Simplify the Season – Party Planning

Thank you for joining me on Week 3 of Simplify the Season.  I hope you’re finding the information so far helpful.  My hope for you is that you will be breathing easy once the holidays really do get underway.  You will be so prepared!  If you missed the first two weeks, just click for TRADITIONS or BAKING.

Ok friends, let’s take care of Thanksgiving!

Where shall we start?  Let’s clean out the fridge and pantry.  WHAT?!  You heard right!  Get rid of any old, stale, expired, and “we’re never going to eat this” foods.  This gives you an idea of what ingredients you need to buy AND creates space for the wonderful creations you are going to make over the next several weeks.  What a way to think and plan ahead, friends!

What next?  It is time to make some decisions.

Which family member is hosting this year?  Are you having Lunch or dinner?  If you're the hostess, make a list of dishes to be prepared and dole out the responsibility!  That's right.  Let Aunt Emma make the sweet potatoes.  That not only frees you up from cooking an extra dish here and there – let’s face it you can still cook your favorites-- it allows everyone to be a part of the celebration.  It makes people feel welcomed and included when they are able to make an old favorite or try a new recipe.  You may want to let the less experienced/less willing cook stick with being the ICE BRINGER.  It is an important role. 

How can you possibly keep all of the foods to make and guests who are coming and what they are making organized??? 
Option One - You COULD make a simple list.  Take a sheet of paper.  Fold it in half long ways to make two columns.  In the left column: write guest name.  In the right column: food/drinks that guest is bringing.
Option Two - This can also be accomplished by using a spreadsheet, if you want a cleaner look. Column 1: enter guest name.  Column 2: enter food/drinks that guest is bringing.

If you have family coming in for the holiday the night before, would you like a great idea for what to feed these weary travelers? Wouldn’t you like it to be simple? How about an easy crock-pot stew, chili, or spaghetti?  It will stay warm if traffic or a flight causes a delay… Plus it is GREAT leftover. 

Keep these same things in mind when planning your Christmas dinner! Look at that! You just moved a month ahead of the game! Woo-hoo!

Since we’re talking about food… and we have taken care of Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Dinner, and feeding guests arriving from out of town… We may as well FAST FORWARD to New Year’s planning.  No worries!  We’re not done with Simplifying the Whole Season just yet.  We’re just skipping ahead for a moment.  New Year’s Eve is typically a time for parties with welcoming a new year in excitement and anticipation.

And it’s busy!!!

Consider hosing a New Year’s Day brunch with traditional good luck foods.  New Year’s Day is still hectic for you and your family? 

Consider hosting a party later in Jan if you must host. Three Kings Day is a wonderful celebration to share with friends. Does that still seem too soon?

Well, know that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

 

If you are in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area and would like your home better organized, and would like the assistance of a professional organizer, e-mail juliebavi@gmail.com  You can also find me on Facebook by clicking HERE or searching for Organize With Julie.  Want to follow me on twitter? Find me @juliebavi.

 

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