For the time we spend executing holiday plans, it’s amazing how little time is actually left to enjoy them. That’s why all great epicureans are organizers and planners. Holiday meals, baking, parties, shopping excursions, tree decorating and … whew! … they require some serious preparation.
A small amount of advance work goes a long way in managing the exhausting yet exhilarating holiday marathon. It takes stamina but also focus – when you’ll get started, what you’ll do (and not do) along the way and whether you’ll be of good cheer at your year-end destination.
When it comes to holiday decorating, everyone falls into one of two groups – the “sooner than later” or the “later” group. Put me in the latter. I get annoyed hearing holiday music and seeing decorations go up before Thanksgiving. But I understand that some want to relish as much of the season as possible … others use work like tree trimming to jumpstart their holiday. No matter when you start, there’s always too much to do. So, I’ve conferred with every elf I know and compiled a list of ideas and suggestions for holiday prepping. If one item makes your holidays lighter or brighter, then consider it an early present from Epicure.
Epicure’s Holiday Organizing Tips:
* With blank-page monthly calendar sheets (print one from your PC), plan out your holiday season with a master schedule. Write in all known commitments – the kids’ holiday play, parties, holiday dinners, guests’ arrivals, etc. Insert the rest of your holiday “to do’s” in time slots when you can complete a task. Avoid too much multi-tasking on any day. If you run out of days, try to liberate yourself from the remaining tasks.
* Create a gift list – for each person, note gift ideas and stores to visit. Use the list to cluster your shopping outings into the fewest possible trips.
* Get the house in shape for the holidays. Check on towels, linens, tableware, bar, etc. Refresh or replenish to be ready for entertaining.
* Clean out refrigerator and freezer to make room for extra holiday fare. Purge foods that need to go!
* Compile recipes for home goodies, baked gifts and holiday parties. Develop a master grocery list based on ingredients needed. Check cupboards for staples (e.g. flour, sugar, spices) and re-stock if needed. Reduce major shopping stress by dividing into several outings, i.e., regular grocer, wholesale store, gourmet market.
* Turn a holiday work activity – baking cookies, tree decorating – into fun by inviting others to assist. Chatting and snacking with a friend or grandparent will double the enjoyment.
* Schedule a wine shopping day. Determine home and gift needs; buying in quantity will save time and money. Package gift wines in bags, dishtowels or fabric so they are ready for giving. Make extras for spontaneous gifts … handing them out will look planned.
* Display festive and colorful dishes – the ones you always intend to use but forget. Rinse and stack them in a corner spot to serve up holiday foods. Do likewise for festive linens and utensils. If not this year, when?
* Try one of these time-saving cooking strategies:
o Bake a large package of boneless chicken breasts and freeze by 2’s for adding to casseroles, salads and sandwiches. Do the same for other favorite foods.
o Make a list of favorite entertaining foods that you can buy (e.g., cheesecake, dips) or easily make (e.g., cheeseballs). Freeze as standbys for impromptu hosting.
o Do you lust after your neighbor’s fruit tart; she after your tamales? Make double batches of your best dishes and trade a batch between you.
o Make pans of deluxe brownies from a box mix; bake in disposable pans and freeze. When holiday visiting, wrap pans in tinted plastic wrap and add a bow. Brownies will defrost on the ride to grandma’s house.
o If people in your household are heading to different venues, prepare a large pot of pasta or a platter of finger foods for a New Year’s Eve buffet meal. Let everyone eat on their own timetable (with disposable plates) and leave the leftovers out for the babysitter.
* Plan some “chill” time for you. Give yourself a gift of sleeping late, lunching with a friend, soaking in a tub, writing letters, etc.
Finally, establish a secret theme for your holiday season – to keep you centered when your spirit gets frayed. Try this: “Bring joy to others; seek serenity for myself.” Or this: “Think blessed, not stressed.” Repeat it to yourself and let it guide you through the holidays!
P.S. Bon Appetit magazine wants to help you get through the holidays with its Holiday Countdown e-newsletter, filled with party ideas, recipes, etc. To sign up: www.bonappetit.com.
–Jacqui Love Marshall lives in Danville with her vintage-car-loving husband, two pugs and binders of recipes.
