Yesterday morning I took 5 minutes to review my calendar through until Christmas just to get a sense of exactly how busy I am until the big day.  Terrible mistake.  I’m so booked with work, parties, little get togethers with special friends, personal chores, shopping & more that nothing unexpected can happen.  I’ve even added in dog sitting for a close friend with a last minute need.  Let the stress begin!

However, when it comes to the big day where 25 family members will converge on my Grandparents’ home, I know I’m ready.  Since I stay at my Grandparents’ each Christmas, I am House Hostess. That means I set the table and make sure the buffet line runs smoothly.  Sounds easy? Au contraire!

Anytime you have more  than eight people dining in your home, you need to have a plan.  The easiest way to have food available to your guests is a buffet table.  And it’s only easy if you have planned it out.

POST-IT NOTED SERVING DISHES  About 1 week before your gathering, pull out your possible serving dishes.  Set everything out in front of you so nothing is forgotten & you see there is room for every dish.  Then, grab a Post-it note, fun-colored Sharpie listing a single food item on each Post-it note.  Now, match a Post-it with serving dish.

INVESTIGATE OPERATION BUFFET  Think about how you like to fill your plate.  Salad first, then main dish & sides or main dish first, then sides & salads.  It’s your home so you get to decide.  Arrange serving dishes on the table according to your plan. With all dishes labeled, you can enlist helpers to fill bread baskets, transfer food from cooking pans or refrigerator to buffet dishes.)

GUEST’S FEEDING FRENZY ROUTE    Think of the best route for guests through the buffet line & into the room where they will sit.  Don’t forget to do this with beverages & desserts.  You will want separate tables/areas for all three.

SPIT, POLISH, SHINE, STEAM  Lastly, polish tarnished or spotted serving dishes & steam/iron linens.  Go ahead, use the good stuff. When else would you? And why make it feel less than special with paper & plastic? Show the family they are on the top of your list & the most important part of getting together by going all out.

Planning ahead isn’t extra work when it results in a smoothly-run dinner, a beautiful table, & forever memories.

More tips & ideas to come through this week’s posts on the Styled & Organized Living Facebook page, @StyledOrganized on Twitter & the Styled & Organized Living Pinterest page.  These Daily Tips will show you how to gain more control over your life through organization because Life is Better Stylishly Organized!