The holidays will be here before you know it. That means it’s time to ensure your kitchen is ready for the loved ones you’ll be welcoming into your home. Whether you’re hosting larger gatherings or smaller meals with immediate family, your kitchen will experience heavier-than-normal traffic this time of year. Cut the stress and make things simple. Here are six easy steps to take right now that will make life easier during the holidays.
Take stock of your baking essentials.
Last-minute runs to the store during the holiday rush are never ideal. Now is a great time to take a thorough look in your pantry and make sure you have those non-perishable necessities. Store perishable ingredients like butter and flour in the freezer to preserve their freshness.
Assess your bakeware collection.
Your oven often gets an extra workout during the final few months of the year — and so does your bakeware. Take a look at your pie plates, cookie sheets, and other baking items to ensure you are prepared for the increase in sweet treats and oven-baked dishes you will be preparing over the holidays. If you do need to replace something or purchase an extra item, it’s best to do so before the holiday shopping rush.
Check on your storage container supply.
Sometimes the best part of holiday cooking is all the delicious leftovers you end up with. Imagine, however, attempting to store the remains of a special homemade meal only to find out that you don’t have enough containers to do so. Take a peek at your container collection now so you don’t end up having to put any of your delicious leftovers to waste.
Clean and organize your refrigerator.
This step is essential for a smooth holiday cooking experience. For starters, you’re going to want all the free space in your fridge that you can get for extra ingredients and leftovers. Additionally, you’ll want to take a solid inventory of what you already have and what you’ll need to purchase. Plus, your guests are likely to catch a glimpse inside your refrigerator, so you’ll want things to look neat and organized. Now is a great time to thoroughly clean your appliance and make sure you’re keeping your refrigerator organized.
Bake and freeze dishes ahead of time.
Pre-cooked sides and desserts can make holiday entertaining much easier. Making certain dishes ahead of time cuts down on cooking tasks when your guests are in town. Plus, you’d be surprised how many items can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. For example, did you know that you can freeze cookie dough before baking it?
Plan your menu.
Whether you intend to try some new recipes this holiday season or stick with tried-and-true favorites, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Put together a physical list of the dishes you will be making and the ingredients that you will need. This way, you can cook with confidence knowing that you have all of your recipes and ingredients at the ready.
The holiday season gives homeowners the chance to really put their kitchen design and appliances to the test. Take these steps now to free up time for friends, family, and fun during special gatherings. And don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any of your appliance needs.