Clean T.O: 10 Essential Tips to Host Thanksgiving in Your Condo!
You may have hosted Thanksgiving before, but have you ever hosted in your condo? It’s true, there are some tips good for any Thanksgiving feast. However, there are some condo-specific tips that will make the whole process a whole lot easier! Needless to say, we’ve compiled 10 essential tips on how to make your condo Thanksgiving run as smoothly as possible, without having to hire a cleaning service!
The Guest List
Ultimately, the number of guests you invite into your condo will determine many other components of the night, so you want to get it out of the way- pronto. Unsurprisingly, the key is to be realistic: how many people can you fit comfortably in your condo? It’s hard to chisel down the number of guests if you’re hosting your family- but friends, you could whittle down as necessary.
The Menu
As you’ve probably anticipated, the ingredients and materials you’ll need for Thanksgiving will most likely overwhelm your small kitchen. So, the more you plan in advance, the better! First, make a list of your ingredients and where you’ll buy them. Remember, put thought into what meals and if you’ll be able to store, prep and execute them in your kitchen under a lot of stress.
For example, what kind of appetizers and wine are you planning to serve? Serving store-bought appetizers like nuts, pickles and olives will satisfy your guests and make your life much easier. When it comes to wine, turkey goes great with red or white! However, red doesn’t need to be refrigerated- saving you valuable space in your fridge. It’s these small-space specific tips that you want to take advantage of!
Oven and Stove Space
If you’re planning on serving Turkey, it’s going to be hogging the stove for hours prior to the big meal. So what does that mean for you? First of all, opt for side dishes that can be made in days advance, or that only require a quick reheat before being served. Furthermore, don’t forget about those key dishes like roasted carrot & parsnip salad or a French onion tart can be served at room temperature! Check out these thanksgiving side-dish recipes from the Cooking Channel to really get those cogs turning!
Packaging & Storage Space
If you haven’t realized already, most food comes in packaging that is way bigger than the product itself. Moving store-bought items into bags or containers will save a ton of space in your fridge, counter tops and cupboards. For example, you’ll be able to fit lettuce into your vegetable drawer instead of letting it take up space on your shelf! It’s simple, just remove the plastic box and transferring it to a bag- easy!
In addition, don’t let your small kitchen stop you from discovering hidden storage spaces in your condo! For example, wine and beer bottles are bulky, taking up valuable storage space in your fridge. Instead, ditch the fridge all together and try this trick people have been using for years! It’s easy, you can create an ice bucket in your bath-tub by pouring loose ice in, and voila! Instant ice bucket.
Food Prep
It’s time to think about which dishes you can make in advance, or at the very least which ingredients can be prepped before turkey day. For instance, potatoes and carrots can be peeled ahead of time, and stored in water.
Furthermore, if you’re planning on stuffing a turkey, you can cube up some bread. And if you’re planning on baking, you can mix and store dry ingredients or simply bake your pie in advance! Lastly, did you know that you can toast nuts ahead of time and store them in the freezer? Trust us, whatever you decide to do- you’ll be forever grateful if you tackle as much as you can a day or two in advance!
The Turkey
To turkey, or not to turkey? A turkey takes up a lot of space, for a long period of time. Furthermore, a frozen turkey can take three days to defrost in a fridge and will require you to clean a spot for it! However, if you have a patio or fire escape, you could also defrost your turkey in a cooler- even brining it simultaneously. Alternatively, you could just ditch the turkey! As we said, they take up a lot of space in the fridge and the oven.
So, if shying away from the turkey tradition doesn’t make you feel guilty, go for it! Plus, you have options- there is no shortage of Thanksgiving alternatives, so check them out and see what makes your stomach grumble! Vegan? No problem! There’s plenty of options for our socially conscious brothers and sisters, just check out these 44 Vegan Recipes for Thanksgiving!
A Strategic Floor Plan
When you’re hosting guests in a condo, some temporary furniture adjustments can go a long way. This means, it’s time to bring out the extra folding chairs and place your furniture strategically, in a way conducive to social engagement. Perhaps that means moving a side table between two chairs or place the coffee table by the window to create a small snack station!
Additionally, if you have any stools, buckets, benches or step stools you’ll want to keep them waiting in the wings. You never know when you’ll need an extra seat in a pinch! At the end of the day, seating and socialization is one of the most important aspects of a dinner party, so spend some time coming up with a plan! Read up on how your guests may be judging you to learn about what hosting faux pas to avoid this Thanksgiving.
De-clutter
It’s always nice to have clear surfaces for your guests to put their plate or cup down, and it’s also nice to know your things are safe! De-cluttering not only makes your condo look sleeker and tidier, but offers convenience to your guests and gives you peace of mind none of your belongings will be knocked over or damaged while you’re busy hosting.
Seating & Serving Style
There are a few ways to go about the seating plan and deciding how you will serve the food you have so tirelessly prepared. However, the internet has deemed that regardless of whether your guests are seated around the table, or around your condo- buffet style works best. Just think about it: you’re all sitting at the table, with your drinks and plates and the turkey, there is little space left for the side dishes to fit comfortably.
So, consider leaving the majority of dishes in your kitchen, on the counters and even on the stove top for guests to serve themselves, leaving the table open and spacious. However, traditional table seating is not the only way to go. For example, for larger or less traditional crowds, informal seating in the living area (or elsewhere) can work really well! In this case, the buffet could be spread on the table, with chairs and side tables placed conveniently around the condo for dining.
Clean as You Go
Last but not least, clean as you go! Ultimately, the key to keeping your head on Thanksgiving will be cleaning your condo as you move through the night. For example, if you let dishes pile up after prep, the first course, second, third- you’ll be swimming in dishes by dessert! Not to mention, by the end of the night. However, the ‘clean-as-you-go’ method is not for everyone, and that’s okay…
Luckily for you, there’s another condo Thanksgiving hack that will keep your kitchen spacious without having to clean all night. Just stash ‘em in the bath tub! This of course, only works if you’re not already using your tub as an ice-bucket. However, by placing dirty dishes in your bathtub and closing your shower curtain, you’ll be able to enjoy the night and no one will be the wiser. Don’t worry, you can get to the dishes in the morning, unless someone needs to take a shower! But seriously, don’t be shy enlisting a few friends or relatives to help you clean. Plus, check out this article to find out ways to prevent mess throughout the night!
Ok, we said you could do it without a cleaning service. But what if you had a lot of people over? If the mess is just too overwhelming, there’s nothing wrong with hiring a cleaning service. Just imagine, you’ll get to come home to your condo looking better than ever without having to lift a finger! If you’re feeling stressed out after an event, Maid4Condos is only a few clicks away! Our website is open 24/7, so feel free to check out our cleaning services!
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