I just love this time of year, watching the leaves blow through the air, feeling the cold crisp air through the windows at night, rediscovering all of the lovely fall and winter fruit and vegetables as they fill the markets, knowing that the holidays and all of the joy that comes with them are just around the corner. This is the perfect time of the year to freshen up the kitchen pantry, refrigerator and dining room. Start now and make this year the most healthful, beautiful, abundant and joyous holiday season yet!
- Take the time now to edit the entire contents of your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Check the freshness dates and rotate the foods so you can be sure to use up any items that are nearing their expiration dates. It is amazing how many items can hide out in the corners of your storage areas! If you find that you have items you will not be using before their time is up, gather them up and donate them. Be sure to check your spices too, most herbs and spices need to be replaced after about six months of opening them. Make a list of your “must do” holiday dishes and baked goods. Check to see if you have all of the staple items in stock and if not, prepare your shopping list now. If you plan on entertaining, you may wish to prepare your menus now and include the necessary pantry items for this shopping trip, too. It feels great to be prepared, doesn’t it?
- Now you can turn to the dining room itself. A perfect dining room can be simple or elegant, it depends upon you and your lifestyle. The key factor is that it is comfortable and uncluttered with plenty of space for everyone. A round or oval table is best as it creates the best flow in a space and the rounded corners are the most comfortable for everyone seated in the room. A round table makes everyone feel welcome and inspires conversation. Make sure there are enough chairs for everyone and that they are comfortable, inviting family and friends to linger and spend time together before rushing off to clean the dishes. If you now find that you have more furniture than you really need, what a perfect time of year to donate it!
- For everyday dining, you want to be sure that all chairs are being used. If you have more chairs than people who daily eat at the table, sit in a different place each day. Keep the energy moving in the dining room. Since the dining room is where you sit to be nourished, it represents abundance, so it is really important that you use this room and keep it fresh and full of life. By activating all of the areas in the room by using all of the seats, you are enhancing the energy for an abundance of friends in your life. A bowl of fresh fruit is always an excellent centerpiece, representing perfect health.
- When entertaining, do your best to ensure that each person has enough room at the table and is not cramped. Choose live centerpieces of fresh fruit, flowers, leaves and things from nature. Think about the elements found in nature and how the perfect balance creates serenity, peace and calm. Use this as your guide as you decide how you are going to dress your table. Keep the centerpieces low enough that those seated at the table can see each other. Candlelight is not only beautiful, but feels warm and intimate. Instead of using tall candlesticks, choose several low votives that will allow your guests to see each other’s faces and that you do not need to worry about tipping over. Using a traditional tablecloth instead of placemats will further enhance the feeling of intimacy at your table.
As you prepare your home for the holiday season this year, spend a bit of time freshening up your pantry and refrigerator. We all have so much in our lives to be thankful for. Think about how you use your dining room and see if there might be ways you can bring about a greater awareness of the abundance and beauty you have in your life right now. The holidays are an exciting time and they are right around the corner. Start with a little preparation now, ensure that you and those you care about get maximum joy out of every moment, and you will certainly appreciate how abundant your life truly is.
Image by Perkmeup
