Get Your Pantry Holiday-Ready
One of the best parts of the holiday season is welcoming family and friends into your home. Instead of waiting until December when holiday expenses are piling up, now is the perfect time to plan your meals and stock up on pantry essentials. By prepping early, you can save money and avoid the stress of last-minute grocery runs.
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Pantry Staples
With a basic well-stocked pantry, you can create anything at the last minute. Think about all the recipes your family enjoys and make sure those items are in your cabinet. I try to keep a backup of each of our essential supplies in the pantry so I never run out when I want to cook something. If you buy one item each week, you won’t get stuck on a snow day with hungry holiday guests.
I also try to always keep some staples like honey and real maple syrup so I can create a yummy breakfast with waffles or offer a cup of hot tea when the weather gets cold.
Plan for Food Allergies
Having a family member with food allergies makes it crucial for me to have safe, enjoyable options available whenever they visit. I always want my guests to feel welcome and have something special to enjoy while they’re here.
This holiday season I’m stocking up on gluten-free cookies mixes from Autumn Sons Baking Co so I’ll be ready when my nephew gets here! All of these mixes are free from dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, and nuts. They are also easy to prepare, requiring only water, oil, and about fifteen minutes of baking time, making them for holiday fun!
Don’t Forget Snacks
I will never forget a Thanksgiving weekend about 10 years ago when we had our main meal at another family member’s house and then a bunch of family came back to our house to sleep. I had prepped for the main Thanksgiving meal but forgot about snacks. We were all scrambling at 10:30 PM trying to find a late-night snack while we played games and worked puzzles.
I’ve never made that mistake again. Now I keep some candies, popcorn, and fruit on hand so we are ready for any hungry snackers – no matter what time of day (or night).
If you love caramel, you need to check out Big Picture Farm. Choose between sea salt & vanilla caramels or a variety pack (which includes sea salt & vanilla, chai, maple, cocoa latter, brown butter bourbon, raspberry rhubarb, cider honey, and chocolate mint), this is a gift that will delight all: young and old, alike.
Preparing your pantry for the holiday season well in advance can make hosting family and friends a breeze. Stocking up on essential ingredients, considering food allergies, and having snacks ready ensures that you’ll be able to accommodate everyone with ease. By taking small steps now, you can avoid the stress of last-minute preparations and enjoy more time making memories with your loved ones during the holidays.
