My Mother-in-Law’s Top 5 Pre-Holiday Kitchen Restocks

As a self-proclaimed hosting hobbyist, I wish I could say that the holidays don’t sneak up on me, but they do. Luckily, my job is as simple as bringing a couple of dishes and helping my mother-in-law — my kitchen partner in crime and a seasoned holiday host — cook and serve what’s left. Whether for Thanksgiving or Christmas, she manages to restock the pantry, decorate the table, and make sure she has all the necessary cookware. From kitchen knives for prepping veggies to food storage containers everyone can take on the go, here’s what Wanda recommends swapping and keeping restocked each year to ensure holiday dinners are food-safe, simple to prep, and easy to share.

Best Mother-in-Law Pre-Holiday Swaps and Restocks Overall

• Rubbermaid Brilliance BPA-Free Food Storage Containers, $28, originally $40
• Misen Carbon Steel No-Coating Nonstick Frying Pan, $109
• KitchenAid All-Purpose Kitchen Shears, $8, originally $9
• Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator, $10, originally $15
• Homaxy 6-Piece Waffle-Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths, $9, originally $15
• Gorilla Grip Soft Silicone Oven Mitts, $15

Don’t Use: Paper Plates and Plastic Wrap

Instead: Swap with Storage Containers

I can’t tell you how many containers I’ve gotten from my mother-in-law just from the holidays. Because we collectively make enough food for the family to grab seconds or thirds (maybe fourths!) if they want, she always plans for everyone to pack to-go containers. She keeps large sets of inexpensive, BPA-free plastic food storage containers stocked. Not only do they stack well for storage, but they’re reusable and dishwasher-safe for those who take them home. For long-term food storage solutions to keep for yourself, I’ve also included some of our top-recommended non-toxic reusable food storage bags and glass containers below.

Don’t Use: Damaged Pots and Pans

Instead: Swap with Nonstick Cookware

My mother-in-law and I are two peas in a pod, with that pod being for people who love using nonstick cookware. Nonstick cookware isn’t something you necessarily need to replace yearly; still, she keeps an eye out for signs of damage, such as scratches, chips, and discoloration that can make the cookware unsafe to use. No matter the material — ceramic, Teflon, or diamond-infused — coated nonstick cookware will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. If the time has come to replace your pots and pans, a new nonstick cookware set can be just the kitchen refresh you need ahead of holiday hosting season.

• Misen Carbon Steel No-Coating Nonstick Frying Pan, $109
• Caraway Fry Pan Duo Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan Set, $216, originally $240
• Our Place Titanium No-Coating Nonstick Mini Perfect Pot Pro, $169
• All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick 2-Piece Fry Pan Set, $70, originally $100
• Made In Cookware ProCoat 12-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan, $159
• Staub Cast Iron 5.5-qt Round Cocotte- Grenadine, $420
• Tramontina Bestow Enameled Cast Iron Skillet with Lid, $52, originally $70

Don’t Use: Dull Knives

Instead: Swap with Sharp Kitchen Cutlery

Wanda knows that some kitchen tools should never go in the dishwasher, and knives are one of them. However, well-intentioned family members, dutifully helping wash dishes, will sometimes slip your nice Chef’s knife or kitchen shears into the dishwasher. Between holiday seasons, this can happen more than once, so my mother-in-law is sure to inspect her cutlery, including bread knives, zesters, and vegetable peelers that can dull over time. Often, your knives merely need a fresh sharpening, so I also highlighted a couple of our top-tested knife sharpeners.

• Sandewily 3-Piece High-Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set, $46
• Longzon 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener with Cut-Resistant Gloves, $10, originally $13
• Presto EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener, $48, originally $55
• KitchenAid All-Purpose Kitchen Shears, $8, originally $9
• Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-Inch Wavy-Edge Bread Knife, $16
• Black+Decker 9-Inch Electric Carving Knife, $22
• Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, Set of 3, $16, originally $18
• Microplane Classic 12-Inch Zester Twin Pack, $25

Don’t Use: A Whole Box of Baking Soda

Instead: Swap with a Refrigerator Deodorizer

One thing about my mother-in-law: She keeps her fridge clean, free of expired foods, and always smelling fresh. Her preferred method for fighting tough refrigerator odors is using baking soda. Simply set an open box of baking soda in the fridge to freshen your refrigerator for up to three months, or fill a fridge deodorizer with baking soda — it’s both a cute and compact solution. Other alternatives can constantly fight fridge odors for up to 10 years.

Don’t Use: Torn Towels and Tablecloths

Instead: Swap with New Kitchen and Dining Linens

Did I mention that Wanda is a professional florist? As a creative who has arranged florals and tablescapes for countless special occasions, she understands how intentional decor and dining pieces can enhance a holiday get-together. She doesn’t replace the linens every single year, but my mother-in-law has certainly collected her fair share of neutral and holiday-themed tablecloths, placemats, and cloth napkins. Additionally, she checks the kitchen linens for tattered dishcloths and worn-out kitchen towels that need to be replaced after years of use.