IS YOUR KITCHEN HALLMARK MOVIE READY?

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to make a mad dash for the tinsel, Christmas lights, and wrapping paper. There is so much to do and it can be overwhelming. I mean how long does it take to untangle a gigantic ball of lights? How many Hallmark movies do you need to sit through to complete that task? What about fluffing the tree? Oh, how that tree is never fluffed enough.

One thing is for sure, your kitchen will get a workout this season. Below are some quick tips on how to get your kitchen Hallmark movie ready:

• Get Organized

It is time to take a tally of your pots, pans and servingware. Oh, and don’t forget the wine glasses. You can never have enough of those! There are many sales going on right now so make a list and check it twice.

Also, declutter those countertops. You are going to need room to cook and entertain. Keep the decor to a minimum on your surfaces.

For parties or gatherings in your home, remember it is never too early to start planning. Consider a designated area for drinks and one for food. Think about how traffic flows in your kitchen or how you want it to flow. For instance, if you want people to stay out of your prep space, make sure you keep that drink station on the other side of the room.

• Holiday Cheer

When decorating the other rooms of the house, don’t forget the kitchen. Hang a beautiful wreath over your sink or garland on your range hood. If you have glass cabinets or open shelving, then make sure to showcase your Christmas china. And, if you have room in your kitchen eating area, add a Christmas tree. It is particularly nice if your kitchen is isolated from your living room. Also, a couple of lightly scented candles are always wonderful, but stick to something like cinnamon or cranberry for the kitchen.

• Go Total Foodie

Ahhh, yes! Tis’ the season to eat. So, start surfing Pinterest and other sites to find some really cool simple recipes for the month. Notice how we mention simple. Do not decide on a Julia Child’s masterpiece on the same day you are hosting.

The Food Network has a great article on some easy recipes to try this season:

1. Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Pepper and Black Olive Sauce. …
2. Sunny Anderson’s Butterflied Cornish Hens with Sage Butter. …
3. Rachael’s Christmas Pasta. …
4. Sunny’s Easy Holiday Spiral Ham. …
5. Ina’s Jam Thumbprint Cookies. …
6. Gingerbread Waffles. …
7. Winter Green Salad with Green Apple Vinaigrette

• Protect your Countertops

Last but not not least, be kind to your countertops. If you have natural stone countertops, remember that stains can set on the surface. Make sure to frequently wipe up spills. As for quartz countertops, anything that is extremely hot can discolor them. Make sure you have trivets to place pots and pans on. For more information on how to protect your countertops, click here.

So, follow these tips and your kitchen will be Hallmark movie ready. Now you just need a small town guy and a big city girl to bake some Christmas cookies in your kitchen.