by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
When a friend told me years ago that she hosted 30+ guests for Thanksgiving ~ annually ~ I about fell over! (Sidenote: she does this in a 2,200 sq ft space!)
I know, can you believe the insanity??
When she watched my jaw drop, she giggled and said: "I have a secret." Honestly, I was thinking about how I consistently burn water and what kind of panic attack would ensue if that amount of people expected me to feed them a holiday meal!!!
Although, when she confessed to having a secret to her success I was immediately curious. So I listened, intently, to her Brown Bag Organizing System:
In the weeks leading up to the big Turkey Dinner:
Determine your menu
- Write your shopping list based on when you can purchase items
- one list for non-perishable items
- one list for items that need to be bought as last minute as possible
- Make a list of items necessary for preparing each recipe
- what spatulas, bowls, pans
- add needed items to your shopping list
Create your time management
- map out when recipes need to begin and when they'll be completed on a timeline
- fill out blank index cards with recipe, directions and time it needs to begin
- assign guests their time slot & recipe
The weekend before
- collect brown grocery bags
- staple direction/time/recipe cards to a bag
- arrange bags in the order they'll be used {last in the back, first in the front}
- begin filling with supplies & non perishable items
The days before
- complete perishable shopping
- assign a shelf in the refrigerator for each time slot
- chop, measure & arrange accordingly {be sure to note shelf on index card}
The day of
- help all involved find their way around the kitchen and then enjoy your holiday guests!
Granted, I'm fully aware how difficult this process looks {and sounds} but I promise you with each year of practice she has managed to laugh, enjoy her family and arrive at the table truly appreciating those around her. This system also requires that your guests are willing to chip in on the help department. If your family/friends aren't as available, consider utilizing the system for yourself to keep the symphony of the kitchen in motion.
Note: I reflected on a friend's system due to the amount of men who help me with my holiday dinner. No offense, but there is not a system. And I'm OK with that! They do most of the work {consider it quality control} and I do most of the prep. It's worked wonderfully for us each year as well.
The point is, use these tips as recommendations. Find what works best for your lifestyle and run with it!
I would love to know any one else's systems for keeping it all straight during their large family dinners, feel free to comment below & I'll get back to you personally.
Keepin' it Tidy,
April
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April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect
