Preparing for Family Gatherings

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.

Reflections on a Hurricane - Sandy’s Positive Aftermath

 

 

What to do during a storm when the power is out – no TV, internet or other demands on your time – what else – ORGANIZE!  I know, I know – it’s not the first thing that popped into your mind.

I’d been putting off organizing my closet for some time, but was reminded every day when I walked into it that it was something I desperately needed to do.  Unfortunately, there was always something more interesting on the horizon…. 

Having recently remarried and reluctantly given up a small corner of my closet for my new husband’s belongings, I recognized that I was going to have to rethink what made the most sense for both of us. 

First order of business; get rid of what I wasn’t wearing or what didn’t fit anymore.  After several hours of trying on outfits I was grateful for the poor lighting, in need of several large boxes and the number for Jenny Craig.

I ended up with so much free space, that I ventured into the other closets in the house where I had more clothes and accessories, even older and tighter than the ones in my regular closet.  Who would have thought I had 25 scarves of every color of the rainbow.  I came across my ballrooms dancing outfits and wondered how I ever had the courage to wear them.  I also came across my son’s 3^rd grade Abraham Lincoln project and my daughter’s christening outfit and spent the next hour searching for other remnants of their childhood and the lovely memories and scents that were once so familiar but had faded with time.

The end result of my “Sandy Sojourn” was a much better organized closet, 6 boxes of clothes for those in need (or slimmer than me) and a wonderful reminder of my family and how grateful I am that they came through the hurricane without incident.

I don’t know about you, but I get a great sense of accomplishment and peace when I am outwardly organized.  I feel my life is in order and I can tackle anything. 

I am thankful that the impact of Hurricane Sandy was minimal from our perspective and gave me the opportunity to reflect upon what is most important in life.  To all of those who experienced more devastating implications of the storm, our thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Karen Bradbury is Design Director and Co-Owner with her husband Jon of Closet & Storage Concepts located in Norwalk, Connecticut.