Christmas Countdown Checklist {Things to do TODAY}

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So my Lovelies, it is only two weeks to Christmas. You may be a well prepared planner who laughs at this list of TO DO’s but if you are me you will read this and freak out a little…. I do not mean to scare or freak but this is the shit that you REALLY need to do NOW! Now like TODAY! The thing is I’ve written it from RIGHT NOW stuff to stuff that can be done over the next few days. You are wise and wonderful, my dear readers, and I know you can work it all out. I am a huge fan of lists, both on my phone and on scraps of paper. I know you already know what you are doing but hopefully this helps the angst. Not everything will apply, but please Lovelies read it all. I will try and give you a list of ‘bake aheads’ this week but for now get this stuff under control……..

Ordering and Shopping

• If you haven’t already called your butcher or seafood place to pre book what you will be buying, do it ASAP!
• Make sure you stock up on non perishables like soft drink, toilet paper, sauce bases and whatever fits your menu. I once cooked a white sauce at Mummy Asks only to find she had no flour, even though she swore she did – don’t let that be you on the day!
• Grab things that will last – chocolate, alcohol, candy canes and whatever you know will make it.
• Make sure you are well stocked on sticky tape, ribbon and wrap. Do not rely on your memory of what is there, that is just a disaster waiting to happen!

Appointments

• Make sure to call and make appointments for your hair, nails, waxing or other personal care now. You may not be able to get a spot but at least you can look for an alternate provider. You want to look great on the day.
• If you are hosting you may want to call in a gardening service to tidy you lawns, bushes and trees. Or maybe just give it a good water do it looks pert on the day.
• You may also want to get your dog clipped and washed so they all spruced up.
• Get your window cleaners in if you use them. As a second floor apartment dweller, window cleaners are a necessity.
• Please, please, please, get you car serviced if you are travelling. No one wants to be on the side of the road while the rest of the family is making merry or worse, be that awful phone call.
• Last minute repairs to any unfinished things like plumbing or painting

On the day stuff

• Do a dry run of your table setting. How does it look? Shop now for any elements you may need and check tablecloths for stains from last year etc.
• Do you have enough plates, cutlery, glasses?  Actually go count them, I have had a glass or plate break in the cupboard that I haven’t seen till I pulled it out the day before.
• Get out any stored platters you plan to use and check their condition and give them a wash.
• Get out any stored trestles or chairs you plan to use and check their condition and give them a wipe.
• If you are relying on special lighting, check that it is working and that you have extra globes and batteries.
• Think drinks. If you are using an esky, drag it out and clean it. If it is not enough now is the time to ask your supermarket for a foam box.
• Clean your oven, people will notice and you won’t feel good if it’s filthy. Especially, if your mother in law is helping.
• Eat out of your freezer to make room for last minute drink chilling or last minute cooking and leftovers from the day. Plus it saves your work in the lead up to the big day.

House Guests

• Clean and tidy the area they will stay in. Even if there will be more to do before their arrival, best get what you can done now.
• If you are using a fold out bed, fold it out and check it. If the mattress is ruined, now is the time to know.
• Do you have enough shampoo, conditioner, soap, toilet roll? Better safe than sorry, especially on the toilet paper.
• Be sure to check the bed linens and towels you will use for them now, especially if they are only used when guests stay. They may need airing or even washing if they are stored.

And just two last, last minute thoughts….. Does the dress you want to wear still fit? And keep the kids really busy the day you plan to wrap presents. If they are tuckered out you can spend the evening wrapping in confidence.

If you just realised you are unprepared, check out my easy Festive Feast and my Gift Guide. And remember, it’s just one day and the people you are with love you 365 xxxx