Holiday Hostess Organization Checklist

December 1st, 2011 Holiday Organizing

It’s time to make your list and check it twice if you are a hostess and you want your event to be nice! I’ve created a holiday organization checklist to make it easy for you to entertain this year.

INVITES

1) Choose a date & time for your event.

2) Plan your menu. Are you cooking everything or will you have your guests contribute?

3) Invite your guests to your event. There are so many options now for invites: old school through the mail, phone, create a facebook event, email, evite, etc.

4) Let your guests know what they can bring if you would like to have a potluck or even just a little help.

TABLE

1) Purchase or, even better, borrow any special decor or serving pieces you may need.

2) Make place cards or decor if you are crafty like that.

3) Set the table in advance so you can see what you may need to tweak. This also will reduce stress close to your event.

GROCERY SHOPPING

1) Make your grocery list now that you know what you are making and who is bringing what

2) Make sure you look in your pantry for items that you assume that you have, don’t assume. Make sure things like spices and gravy packets are still there and still good.

3) Look at grocery flyers and coupons if you would like to try to save some money.

4) Aim for doing your grocery shopping at less-stressful times at the store. Go at off-peak hours or order online for home delivery-even easier!

FOOD PREPARATION

1) Make sure you defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator well in advance for food safety..

2) Cut, chop, bake, prep as much as you can in the days prior to your event.

3) Don’t be afraid to take shortcuts this year if you need to. Pre-baked pies and cookies are just fine. You can add your own touch to pre-made items such as buying a cheesecake and then making your own raspberry sauce.

4) Be sure to plan out the timing for getting everything cooked and done at the same time. This can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with holiday cooking, but you’ll get it!

5) Cook the day of your event and enjoy your wonderful meal and your wonderful company!

For more holiday organizing tips, please read more here.