Here are a few reminders for those of us – whether visitors or hosts – to keep in mind during our family gatherings.

• When working in an unfamiliar kitchen, make sure to ask for help with appliances if you do not know how they operate. Hosts must have patience and provide clear instructions!
• Unplug appliances that are not being used. Extra bodies may mean extra hairdryers, extra pots of coffee brewing and extra sessions for the toaster oven, so unplug those appliances when you’re done with them.
• Place pots on back burners whenever possible, with handles pointing away from us. Those of us with young children may already be in this habit, but grandparents need to be reminded.
• Pots can stay hot longer than you think. If you are cooking with partners, make sure to over communicate about what is still hot before someone does you a favor of washing your pot and gets burned in the process.
• Watch children constantly during baking sessions. Give little ones tasks that keep them away from the oven.