11 Clever Products to Take the Stress Out of Hosting for the Holidays

The guests are coming in a few days, your holiday shopping list seems to be getting longer, and the line at the grocery store never seems to end. The season is in full swing, and while the holidays are a lot of fun, they can be equally as stressful.

In order to help make things just a bit easier, we searched the internet to find products that will help take some of the stress out of preparing meals and hosting a house full of guests. Alongside making life a little simpler, these items could double as great presents, too, helping you cross another item off your to-do list.

1. iPstyle Pan Lid Holder; $8

Hot, dripping pan lids and food-covered utensils are an easy way to make a mess on counters and floors while cooking big meals. The iPstyle Pan Lid Holder provides a place to set down both without getting food everywhere, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Buy It: Amazon

2. Kraft Paper to Cover the Kids' Table; $24

While kids definitely make the holidays more lively, their short attention spans and penchant for spillage can definitely complicate your peaceful dream dinner. Covering the kids’ table in kraft paper, however, will not only keep them occupied—it’ll also make for the easiest clean-up imaginable. Toss in a pack of crayons or washable markers, and let your tiny guests’ imaginations do the rest.

Buy It: Amazon

3. Silpat; $17

Even if you enjoy baking cookies for the holidays, you may be less fond of the clean-up that comes afterwards. The easiest way to avoid scrubbing burnt messes off your baking sheets is to use a silicone mat. The Silpat makes any surface non-stick, which means that baked goods come off clean every time without messy sprays and oils. The best part is that it keeps the tray beneath clean, and all the mat needs is a quick wipedown before it's ready for your next baking session.

Buy It: Amazon

4. Super Sonic Scrubber; $24

Cleaning up after the holidays doesn’t have to be backbreaking work. This super sonic scrubber helps remove stubborn stains and sticky residue from stoves, dishes, and sinks, to name just a few—leaving you more time to spend with family and friends (or to catch up on a Hallmark holiday movie marathon). The set comes with five removable brushes that you can switch out, depending on what and where you’re cleaning.

Buy It: Amazon

5. 16-Piece Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers; $56

Whether you’re hosting or being hosted for the holidays, there are going to be leftovers. So you may as well be prepared. This 16-piece set comes in all different sizes and is 100 percent leak-proof and airtight, keeping your food fresh for longer.

Buy It: Amazon

6. Automatic Pan Stirrer; $25

Sometimes, when you’re working in the kitchen, you could really use an extra set of hands.With the automatic pan stirrer, you can have them. For recipes that call for continuous stirring, simply put the wand in a simmering pot, set the timer, and let the stirrer go to work as you continue crossing other items off your to-do list.

Buy It: Uncommon Goods

7. Cookbook Stand; $60

Made from salvaged wood, each of these cookbook holders has a unique design that makes a beautiful and practical addition to any kitchen. Alongside its beautiful look, you can adjust the angle, and it has a convenient space for charging cords if you're using a tablet. When you're not using it, the stand collapses flat, making it a snap to store.

Buy It: Uncommon Goods

8. Wine Dispenser; $65

Wine is a pretty important part of holiday gatherings, so make sure it’s served in style. All you need to do is put in the bag from boxed wine or fill the included three-liter bag with your favorite bottle—or bottles.

Buy It: Uncommon Goods

9. Cheeseboard; $85

What holiday party is complete without cheese? This board has four spaces for ceramic serving bowls, a section for crackers, and a drawer with three cheese knives. One of the best parts about this board is that when you're done, it folds down to half its size for easy storage.

Buy It: Uncommon Goods

10. Power strip; $30

A house full of guests means a house full of gadgets. To keep everyone's favorite accessory nice and charged, pick up the Echogear power strip. It includes six rotating outlets that keep power adapters out of the way, plus two fixed side plugs, so no one will have to fight over a charger.

Buy It: Amazon

11. Wine cooler; $26

This marble cooler makes it easy to serve chilled wine without having to think about it. Simply put the chiller in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it and it will keep your bottles cool for up to two hours. The marble cylinder is also padded at the bottom so it won’t scratch surfaces. You can also get it in white for $30 on Amazon.

Buy It: Amazon

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we choose all products independently and only get commission on items you buy and don't return, so we're only happy if you're happy. Thanks for helping us pay the bills!