Whether you are having a large group or just family, here a few of the things to write down on your checklist. I even post mine on the refrigerator or a kitchen cabinet, so I can read through it during the rush. This helps prevent forgetting something...like oh, the dessert in the freezer or the rolls in the oven!

Here’s a short HELOISE CHECKLIST for you – just follow my ABC’s!

I. Assess all the china, silverware and serving dishes you are going to use. Make sure you have everything (and some extras) you need. I always have one or two extra place settings handy for unexpected guest!

• Dinner plates, salad plates, bread and butter plates
• Silverware
• Bread or roll baskets
• Glasses for drinks before and water and wine glasses for the table
• Dessert plates and silverware
• Coffee, tea cups, spoons, sugar and artificial packets, sugar bowl and creamer.
• Serving dishes, platters, bowls and utensils to go with them.
• Napkins (for dinner and dessert)
• Hand or tea and kitchen towels ---always have extra out for easy access.
• Chairs-do you need extra?
• Vases just in case a guest brings fresh flowers.

HELOISE QUICK HINT
Some larger serving pieces may need to be quickly cleaned before using. If you don’t have silver polish handy, hand dishwashing soap, warm water and a microfiber cloth will remove some grime and add a little shine. Be sure to rinse well in warm water and polish dry with a clean microfiber or terry cloth.

II. Be a busy bee and buzz around for a final quick, top cleaning. Stand in the middle of each room going to be used for your holiday events and look around. Use a microfiber cloth to lift off dust rapidly from dining room table, side tables, and guest room night stands.

III. Count down or back time it! If your guests are suppose to arrive at 2 p.m., know that someone will show early! Get dressed at 1 p.m. Do not wait until the last minute! You can finish up the little things AFTER you are ready. It’s better to be fixing a dish, and answer the door rather than answer the door in your bathrobe or sweats. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Take a few minutes for you too! Even 5 minutes, just standing still, if you can, will slow the million and one things running through your head. Smile, and remember, you’re making memories!

Hugs for the Holidays,
 

Heloise

PS

No matter if it’s a 5 course meal or a pot of chili with corn bread (one of my fav’s) it’s being with family and friends that is important! No one really remembers the food 10 years later, but they do remember the fun, laughter and love!