Although we all enjoy the special memories we make and the amazing foods we eat during a festive celebration, the aftermath of it all can be a bit overwhelming. From extra furniture to piles of dishes, after party cleaning can put a damper on your holiday cheer. Follow these five tips to make holiday cleanup a piece of cake…or pie.
1. Forget the formalities
Fancy linens, heirloom china and formal attire are wonderful if they are happy traditions kept by you and your family. Yet, if they are adding stress to your holiday dinner, put aside perfection and go for the fun side of things. Instead of setting up the formal dinning room table, let everyone grab a plate and eat where they are comfortable – the couch, the patio table, even the floor. No one is judging you, make it your day.
2. Potluck presentation
When you invite guests to bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert, some will bring contributions in disposable containers and others may bring something that has no container or serving dish. Luckily, potluck crowds are often willing to pitch in on clean up without being asked to, as they may want to leave at a variety of different times and will proactively clean their dish to take it with them.
3. Take the time to do it right
Lining baking sheets with parchment paper not only makes for more evenly baked cookies and rolls but makes for much easier clean up. Using coconut oil spray to create a non-stick surface in glass pans and baking dishes is a surefire way to prevent food from sticking and caking. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to go old school and soak your pots and pans. It may draw out the clean up process but there is no need to waste precious time with friends and family scrubbing away at the dishes.
4. Enlist the troops
Put your children, nieces, nephews, even aunts, uncles and cousins to work. People do not mind helping when they are asked politely and treated with appreciation. A little bit of positive reinforcement can also go a long way. Tell the teenagers in your family that dessert will be served as soon as dinner dishes are cleaned and watch how fast they get the job done.
5. Throw in the towel – literally
Sometimes it is necessary to take the path of least resistance. While we all want to do the most right thing for the environment and be as eco-friendly as possible, in life there must be a give and take. Whether it is recycled paper napkins or ordering side dishes from the local vegan restaurant, there is no shame in making your holiday as low stress as possible. Finding the balance that is right for your family this holiday season can mean the difference between a frazzled mom at Thanksgiving dinner and the gift of family memories for years to come.