ShortCutHoliday

Menu Planning "Less is More"

Enjoy the Holidays by serving a simple meal and keeping your stress low. Strategically place simple accouterments, or 'nibbles' around the house: nuts, cheeses, crackers, veggies. These items will keep ones appetite at bay without spoiling it! Treat guests and loved ones to an enjoyable and simple meal by providing one meat (Turkey or ham, not both), one starch (potatoes or bread), one veggie dish (grilled veggies or a salad) one sweet (fruit salad, sweet potatoes, etc) and one Chef Specialty (Aunt Penny's Snap Pea Surprise). Guests always ask "What can I bring?" Answer: dessert! By serving a simple meal the hostess will be relaxed and guests will have room for dessert!

Kitchen Organization "A place for everything"

Stock up now to save time later. Holidays call for more home cooked meals and lots of baking! Add non-perishable (food that can last 2+weeks) holiday essentials to your standard grocery list: flour, sugar, butter, oil, breadcrumbs, chicken stock, potatoes, onions, carrots. If you have not already done so, do a quick pantry organization. Begin by discarding any expired products (have you checked your baking soda lately?!?). Then organize your pantry shelves by type: BAKING, CANNED GOODS, TREATS/SNACKS, PASTA/GRAINS, NON-FOOD ITEMS. A tip: To save time later, throw all ingredients for a specific recipe in a brown paper bag, staple it closed and label it with the recipe name. When it's time to prepare the recipe, you won't have to go digging through your pantry to find a missing ingredient!

Gift Giving "Less Stuff, More Life"

Adults: Adults generally do not need more stuff. Consider gifting loved ones with experiences they can enjoy one time and do not have to store: live plants, a bottle of wine, movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates. Unless you have fabulous taste, avoid picture frames, candles, scarves, robes. People prefer to buy personal items themselves.

Children: Keep it Simple. One gift from Santa, one gift from parents and a few simple stocking stuffers. Avoid breakable toys, trendy toys and toys with batteries. Ask yourself "What will they still enjoy in two years?" Think "Old-fashioned": board games, sporting equipment, quality books, bicycles, Lego's, art supplies.

Giving Back "One in, One out"

Start a new holiday tradition: giving back. More than ever, we need to teach the next generation to give back to those less fortunate. Collect items around the house that are not essential to your household and could really help out a family in need (linens, gently used toys, clothing, serving ware, canned goods). If you can afford to do so, include a few extras in your donation such as a Target gift card, a new winter coat or a child's toy. To be matched with a family in need, contact your local Family Shelters or Assistance Organization. Still not inspired? Contact the local branch of your favorite charity and say "It's Christmastime, How can my family help?" You'll get your answer.