I purchase a small amount of their favorite coffee to have on hand for their visit.
- Most importantly, eliminate clutter from your kitchen counters and tabletops. If you have piles of mail, magazines, catalogues, and receipts, resist hiding them away in a cupboard or closet. Toss catalogues, receipts, and anything else you don’t need and place the rest of the mail in the location where you pay bills. If the piles are overwhelming, schedule a session with a Simplify Experts organizer to help you declutter before the visitors arrive! We wish you and your family all the best this holiday season!