Prepare Your Kitchen and Dining Room for Holiday Hosting

It’s that time of year again. Getting ready for holiday hosting can be exhausting and time-consuming. But don’t let it ruin the enjoyment of spending time with friends and family. The best way to get the most out of the season is to prepare. It may take some extra time initially but will pay off when you’re entertaining a large group.

The best way to begin your holiday organization is to lease a safe, affordable self storage unit. If you aren’t a current self storage tenant, Trusted Self Storage has the space that you need. They offer a variety of types and sizes of storage unit options that will be your perfect solution.

Get Your Kitchen in Order

Don’t even try to organize your kitchen until you declutter. Begin by clearing off your countertops to create space for meal prep.

Arrange your countertop appliances based on how frequently you use them. Next, assess whether any of them need to be repaired or replaced. If you lease a self storage unit, consider storing countertop items that you don’t currently need.

In addition to your kitchen appliances, organize your pots and pans. Decide what you’ll need for holiday cooking and baking, and store the rest.

Don’t forget to give your pantry some attention. Check for canned goods that are close to their expiration dates. Consider donating them to local food banks or other charitable organizations. Reorganize for easy access with containers, baskets, and plastic bins.

Then, Clean the Kitchen

Ensure that your kitchen is tidy by giving it a thorough cleaning. Start with the countertops and then empty the cabinets. You’ll have easy access to clean and scrub the surfaces.

Tackle Cupboards and Drawers
Give these areas a deep clean. Take the time to wipe down the shelves and remove any accumulated dust or debris. Use an ordinary paintbrush to sweep away any lingering dust from those hard-to-reach corners. Polish the fronts and handles of the cupboards.

Countertop Cleanup
Next, turn your attention to the countertops. Before rearranging your appliances, take the opportunity to wipe and disinfect the surfaces thoroughly. Your food prep areas will be clean and ready for use.

Scrub the Stovetop and Microwave
Cleaning the microwave and stovetop can be tricky.

To tackle the microwave, create a mixture of vinegar and water. Combine two tablespoons of vinegar with two cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl, then heat it for five minutes. You can add lemon for a fresh scent. The steam from this mixture will help loosen any grease or grime inside the microwave. Wipe away the mess with a soft cloth or paper towel.

For the stovetop, you can use the same vinegar and water mixture along with baking soda. Spray the mixture onto the stovetop and let it sit to loosen any stubborn grease or grime. Once it has had time to work its magic, simply wipe it off with a clean cloth or sponge.

Using the proper cleaning methods will ensure that your kitchen sparkles.

Next, Stock Up on Holiday Cuisine
Stock up on ingredients you’ll need for the family feasts. Don’t forget to create a list.

Many stores now offer curbside service as a convenience. Make a list of everything you need, and order your staples for curbside pickup. You’ll spend less time in the store choosing fresh produce, meats, and specialty items. This major timesaver also ensures more control over your budget.

Finally, Check Linens, Dishes, and Utensils
If you’re hosting a family meal, check that seldom-used china, crystal, and silver flatware are clean and polished. Look at table linens to be sure they are clean and pressed.

If your style is informal, get high-quality paper plates and cups. You can still use the flatware. Shop early and keep these items in your self storage unit.

Don’t forget to purchase extra containers so that guests can enjoy leftovers at home. They can also be stored until the big day.

Organize the Dining Room

Now that the kitchen is clean, it’s time to move on to the dining room.

Declutter the Dining Room
Decluttering the dining room is a task that is relatively easy compared to the kitchen.

You don’t have to check for expired food or malfunctioning kitchen appliances. Your main job is to ensure that your china is clean, your table linens are pristine, and your silverware is polished. If any of these items need replacing, it is advisable to do so immediately.

Clean the Dining Room
Once the dining room is decluttered, it’s time to clean.

• Dust off moldings, walls, baseboards, and tops of cabinets.
• Remove unwanted residue from the dining table and chairs with a damp microfiber cloth and mild dish soap. You can follow the cleaning with a good quality furniture polish.
• Wash and press the table linens or take them to the dry cleaner.
• Sweep and mop the floors.
• Vacuum the rugs.
• Decorate the Dining Room
• If you enjoy having your dining room look gorgeous and festive for the holidays, you’ll need a place for your everyday items. A climate-controlled self storage unit will keep the current decor safe and free from damage.

Takeaway

Hosting holiday meals can be hectic and exhausting. However, with a little preliminary planning and organization, it can be less stressful. Get the kitchen and dining room ready early, and you’ll be able to enjoy your guests without worrying about the mess.