Setting the Stage!

Tonight's 15: If possible, set the table tonight.

Centerpiece!

Tonight's 15: Let's work on the centerpiece tonight (unless, of course, you are using fresh fruits!). If you decided to make your own, start tonight. This way you have time to actually enjoy the craft! If you are undecided, look in a magazine or the internet for ideas. Keeping it simple? Pull out the candlesticks or what have you and clean them up. If you need candles, put them on the shopping list. This is definitely something the kids can help with, too! And have fun!!!

Recipes!

Tonight's 15: Recipes ready to roll! I've had quite a few clients that keep their recipes in bags, boxes, drawers, etc. Only problem is, it takes a bit of time to find the ones they need. So let's spend tonight pulling those recipes out for the big day. If they are organized in a book or on your computer (yay!), take a look at them tonight, too. Once you have them in hand, double check that you have all of the ingredients in your kitchen or on your shopping list. If you don't, you know the drill...

Be Our Guest!

Tonight's 15: Having overnight guests? Where are they sleeping? Do you have enough sheets, blankets, pillows and towels? Tonight, do an inventory of what you have and what you need. Again, consider borrowing instead of buying. Then stock up the guest bedroom and bathroom - get it done and forget about it! Make room in the closet and a drawer. If they're staying for the weekend, what activities are in your area? Have some ideas ready to entertain everyone so you can enjoy their visit, too!

Silver lining...

Tonight's 15: Get out the silver and start polishing! I know a lot of my clients leave this for the last minute and they're always sorry. It may take longer than 15 so you can break it up into two nights or even better recruit some help. Older kids can help (let them pick the music tonight!). If no polishing is necessary, make sure you have enough serving utensils, turkey baster in good shape, carving knife sharpened,...?

Countdown to Thanksgiving

Tonight's 15: Next up is the utensil drawer. There may be half a dozen cooks in your kitchen that day...let's make everything easy to find. Go through your utensil drawer and be BRUTAL. Do you really need 2 potato peelers (just in case)? How about that ice pick and all those things you saw on TV that didn't quite work out? Be honest and save only what you use. Try Organizing Expert Peter Walsh's trick: Empty the entire contents of the drawer into a box or container. Keep on your counter for the next month. When you use one, put it back in the drawer. After the month, well, you know...


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15 min. to Holiday Bliss!

Hey! We've been doing 15 minutes a night this week to get ready for the holidays!!! Let's catch you up and let us know how it's going....

Get rid of anything in the fridge that is expired, went bad or simply stuff nobody likes.

‎15 minutes tonight: a quick and dirty. You've decided what you're keeping in the fridge. Take everything out onto the counter keeping like with like. Do a quick wipe down of the shelves and drawers. Return everything to the fridge- again- keep like with like. Most importantly, make sure you can SEE everything you have. If you can't see it, you won't use it! If there's time, do a quick wipe down on the outside, too.

Tonight's 15 minutes: You'll need certain food items for the holidays and they'll be going on sale soon so let's get to the pantry. Decide what portion you will want to work on tonight, whether it's a shelf or a whole cabinet. Same as the fridge, empty items keeping like with like. Check all expiration dates. REMINDER: If it's something nobody likes or you can't imagine when you'll use it - this is a great time of year to donate those items! Do a quick wipe down. Put items back - like with like - and establish the one in, one out rule. (You have to use something before buying another.) Let the kids help!!

Tonight's 15 minutes: If you have a large pantry, keeping working on that tonight. You want to complete a task rather than skipping around. Plus, we want to make sure your pantry is in tip-top shape! If you completed your pantry last night, let's make a shopping list for the holiday. REMINDER: Shop at home first. Can you tweak a recipe and use what you have? Can you make cherry pie instead of blueberry? You get the idea... Once you're done- pop the list in your wallet so it's accessible in the store. When an item goes on sale, scoop it up! If it's not on your list, ask yourself do you really need it??

Okay...you're all caught up!! See you tomorrow!