ORGANIZING MAKES OVERNIGHT HOLIDAY GUESTS EASY!
Thanksgiving is almost here and with it brings joy... AND CHAOS!
You feel fortunate...but you're spinning?
You're excited...but where you will put everyone?
You're worried...but where will they put their "stuff" so you don't trip over one another?
You're nervous...but just thinking of the mess freaks you out!
DON'T PANIC: KEEP THESE IDEAS IN MIND: The most important thing is to keep reminding yourself that it's temporary and RELAX! Enjoy the guests...the mess will leave with them in a few days.
LINEN CLOSET:
Make room in your linen closet: Now is the time to turn old and over-used towels into rags or donations to animal shelters. If you are fortunate to have more than one linen closet add some extra towels to the guest bathroom.
If you don't have a second linen closet, buy a few inexpensive storage cubes and stack, roll or fold towels in there and put them in the guest room. (Don't cramp the one and only bathroom).
LACKING A VANITY FOR THE GUESTS' BATHROOM?
If your bathroom or the guest bathroom does not have a cabinet around the sink, buy an inexpensive piece of shelving and keep it out of sight alongside the tub or toilet.
When your guests need to use the bathroom for putting on make-up, or shaving, Voila! Take the shelf, put it across the sink...instant vanity.
STUFFED REFRIGERATOR?
Start emptying out the refrigerator and freezer (by eating what's in them now) to make room for the holiday foods, both what you make and what people bring.
Use glass dishes with plastic lids that stack easily. You can cook easily in them, freeze in them and stack them. You can even SERVE in them, making clean up go much faster.
Make sure you have lots of disposable plastic containers of varying sizes to send leftovers home with your guests.
WHERE TO PUT THE SUITCASES:
Encourage your guests to store their suitcases under the bed, or in the closet, rather than keeping it out in the room.
If there's stuff already stored under the beds, or if you have platform beds: Clear off a dresser by neatly putting away what was on top. Put a pillow case or some type of fabric on top of that furniture to avoid scratches.
ORGANIZING THE FOOD: SEND YOUR GUESTS A QUICK NOTE WITH YOUR BASIC MENU!
Have everyone tell you ahead of time about food allergies, sensitivities, and snacks they like to have around. (Your memory may need some jogging).
List some dishes that you would like others to bring or ask them to make something along the lines of your suggestion.
