Shopping, Food Preparation and Storage Ideas for the Holidays

Got a few weeks left before the holidays? Don’t panic! Here are some smart ideas on shopping and meal preparation for the holiday season.

Have you begun preparing for the holiday festivities? As you go over your numerous tasks, you are probably wondering how you can accomplish all of them in so short a time. The best way to manage your time is to plan ahead and to get extra help. Here are some neat ideas to make shopping, food preparation and storage a lot easier this holiday season.

Get a Part-time Helper

Bring along another person to help you shop for holiday items. A second pair of hands is a huge help when it comes to shopping and unloading. Give clear and precise instructions to your helper before sending her for an errand. Always ask her to double-check your list before leaving the store.

Use Stackable Containers

Are you running out of space in your refrigerator? Cover bowls and dishes of holiday party foods with a press-and-seal wrap. This special kind of wrap is so strong, you can stack containers on top of one another.

Rubbermaid 8-pc. Modular Food Canister Set: Prolong the shelf life of your favorite foods with this eight-piece canister set from Rubbermaid. These storage containers feature tight seals and a stackable design. They are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.

Invest in Good Ovenware

Bake and serve casseroles, side dishes and desserts in specialized oven ware. Doing so will help you save time, especially when guests suddenly appear at your door. Dishes placed in ovenware go straight from the refrigerator or freezer to the oven to the table. Oven wares come in festive holiday colors, too.

Rachael Ray Bubble and Brown Oval Baker Set - Purple (1.25 Qt. & 2.25 Qt.)

Plan on Leftovers

Make enough food for the actual party and for guests who may want to take home food. You can store dishes in individual microwavable containers. Sometimes the best meals are the ones made the next day with leftovers.