(ARA) – The small talk leading up to the holidays might focus on food and presents, but enjoying the company of loved ones is what’s really at the heart of the season. So if you’re planning on hosting, don’t let kitchen duty keep you from catching up with family and friends.

Hosting can be a rewarding experience, and you don’t have to be absent for all the fun. Consider that the average American spends more than a half hour per day preparing food and cleaning up after a meal, according to the 2009 American Time Use Survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a lot of time in the kitchen, and likely only a fraction of the time it takes to prepare for a big holiday meal. Before holiday hosting, learn a few time-saving tricks that you can carry into your daily life.

* Get organized. Do set up beforehand, so you don’t have to work around your guests. This includes setting the table in advance. It’s also a good idea to make sure all of your cooking equipment is well-organized. Don’t waste time digging for that spatula – put it out on the counter with your serveware. Make sure to empty the dishwater prior to guests’ arrival. You’ll thank yourself later.

* Cut down on prep time. If you are cooking for a lot of people, it only makes sense to get out of the way everything that can be done before the day of the meal. Make and freeze casseroles in advance, or buy a few pre-made items for a holiday meal instead of making everything from scratch. Outfitting your sink with an instant hot water dispenser is another way to speed up meal preparation. From getting a jump start on boiling water for pasta or potatoes to preparing a quick cup of tea, the near-boiling water streamlines kitchen chaos and eliminates the waiting game. The system also delivers cool, filtered water so whether you plan on hosting or are just looking for an extra hand in the kitchen, a system like this might make a good early holiday present to yourself.

* Don’t turn down help. While you might feel obligated to do everything yourself your guests will be more than eager to help you out. Take all the help you can get – including offers to bring side dishes or desserts.

* Clean as you go. Saving a mountain of dishes until the end can clutter up your kitchen and allow food to solidify on them, adding to cleaning time. Try to clear dishes after each course and rinse them before dropping them in the dishwasher. Run silverware and candleholders under hot water to remove any residue. Don’t forget that kitchen appliances like your garbage disposal are great for getting rid of food scraps and eliminating trash pileup. Again, don’t shy away if your guests want to help put the kitchen back in order.

With a little planning and small strategic adjustments, you’ll be able to dazzle your guests while also enjoying quality time with them, which is what the holidays are all about.

Illustration by Amanda Limbach

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