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The holidays are a time for tradition, family, and of course—food! Whether you enjoy spending hours on end in the kitchen, or you call in catered meals to save yourself some time, most people end up spending a good amount of time prepping, cooking, serving, and eating food.
 
No matter where you fall on the spectrum of food preparation, having an organized and well-stocked kitchen will save you a lot of stress when it comes time to make or serve the food. So before the holiday crazy hits, spend an hour or two implementing these tips for prepping your kitchen for the holidays.
 

Have More Than Enough Plates and Silverware

 
There’s nothing worse than running out of plates or silverware when you’re hosting a get together. (Ever had to serve a turkey dinner in a cereal bowl?) Make sure you have more than enough on hand, and if you’re not sure, a backup supply of disposable plates and silverware should cover any potential emergencies.
 

Clear Space in the Fridge

 
That cream pie has to be kept in the fridge…but where’s it going to fit? Rather than balance the pie on one hand while trying to clear out three bottles of expired ketchup with the other, take a minute to clear a good amount of space in your fridge. Things to consider when deciding how much space you need:
 

• – Are you making anything ahead of time that will need to be refrigerated until it’s cooked?
• – Do you have drinks that need to be chilled?
• – Will your dishes fit in the fridge space available?
• – What’s your plan for leftovers?

 

Find a Place for Everything

 
What could be more frustrating than not being able to find your measuring cup, rolling pin, favorite serving dish, or a clean cutting board when you’re trying to prepare a holiday meal? You need to make sure there’s a place for everything—and that everything is in its place—before embarking on your cooking adventure. It’ll save you a headache, for sure. Plus, if anyone else will be helping you in the kitchen, you’ll be able to direct them exactly where they need to go. (Decluttering is a great place to start!)
 

Stock Up on the Basics

 
It’s always a good idea to keep your kitchen and pantry stocked with basic goods, but it’s pretty much essential during the holidays. You’ll want to have plenty of your most used ingredients on hand (think: flour, sugar, baking soda, oil, cream, etc.), with extra to spare in case of emergencies. Nobody wants to have to make a last minute run to the grocery store on a holiday, so take a moment to take inventory and shop ahead of time.
 

Clean the Linens

 
Haven’t used that tablecloth since last Thanksgiving? What about those cloth napkins? If your linens are getting a little musty, make sure you pull them out ahead of time and wash them or air them out.
 
With a few simple steps, you can feel confident that your kitchen will be ready for whatever this holiday season throws at it.
 
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