Your Post-Thanksgiving Game Plan

Written by Becky Harris for a Houzz Pro article we were featured in.

1. Give the Kitchen a Thorough Scrubbing

This is the toughest part. In addition to doing the dishes and scouring the pots and pans, you’ll want to give the surfaces of your kitchen and the inside of your appliances a good cleaning to get rid of the spattered grease, spilled flour and stuck-on food. Once you’re done, reward yourself with another rest.

2. Clean the Linens

Launder your tablecloths, napkins and other linens. During this busy time of the year, you deserve to drop them off at the dry cleaner if you wish — no guilt involved.

3. Organize and Inventory Your Serveware

Keep a notepad and donation bin handy. As you’re putting away your platters, bowls, pitchers, vases and other pieces, take stock: Was anything missing? Make a note to get it.

While putting things away, pay special attention to everything. Are there pieces lurking on the bottom of the cabinet that you never use? If you didn’t use those items at your big Thanksgiving dinner, chances are you never will, so consider donating them.

4. Stash Rarely Used Items Smartly

If you have Thanksgiving-specific equipment and decorations you use only at this time of year, find somewhere besides the kitchen to keep them together and organized. Valuable kitchen real estate is better put to use for everyday items.

6. Restock

At the same time, take inventory with future holiday meals in mind. Use this chance to get your herbs, spices and staples organized for the rest of your holiday cooking, and make a list of things you need to replenish.

7. Refill Salt and Pepper Shakers

It seems like a small thing, but if you have to do it when all your burners are fired up for your next feast, it’s going to be one more detail stressing you out.

8. Prep for Your Next Overnight Guests

Clean up the guest room, wash the bedding and towels, and think about ways to make welcoming another round of overnight visitors easier

9. Put Up Your Feet

Congratulations! It wasn’t easy, but you’ve cut down the prep time for your next hosting gig. Your hard work means you’ll be organized and ready.

Tell us: Do you have any post-hosting rituals that make your life easier? Please share them in the Comments.