The prospect of entertaining during the holidays can cause anyone to panic.  We wanted to offer you the following tips to being ready for someone to drop by at a moments notice:

Create Daily Habits

People sometimes drop by unannounced.  Be ready by maintaining a clean foyer, guest bathroom and kitchen.  Keep table and countertops clear of paper and other clutter.  If items are returned to their proper place, your home will appear clean, even if you haven’t dusted or vacuumed in ages!

Have a Place to Entertain

Great rooms, living rooms, kitchen and dining rooms are welcoming when there isn’t clutter on the furniture or floor.  Have a place for your guests to sit, relax, and enjoy your company.

Clean the Refrigerator and Freezer

Entertaining means more than usual food preparation and contributions from guests.  Being prepared means tossing moldy or expired food products, giving the appliance a thorough cleaning, and sorting and returning the items but leaving open space for new food. 

Create Shopping List

If you will be hosting a dinner or party, create a menu.  Gather the recipes and create a shopping list.  Don’t forget the beverages and ice, if needed!  If you don’t bake often, replace baking powder and baking soda because they get old and fail to provide desired results.  When you DO use these items, write the date on the product, so you will know how old it is.

Set Aside “Off Limits” Food

When unloading groceries, keep “off limits” food in labeled, plastic bags, in the rear of the refrigerator or freezer.  For dry ingredients, sort by category and place in labeled, plastic bags.  For example, keep all baking ingredients together in one bag, all appetizer ingredients along with chips and crackers they are served with in another bag.  Place these bags in a storage container on the pantry floor, on a shelf elsewhere in the house, or even in the garage or basement.  That way, when you are ready to bake or prepare that special meal, you will have all the ingredients at your fingertips. 

This information was provided to you by Dwayne West with Solid Source Realty-Atlanta. We are your Atlanta Homes For Sale professionals.