Now
you've got the space to store all your goodies … it's time to make
the remaining lists – who doesn't love a list? If you've been
smart you've made a note of the out of date items from your pantry
that you've disposed of that you need to replace.
If
you aren't a list maker and you've a house full of guests expected
you might want to consider giving it a shot. A list helps you get
organised and I should add there'll be more than one – stuff you
need to order – stuff you can't get until the last minute, fresh
fruit, veggies and salad stuff. It's the little things that guests
ask for that tend to fall through the cracks, for example, do you
have sauce for the bacon sandwiches?! That example belongs on your
previous “pantry and staples” list.
I
plan my menus and then make my shopping list(s) from the plan. It's
not set in stone but it sure helps. I appreciate that you won't
necessarily know whose turning up but you can deal with that
eventuality from your freezer and your pantry.
You'll
need a note pad, the Christmas food magazines from your
supermarket(s) of choice, post it flags and – essential – a glass
of wine.
Before
we go any further could I just mention - every family has their own
traditions and favourites and it matters not, in my experience, how
old the kids are – 5 to 25 and beyond - there are certain dishes
and treats that are important, nostalgic and stand the test of time
so hold hard before you rush out and spend a fortune on fancy dancin'
stuff because you think they'll be bored.
Revolutionary
I know but you could ask your family what they'd like most.
Now
for the self control. I'm a devotee of the browse, browse and browse
again method – flag whatever takes your fancy with a post it, leave
it be and look again the following day. It all looks delicious and
inviting … and expensive! I'm not saying “bah humbug” here –
I'm just suggesting you give it some thought.
When
you've made your choices …
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