As the hostess for your family holidays, you have a lot of preparation to accomplish before you even think about putting up holiday décor. There’s family coming from out of town (or out of state), guest rooms to prepare, autumn leaves to rake, and a honey-do list to build. Kids (and grandkids) to wrangle. Grocery shopping to navigate.
Where do you begin? How do you accomplish it all?
We at Glenbrook Remodeling have put together this handy guide to help with one of the most important rooms in your home during the holidays — your kitchen. Follow this checklist to prepare your kitchen for holiday guests and ensure it’s ready for cooking, serving, and entertaining.
Deep Clean Your Kitchen Before the Holidays
Pull out the vinegar and the Bar Keeper’s Friend. Put on your gloves and get ready to tackle the yucky stuff first. We recommend a deep clean before the holidays so that as you start decorating and organizing, you can enjoy a truly fresh space.
Tackle these cleaning tasks first:
- Wipe down the outside of all cupboard doors and drawers. If your cabinets are stained wood, use a cleaner appropriate for their finish so you don’t remove the protective coating. If your cabinets are painted, avoid harsh scrubbing tools or cleaners with hydrogen peroxide or ammonia as they can leave bleach-like marks.
- Use a stone-safe cleaner for your countertops and backsplash. The backsplash, especially behind your stove, is often overlooked and deserves some TLC.
- Add pumice powder to water and wipe down your stainless steel surfaces and appliances for extra shine. Always follow the grain.
- Your oven is about to work overtime. Start the season off right by using the self-cleaning mode to remove any baked-on residue.
Check Your Kitchen Essentials for Holiday Hosting
Now that your kitchen sparkles, make sure it’s ready to serve holiday guests. Pull out those fancy serving platters, polish the silverware, and stock up on cork trivets to protect your counters from oven-hot dishes.
If you plan to use disposable items, add holiday napkins, utensils, and heavy-duty plates to your grocery list. Otherwise, count your plates and flatware to ensure you have enough for all your guests, including separate forks for dinner and dessert. Don’t forget to inventory your glasses and coffee mugs.
If you find you’re short on anything, order replacements early to avoid last-minute stress.
Organize and Stock Up for Holiday Cooking
Whether you’re cooking the entire meal yourself or hosting a holiday potluck, make sure your kitchen is ready for the task.
- Inventory your cooking and baking supplies, and restock any spices, oils, or pantry staples.
- Purchase a few disposable aluminum pans for easy cleanup.
- Have your apron handy, and maybe a spare or two for any helpers in the kitchen.
- Lastly, check your smoke and CO₂ detectors and replace batteries if needed. A safe kitchen is a happy one.
Your Kitchen is Ready for the Holidays
Follow this guide, and your kitchen will be fully prepared for holiday guests; clean, organized, and stocked for all your cooking and entertaining.
From all of us at Glenbrook Remodeling, happy holidays and happy hosting!
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Want to make next holiday season extra special? Contact us today to get started on a show-stopping kitchen remodel.
