1. Plan the menu with cleanup in mind.
When planning your holiday menu, think twice about elaborate recipes that require a laundry list of ingredients and numerous types of cookware. To cut down on cleanup from the start, opt for simple fare that you can throw together on a single sheet pan or in one pot, suggests Lauren Bowen, director of franchise operations for the cleaning service Two Maids & A Mop. Or consider asking guests to bring a side dish or dessert. You’ll streamline food preparations as well as dish duty.
2. Create an emergency stain removal kit.
Whether on carpeting, clothing, or upholstery, stains are bound to happen during holiday gatherings. To prepare for accidental spills, stock a stain removal kit ahead of time. Fill up a handled caddy ($8, Target) so all the essentials are easy to grab and take where you need. Include go-to stain removal products, including club soda, white vinegar, liquid dish soap, and baking soda, as well as plenty of clean white cloths for blotting up spots. Bookmark or print stain removal guides for carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics so you don’t have to waste time searching for instructions while the stain sets in.
3. Opt for machine-washable textiles.
Ensure all your table linens, including tablecloths, runners, napkins, and placemats, are machine-washable so you can simply toss everything in a hamper once the table is cleared. Machine-washable rugs can protect your floors from spills and tracked-in messes. Also, consider covering upholstered furniture in good-looking slipcovers that you can launder after guests leave. Remember to pre-treat any stains and ensure they’re completely gone before switching to the dryer, which can set stains.
4. Use disposable dishes and utensils.
5. Clear the table like restaurant servers do.
6. Enlist help.
Holiday hosting (and cleanup) doesn’t have to be a one-person show. Enlist guests or family members to help with tasks leading up to and during the event. For example, assign a helper or two to start washing dishes while you cook, Bowen suggests. Delegate tasks ahead of time so everyone knows what they’re responsible for when the festivities begin.
