It’s that time of year again, time to open the cottage. I have a love-hate relationship with the long weekend in May. Love that it kicks off BBQ season, the summer, being outdoors again after the long grey winter... Hate that I have to clean the cottage and stock it all up for the season. You never know what interesting surprises the winter months have in store for you when you open the cupboards after many months of dormancy. I always hope my closing the year before is more successful than the last. Because frankly, I’d rather spend less time getting the cottage organized and more time enjoying meals on the dock, BBQ’s and picnics outdoors.

So this year, I came up with a game plan well in advance. I was determined to make our cottage kitchen a no-fly zone for critters and anything creepy or crawly. I decided to go old school this year with my new secret weapon: Tupperware (and tons of it!) And yes, before you ask, I even had one of those parties at my house last month... Between you and me, it was kinda fun...and yes I am aware that I need to get out more.

This year I am determined to make our cottage kitchen an impenetrable fortress. Everything from my pantry staples to my lettuce leaves now have their own sealed place. The Sunday night drive back to the city no longer involves us carting bags of groceries back and forth for their own protection. To some, all this may seem nuts, but to me my fight against critters is all-consuming and keeps me up at night. There is something to be said for a well-organized kitchen and if it keeps our summer stress-free ( at least that’s what I’m hoping....keep ya posted) then I’m all for it.

What are your tips for organizing your summers? Any camping or cottaging food tricks? Cool food storage ideas? Things that would make my life easier during the summer months-send them my way, I need all the help I can get!

Happy MAY 24 everyone, let the grilling begin!Jack

Comments ( 1 )

ttiffany@telus.net

Submitted on 05/20/2010 at 12:45

I don't have a cottage but do have a city townhouse with a great big deck. It has a canopy, heater, great comfy furniture and a wonderful vibe that invites our family and family of friends to kick back and enjoy. Party central all summer long starting with a 24th of May open the deck party and continuing till long after Labor Day. I rid the kitchen of all breakable dishes and fill the cupboards with acrylic deck worthy stuff. We keep the food simple and delicious thanks to What's Cooking. And keep the drinks cold and plentiful being careful to ensure guests get home safely and most of all we just have fun.

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