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Holiday Readiness Plan
Planning for a Holiday Dinner

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You've just realized how many days there are to the holiday and already the stress is mounting. So much to do, maybe there are gifts to buy for this event, meals to plan, goodies to bake, guests to invite and of course, a home to get ready. How will you ever get it all done? With a good plan, that's how!

A holiday readiness plan can relieve this prep-stress, help you stay focused and ensure you've covered all the important items. As you progress through this list and resources, you'll be amazed at what you will accomplish and you'll actually have fun getting ready for those special days. This checklist is a good plan for hosting any event, any time of the year. Just ignore sections that don't apply to your particular event.

We have convenient appliances, kitchen tools and accessories that are not only time-savers but are fun to use. But in the rush to get things done, we often forget to even take them out and let them do the work for us. You may even learn a new way to use your appliances and kitchen tools. So, let's get started!

Gift Decisions & Wrapping

Jot down your ideas for each person on your gift list.

Ensure you have all the supplies required.

Wrap gifts early to cut down on last minute work.

Wrapping - how many rolls or gift bags will you need?

Supply of gift boxes, bows, tags and parcel tape.

Gift Ideas

Gadgets & Tools

Gift Baskets - How to Make a Gift Basket & Basket Theme Ideas

11 Ways to Shop Smarter

Holiday or Special Event Baking

Decide on what recipes you'll be making and remember to include a favorite for each member of your family. Focus on the minimum you need to provide an assortment of cookies, squares and treats. You can add more variety if time allows. Start with the baking that should be made ahead for optimum flavor such as fruit cakes or meat pies. Ensure you have all the bakeware and tools that will be required. Make use of bundt, flan or spring-form pans, shaped muffin tins and silicone bakeware. Here are a few helpful bakeware resources:

Save the Work & Buy the Baking

When your schedule is just too hectic, buying ready-to-serve desserts and breads can save a lot of time and reduce hosting stress. In some cases, it is no longer cheaper to make it yourself. Some recipes call for several ingredients and buying the cake or dessert already made, may be easier on your budget.
Compare Prices of Desserts
Compare Prices of Gift Baskets

Food Serving & Storage

Prepare food storage areas by organizing your freezer and pantry
Clean, Store & Organize Your Home
Freezer Care & Mtce
Wash and ready dessert platters, plates and pickle trays.
Compare Prices of Trays
Prepare a couple of ready-to-serve plates filled with an assortment of baking, cover and freeze.
You'll need storage containers for baking, meal left-overs and guest take-home goodies.
Compare Prices of Food Storage Containers
Old tin boxes make good cookie storage containers.
Check your supply of waxed paper, liner, foil, plastic wrap, napkins and trash bags