There are two keys to a successful holiday: having enough room to prepare and store the food, and getting rid of the clutter. Strive for a look out of Real Simple or Better Homes and Garden.

CLEAN THE CUPBOARDS

Clear those the shelves before you head off to the grocery store. That way, you'll know what you need, and you'll have to sort through less mess without the new stuff. Canned goods actually get old. My mother used to say look for bulging or rusted cans as a sign of bad food.

Problem is, most canned goods start losing their freshness long before they'll make you sick. A good rule of thumb is to keep canned goods one year. Some manufacturers are using expiration dates you can read, but others are in hidden codes. If you can't remember when you bought it, either throw it out or call the 800 number on the can (if there is one) to decipher the code.

Dry goods also can go bad. Baking powder loses its ability to help baked goods rise, flour can get rancid and so can rice. If you're baking all the time, it's probably not an issue. But if you only bake for birthdays and holidays, you might need fresh supplies. When in doubt, throw it out.

THE REFRIGERATOR

This is probably a bit easier, as many fresh foods have clear expiration dates. Go through the condiments as well. When was the last time you used that marinade or that salad dressing on the bottom shelf? Can you say yuck?

Fresh food is somewhat easier — limp and moldy, out! If you're not sure, the Food and Drug Administration has a chart for fresh and frozen foods you can check at www.fda.gov.

OK, as long as you've got the fridge door open, take time to wipe down the shelves. It's easiest to put removable shelves in the sink and wash with dish soap. Wipe down all other shelves with a multisurface cleaner, such as Fantastik with OxyPower. Use Mr. Clean Eraser on the door and handles.

Items in the freezer are usually only good from three months to a year. Again, even if food has not gone bad, it can taste bad from freezer burn or just being old.

OVEN AND STOVETOP

Since a lot of us live in newer houses, many of us probably have self-cleaning ovens. Follow the directions for yours, but don't plan on cooking for a few hours. I love to do this on cold days because it's a great way to warm up the house. The last oven I owned was older and required oven cleaner and a bit more time. I've always preferred Easy-Off. It's best to have the window open a bit for ventilation, which means you will lose some heat.

The glass window, and the edges around the door, can be easily cleaned in either case with a degreaser.

MICROWAVE

Nothing is grosser than a dirty microwave. I tried Easy-Off heat-activated microwave wipes and was pleasantly surprised at the result. My own microwave oven isn't that old, and I think I keep it pretty clean, but this took off every bit of grime and every small splatter. It looks like new. More importantly, it was quick and easy. I spent 5 minutes cleaning the microwave.

COUNTERTOPS

It's time to move all big things on your countertops, from blenders to mixers to spice racks, and clean behind them. Use Fantastik Oxy Power multipurpose spray or, if it's only dust, something less powerful such as Method all-purpose cleaner. I like the lavender-scented one.

After this quick clean, do a quick inventory. What's on the counter that you won't need during this holiday? Store that appliance or miscellaneous clutter somewhere else and give yourself more countertop space.

BATHROOMS

I'd focus on removing any clutter on the countertop or in the shower stall. Dump the old shampoo bottles, put away all the personal items (makeup, razors, hair gels). Leave out only what you actually use each day. Put those items in a basket that you can quickly put in a cupboard when company arrives.

When you're at the store this weekend, pick up some great-smelling specialty soaps, and scented candles. And use these whether you're having guests or not. We all deserve spa treatment.

IDENTIFY CLUTTER

I'm talking about the clutter that has been there for a few weeks or longer, not the daily dragging out of the toys or dumping of mail. Put out a trash can and a box for recyclables. The clutter is either yours, your spouse's or the kids'. Assign your workers accordingly. Once it's gone, you'll be good through the holidays since it will probably take a while to build back up again.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Pick your battles. You don't have to do everything at once, and not everything is weighted equally.

I wouldn't take on the overstuffed closets at this point, or the garage, or anything where a closed door will work as well. If kids are helping, assign them age-relative tasks. But don't overdo. Make sure it's something they can accomplish and you can praise at the end of an hour or two.