How Do You Prep Your Kitchen for a Holiday Gathering?
The holidays will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to try your hand at hosting! This is the perfect opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and cook a delicious meal.
To be a successful host, you’ll need to get your space ready. Making room for guests and getting your themed décor out is only part of the job. You also need to organize, create a menu, and prepare your appliances and kitchenware.
If all this sounds intimidating, don’t worry! You can learn how to prep your kitchen for a holiday gathering that will impress your most critical family members. Keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks.
Get Your Appliances Ready
Make sure your kitchen appliances are up to the task. Now’s the time to deep clean your dishwasher, stove, and oven to give yourself a clean slate. You should also perform a few tests to make sure your essential equipment works well.
If you really want to wow your guests, replace old appliances with newer models. Swap your small stove for a high-quality wall oven that can fit a large Thanksgiving turkey or a robust Christmas ham. With the right tools, your holiday meal will practically cook itself.
Make baking and kitchen safety your priority, and make sure there are no slippery floors, that all outlets work properly, and that the oven is heating to the right temperature.
Declutter Your Fridge and Pantry
To prep your kitchen for a holiday gathering, you need to make room for all the fixings. Take inventory of your kitchenware and basic ingredients. Then, get rid of anything occupying valuable space in your kitchen.
Freezers are notorious for housing old food you forgot about. If you see anything with freezer burn, it’s time to toss it out. Take this time to consolidate items onto single shelves in your refrigerator and pantry. Now, you’ll have plenty of room for baking ingredients, cans of cranberries, and frozen vegetables.
Start Collecting Spices and Seasonings
Is there anything worse than a bland holiday meal? Make sure everything you make tastes amazing by refreshing your spice cabinet. While most seasonings last for a long time, you likely have old spices hiding in your cupboard.
Start collecting new ones now so that you’re ready for the big day. Every kitchen needs salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (even if you aren’t preparing for an event). Some other spices you should pick up for a stunning holiday meal include:
- Real vanilla
- Poultry seasoning
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Start Planning Your Menu
The most important part of every holiday gathering is the menu. Don’t let the event sneak up on you. Start planning what you will serve now to anticipate any bumps in the road. Investigate dietary needs and restrictions so that everyone can enjoy your thoughtfully-made meal.
Will you stick to the classics, like ham, stuffing, and green bean casserole? Or, will you branch out and try to incorporate foods from different cultures? Consider experimenting with a French bûche de noël or a Greek melomakarona. Planning your menu now will give you plenty of time to find the perfect ingredients.
With a little bit of prep work, your kitchen will be ready to tackle the most complex holiday treats. Whether you want the honor it or not, your loved ones will count on you for future gatherings after this year’s success. So don’t fret as the holidays approach this season. Instead, follow these tips to become a successful and confident host.
