how to keep them out of kitchen while i'm preparing Xmas dinner??

[Onestepatatime]

Whenever I'm preparing a meal, the kids (ages 22 and 25 - my stepkids)keep drifting into the kitchen to make tea & toast, it drives me mad. I know it will be the same at Xmas, and I will end up wanting to kill them (Ho Ho Ho Christmas Cheer anyone? ). I dont feel able to tell them not to because it DH wants them to feel 'at home' with us, so I end up doing constant clearing/washing up of cups & plates while doing meal as well . On top of that we have a galley kitchen you couldn't swing a cat in, and no dishwasher (or at least only the human version, i.e Me). Is there any solution to this except swigging gin swearing under my breath and wearing a fixed grin all day?

tell them to bog off out the way or HELP!

send them all - including your dh out for a walk.

Sounds simple, I know, JARM, but they're sensitive souls, & would take offence = Christmas Misery for everyone. Helping is not something they do. I suspect their own mum is a slave, and they expect me to be the same.

Make flask of coffee and put it plus OJ ,croissants, jams, sliced loaf and the toaster on a table in another room - say "I thought you'd like a special breakfast together whilst I'm cooking" smile sweetly and waltz away. If they don't get the hint hand them a teatowel as they walk in and say " Oh you are kind-do you want to wash or dry?"

We solve this by having, cups of tea, coffee or a fizz champ drink while opening pressies, then a hot brunch at 10- 11ish, and our main meal around 4ish. 2 meals.

Christmas times should be more 'ish' like I feel.

mke them help!
or do it for you!>>>>>

My dh takes them out post presents for a run in the fresh air ( I know it they sound like border collies, but they are children)

I put the carols on, have a glass of vino collapso, potter about in the kitchen and alls right with the world.

I cant wait, feeling all christmassy now!

Message withdrawn

Infact - don't let them drift, do it once for everyone.
If they're not up, leave some cold toast and tea, outside their bedroom door and knock loudly.

Or let DH do the breakfast and the older ones wash up and say it has to be cleared by X time or you will put "I saw mummy kissing Santa Claus" on the CD.