IN THE KITCHEN â—½ TIPS
The kitchen might be the most frequented room in the house during the holiday season, because the fridge is full of leftovers, there are things simmering on the stove, a plate of goodies might be covered and waiting to be uncovered, and drinks and snacks and smells abound. Here are some fun things to have in your kitchen this December:
Something simmering
I love a potpourri pot, and adding just the right mix this season is so fun and inviting for all. Here’s my favorite mix for Christmas. Just add water to your pot and all of these ingredients, bring to boil, then turn down and simmer. Be sure to watch it and fill with water or turn off the burner, if you leave the house. This mix smells amazing: 5 bay leaves, lemon slices, 1 T whole cloves and 2 cinnamon sticks – bring water to a boil – then simmer and enjoy. Another option: orange slices, cinnamon sticks, dash of nutmeg, 1 T whole cloves, handful of fresh cranberries.
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Snacks for grabbing
Trader Joe’s has the best holiday snacks – just visit your local one and shop! I recently found a holiday mix bag at Cracker Barrel, great for having out in a bowl for those that pass by. And Texas Caviar Dip is a good one and oh so colorful – to have in the fridge for snacking – with tortilla chips. Did you know there are flavored cashews at Target?
Try the dill pickle one or the cinnamon sugar, too! Set bowls on the counter and change them often, and make the bowl pretty! A great snack is those cashews with dark chocolate, or with apples and caramel sauce.
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Candles Burning
This is a no-brainer, burning Christmas scented candles. But even if you don’t like to burn them, you can use a warming lamp instead, or a diffuser, or just something scented in your favorites. I love peppermint, or vanilla, or cloves, or orange! And have plenty of lighters for lighting. I shared a pack of little ones over on the Tried and True page.
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Calendar hanging
Print out or hang a calendar on the fridge, with the squares filled in, for family viewing. This way, when the kids come hungry, they can see what’s coming up. Make sure you have driving to look at lights, a Christmas event of concert, a chili night at home, game night, friends over, gift exchange, all the things to fill your family with fun this month.
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Tea towels hanging
World Market has the prettiest tea towels for holidays. Make sure you have at least one special towel that hangs on the stove and it’s not for use, but just for looks. Why? Because it’s Christmas, silly!
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Coffee brewing
I’m not a coffee lover, but I love the smell. Maybe purchase some new Christmas mugs and have them sitting by the coffee pot with a cute stirrer. Include some paper to-go cups too, and you can find these at Marshalls in holiday hues and pretties. Make your coffee area pretty and inviting for those that brew. Or…if you like cider, enjoy that instead!
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Sounds playing
I love having music on while I cook, while we’re in the kitchen or anywhere nearby. Make a Christmas playlist, or just make sure you’ve got the tunes playing each morning and evening when meals are being prepared. It sets the tone for the day and the evening, when all go to bed. And play those Christmas songs – be sure to include some vintage ones, too!
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Lights and Color
Hang a wreath, add some lights, clip on some Dollar Store poinsettias, but do something to make your kitchen cheery and bright. Get some of those cool twinkle lights that have a timer so that you can set them to come on around 5pm and stay on until bedtime. If red/green aren’t your thing, there are so many other options for Christmas including teal and pink, if that suits your fancy! Whatever color makes you happy, add that in your kitchen and make the lights a focal point, so all who enter feel like dancing…