The 'C' word...

Sorry to be the carrier of potentially unnerving news, but Christmas is just around the corner. Now. it's not that I don't love Christmas. I do, it's just that the couple of years that I have mis-timed getting myself prepared for it it was a little... stressful!

So, this year I thought I'd share the announcement: It's time to plan people; to get ahead of the game, and to prepare for.... more people!

Let's start in the Kitchen: This is where it all happens, 'the heart of the home' and where traditions unite, with food as the center-piece. So, with food in mind, try to pin down the quantity of visitors that will be gathering around your table.

How many mouths are you sure to be catering for? and how many may get added to the guest list?  And how many days will you be cooking for: A. just the family? B. family and friends? and C. family, friends, plus 'gatecrashers'? Once you have an approximate idea of the numbers, planning becomes childs play.

Clear the decks. I know Spring is the time to clear out the cupboards, but I think Granny missed a trick when she didn't mention Christmas-time (or maybe they didn't have so many people over in those days). Believe me this is THE time to slim down the contents of your cabinetry. Arm yourself with a large garbage bag and systematically throw all the leaking, past the date, or 'will never get used' food stuff.

Here's a tip: If you're a herbs and spices lover like me, a great way to save on waste if is to combine all the 'end of packets' into a seal top container and use it as a spice rub for meats. Add a handful of brown sugar and you're good to go.
And if you're drowning in open packets of cookies and biscuits, which are still good to eat, then whiz them up in a food processors, add some melted butter and Voila: a base for a cheesecake or lemon tart. Or you can give them to the dog/the birds/or the bin!

Once you've back to the basics, then make sure everything is in the right place: coffee and tea- making bits stored together in reach of the kettle/coffee machine. Make space for some specialty chocs and biscuits to serve quickly alongside a coffee, and you can enjoy those drop in guests from the moment they arrive.

Check your pots and pans: honestly, if they're finished, they're finished! Dump them, a pan that sticks and burns will not help the stress level when you're in a rush to get plates filled. Most supermarkets carry an affordable range of sauce and fry pans. Invest. make it a present to yourself if needed, but trust me, you'll be happy you did.

Count your plates and flatware. Running short on Christmas day should not be an option. Make provision for breakages, and those stuck in a running dishwasher. Same as for pots and pans, hit the supermarket, Ikea or even the Dollar shop if the budget's tight. Stick to white and they'll never come in wrong.
My favorite place to find flatware is at charity stores and garage sales. I love to mix old pieces together. Who said everything has to match? Add in some old glassware, and you'll end up with a wonderfully festive table that's cost a little but looks fantastically eclectic. Keep the theme going by using an assortment of colorful, fabric napkins It adds to the look, and you'll save yourself stressing-out if you don't have a matching set.

So happy hunting and check back in soon for some tips on how best to prepare for those 'sleep-over' guests. Julie