I’m not sure about your family, but mine is spread across
multiple continents so while we stay in touch with each other frequently we
don’t physically see each other very often. When we do get together, the gatherings are
large, noisy, and full of fun and lots of food.
Inevitably, lots of food leads to many chefs in an unfamiliar kitchen
trying to showcase their culinary skills or help with the dishes or open that
first bottle of wine. In everyone’s
efforts to feel useful, frequent question(s) arise – Where are the pots? Where are the placemats? What do you want me to do? Funny that everyone remembers where the
alcohol is kept…..
On top of the stress normally experienced during big
get-togethers, the last thing the hostess/host need is to be bombarded with a
stream of constant questions.
After experiencing such a situation at a family reunion a
couple of years ago at my sister’s house I was determined to have a workable
solution before the family descended on my house.
My plan - identify the main contents of each kitchen
cabinet, the pantry cabinets as well as what went on what shelf in which
refrigerator. I know this isn’t rocket
science; on the contrary, it’s really simple, but unfortunately most people
don’t think of doing it or are just too busy.
It goes without saying that I was the butt of many jokes but
I held firm to the belief that this would make our time together easier and
more enjoyable. Nobody likes to feel
useless, and by marking the cabinets, etc. I empowered everyone to contribute
and shortened the learning curve and my frustration level!
Of course, there is always a practical joker in the
crowd! One night she (who will remain anonymous)
decided she would switch all the labels around which threw everyone into a
tizzy the following morning trying to find things or put things away. It took me months to locate everything!
Unfortunately, time was not on my side this year when the
family joined us at our house for Thanksgiving so the cabinet labeling fell to
the wayside. I felt vindicated, however,
when everyone asked where the labels were and we had a good laugh recalling the
label switch and everyone agreed it was a very good idea – the cabinet labeling
that is, not the switcheroo.
I have to say, I’d prefer to be known as a chef
extraordinare, but I’ll settle for ordinary label maker and a less stressful,
more organized and enjoyable family get together.
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