How to Keep People Out of the Kitchen on Thanksgiving
When I sit down to present this topic, I take a deep breath. Are my lips pursed? Yes. Are my nostrils flaring? Still would. Is my ass squeezed? Probably. Even the simple thought of people crowding the kitchen asking me questions, standing right in front of this drawer the moment I need to open it , and generally making noise while I need to focus and finish my Thanksgiving cooking assignment fills me the atmosphere of the environment. , imaginary concern.
While some calm, supernaturally social creatures may find it helpful to be surrounded by loved ones while they cook, some of us struggle with the stress of talking and concentrating at the same time, and are one interruption away from losing our crap.
Although it is clear that the intentions are fantastic – chatter, cordial closeness, hugs, help! – some presenters just don’t want someone to interrupt their stream. (And one person’s “flow” is another’s “deadline pressure”.) If you’re better at working in a quiet environment, here are some helpful ways to keep guests out of the kitchen without making jerks and ruining the true meaning of the holiday.
Place drinks and snacks in another room
People are attracted to the kitchen because of its central and cozy atmosphere; it is the center of the home, it offers a feeling of warmth and comfort. But people also want to be where there is food and drink. Set up a snack table in another room (or rooms) at home – and don’t forget the drinks stall. The sound of a cocktail shaker can work wonders in bringing people closer to their party aura. Remember to move all that beer and canned wine from the fridge to the fridge – to a further room – for guests to enjoy.
In drafty rooms, make a fire or place a heater to make it cozy. (And a side note on soccer. While it can be nearly impossible to turn off your TV, remember that a soccer game will potentially alienate half of your guests — or more.) Put the movie like Elf in a different room for everyone who doesn’t play football.
Take a heat lamp and take it outside
Take another step in the “other room” and take all snacks and drinks outside. If you live in a cool place, buy a heat lamp to distract everyone. You can even set up yard games like corn pit, jenga for adults, lawn bowling, croquet, or host an impromptu flag soccer match. Tell everyone to dress warmly as they will be outdoors.
Assign a bouncer to keep people from entering
You don’t need a real bouncer (although that sounds awesome), but an assistant or assistant, if you like, agreed in advance, whose only responsibility is to keep people out of the kitchen. They can say harmless things to everyone, such as, “Let’s all sit here” or “Mary is under stress. Let’s leave her alone. ” A decree from your deputy on the occasion of Thanksgiving will evoke more sympathy than simply saying, “Go away.”
Set up other activities
Some people find it difficult not to participate in an important event. Why not let their idle hands do something else? You can have a gingerbread house build table where teams compete to build the most beautiful house and win a prize. Lay out the heavyweight paper and markers and ask people to come up with their best rejected Hallmark Christmas cards. Puzzle task of 1000 pieces, round “Cards for Humanity” or “What are you a meme?” everyone can get people out of your hair.
Make a list of jobs ahead of time
Some sympathetic souls, no matter how many times you tell them to relax and have fun, just can’t rest until they get a job. Brainstorm a list of things you need help with each day. Maybe it’s bringing drinks from the basement, setting the table, writing people’s names on place cards, chopping vegetables, folding napkins, or peeling potatoes. Make a list that regular guests can easily refer to.
Try not to look worn out.
We know what is easier said than done. Looking jaded can be a deterrent for some from approach, but it is a signal for others to help because you look like you need it . At times, a focused gaze or “thinking face” can appear agitated, signaling to others that you need a life preserver. Try to keep a pleasant, calm look so that others don’t think you are exaggerated. (Although not so pleasant to invite to talk. We know this fine line is not easy to walk. Breathe with your diaphragm. Meditate. Practice in the mirror. Take an acting class? Results may vary.)
Tell them to get out
When all else fails, there is always a light-hearted way of telling people you need space. (This is your family and close friends, right? This should give you some degree of honesty.) To take the polite but direct path, try smiling: “I need a little more time. Can everyone go to the other room until I’m done? »If your family is more straightforward, you can always keep the truth. Take Joe Geronimo Martinez ‘s Quora line, whose decision was to announce, “Nobody walks into my fucking kitchen. Understood?”