With Thanksgiving on Thursday, it’s easy to have the holidays sneaking up on you. If you’re entertaining, you’ll be using your kitchen a lot during the holidays. You won’t have enough time for a kitchen renovation, but there are some things you can do to make sure there’s room for your cooking, your entertaining, and more while you have guests over.
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare
Of course the first thing you’ll want to do is prepare! That means cleaning floors, windows, and countertops. Don’t forget to throw tablecloths in the wash before using them! You’ll also want to go through your refrigerator and throw out expired or old food to make room for new food. Pull out tupperware containers and make sure they have lids that fit. Make sure all of the pots and pans that you need to use are cleaned and ready to be used. Make sure you have as much aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and other store-bought items you need. Sharpen your knives and refresh your spices.
2. Move things back (if possible)
If you have decor or furniture that can be moved back, move it back! If you have an island with decor on it (such as an island with an open bottom), you may want to consider emptying it out so no one bumps into any of your decor and potentially breaks it. If you have a trash can that moves around, you may want to put it somewhere out in the open so everyone knows where it is, but not in the way of traffic, either.
3. Remove trip hazards
If you have a rug runner, you may want to consider temporarily rolling it up to remove any potential trip hazards. This will keep anyone coming in and out from possibly tripping on a corner or edge of carpeting. If you have uneven flooring, make sure your guests are aware if they are coming in and out of your kitchen.
4. Change your lighting
While “mood lighting” is always nice, having a bright kitchen so you can see what you’re doing is the best. Make sure that you have the proper wattage bulbs in your light fixtures. Possibly even consider investing in some “daylight” LED bulbs to make it even easier to see.
5. Prep your appliances
Don’t use the self-clean feature on your oven right before the holidays. It can actually be very stressful for it. Instead, wipe down your oven with a wet rag or sponge. Check your dishwasher’s drain for plugs and clogs, and clean out the bottom of any residue or broken items.
Do you have any special prep tips you use in your kitchen during the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!
