Can you believe November is next week? With the holidays right around the corner, it's so important to start preparing for the holidays now, whether you're hosting for the holidays or not. Let's face it, during the holidays we typically receive a lot of unexpected guests, so why not start planning now to avoid any type of holiday stress. Below, I'm sharing some tips on how to prepare for the holidays.
Budget
Try to set a budget (i.e. food, decorations, and games), even if you are invited to someone's home. Figure out if you are required to bring a dish. Most hosts greatly appreciate the offer for a guest to bring something. (Don’t forget to ask how many guests are expected to attend.) Purchase a few host guests to have on hand for those unexpected invites.
Time to clean
Now that you know that you will be having guests over, it’s time to clean the house NOW! Yes now, get all of that dirty work out of the way before the second week of November, and right a list of areas of your home that could be touched up a day or two before the holidays. If you decide to hire a cleaning service to come before and after the holidays. It probably would be a good idea to schedule your appointments now.
What Do I Have Already?
Check your stockpile and cabinets to see what you already have that you could incorporate into your menu instead of going out and purchasing new or different items. This is also a great idea to see what holiday decor and crockery you may already have on hand.
Menu
Now that you know what you already have. Right now is the perfect opportunity to start planning your menu. I would strongly suggest creating a shopping list and purchasing the items on your list as well in advance. Trust me, going to the grocery store the two days or one day before Thanksgiving or Christmas, could leave you with disappointment or stress from having to go to multiple stores.
Food
This is a great time to have your essentials on hand for unexpected guests, stores like Costco, Bj's, and Sam's Club typically have a great assortment of horderves.
Do you have any tips for preparing for the holidays?
4 comments
How I wish we have Costco here. I'd surely would love to check out what they have. Great tips! -LYNNDEE
ReplyDeleteYes I need to plan my festival menu now otherwise I will be late in the game.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am such a holiday planner. I am 90% done with all of my Christmas shopping and just planned my menu. Two trees are up with at least 3 more to go.
ReplyDeleteMan... yes cleaning for the Holidays for when people are over can be challenging and stressful but these are great tips here and appreciate your sharing them! Cannot believe it is so close ;)
ReplyDeleteATTENTION: Are you a no-reply comment blogger? I only reply via email. If you would like to change this setting. Please go to your profile and check "show my e-mail address". TA-DA!
I would love to read your thoughts... Thanks for sharing Happy comments :).
~Mrs. Delightful