Thanksgiving is over and I hope you all had a wonderful day surrounded by your loved ones. Once you’ve recovered from the big day, these following steps will make your next holiday event a little bit easier.

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Stash Rarely Used Items Smarter

• • 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. 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.

7. Clean Out the Pantry, Cupboards, and Refrigerator

• • Once the guests and leftovers are gone, take this opportunity to clean out the refrigerator and pantry. If you find canned or boxed food that hasn’t expired and you know you won’t use, place it in the donation bin — it’s a great time of year to give.

8. 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.

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.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your November! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com