Holiday Gift Guide

Putting together a holiday feast is no easy feat.

Anyone who has prepared a multi-course meal knows just how difficult it can be to time everything properly, and to find storage and cooking space for each component of the meal. However, with the following kitchen update ideas, your preparations can be seamless and stress-free.

Love your air fryer? There’s good news. New innovative two-zone air fryer models offer twice the functionality, versatility and convenience of traditional air fryers within a small footprint.

Using the Midea 11QT Two-Zone Air Fryer Oven, you can prepare two fully independent meals, or a meal and side dish, simultaneously. The top portion has a 6-quart air frying basket that is large enough to cook a whole 6pound chicken, while the bottom 5-quart traditional toaster oven is large enough to cook a 9-inch pizza. Use its Sync Finish feature to automatically align cooking times so that all your dishes are ready to serve at precisely the same time. No more cold mashed potatoes!

Occupying only about two-thirds the counter space of both a traditional single-basket air fryer and toaster oven, you can air fry, bake, grill, roast, and keep items warm with one appliance, and still have room for all your other kitchen activities. Also, Wi-Fi capabilities through the SmartHome app allow for voice-activated control and the execution of pre-programmed smart recipes for flawless meal prep.

Still working with a standard faucet? Think about upgrading to a more versatile model that includes such special features as a pull-down sprayer for targeted rinsing of large pots and pans, and touchless operation for the elimination of messes, smudges, cross-contamination and other hazards and irritations that come with cooking and baking. Whether you’re prepping the holiday bird or kneading the pie dough, there are times when it’s best not to touch anything, including the handle of the faucet. Some of today’s models even offer LED color changes to indicate the water temperature, so you don’t get burned by the wrong faucet choice.

If organizing your fridge during holiday hosting feels like a game of Tetris, it may be time to upgrade. Boasting 29.3 cubic feet of storage space, the Midea MRF29D6AST Standard Depth French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker could become your ultimate holiday helper this year, making room for all the festive favorites, from turkey to pie.

Its Click & Glide door bin effortlessly accommodates beverage bottles without any shelf reshuffling, and the dual ice maker in the refrigerator and freezer ensures up to 8 pounds of ice daily, keeping drinks chilled and guests refreshed. Drink fresher water with the instant water filtration technology, which filters drinking water as it dispenses it, as opposed to allowing filtered water to stagnate in a tank.

Finally, Wi-Fi and Voice Control mean you can receive real-time alerts, and adjust temperature settings remotely, without needing to open the refrigerator doors, keeping ingredients as fresh as possible.

Holidays spent with loved ones should be a reprieve from day-to-day responsibilities, not another item on your to-do list. Fortunately, there are many solutions and upgrades to make the season the most wonderful time of the year for holiday hosts and home cooks, too.

As the holidays approach, you might be hosting guests, shopping for gifts and decorating your home. While all these activities can bring a lot of joy into the season, they can also bring an increase in risks. Prepare by following these six tips to prevent damage.

1. Install a smart doorbell. Whether you want to see who just arrived or help keep packages secure, a smart doorbell will keep you updated on all activities in front of your home. From package deliveries to carolers, you can easily view (and communicate) with your visitors, even if you aren’t home.

2. Decorate carefully. As pretty as those lights might be, they can be a tripping hazard. What’s more, overheating lights can trigger a fire in seconds, especially in a dry environment, such as near a parched tree. On Erie Insurance’s YouTube channel, they show how fast a Christmas tree goes up in flames and have tips on how to avoid fires, including to check string lights for any frayed wires and to always turn off lights when you aren’t home.

3. Prepare for the unexpected. As temperatures drop, prepare your home for potential damage. Bad weather can trigger a weak tree to fall, potentially on your house, while cold temperatures can cause frozen pipes, which could cost thousands of dollars in water damage if the pipes burst. Be sure to keep your homeowners insurance up to date so you are prepared should any seasonal damage occur. To prevent that damage and a costly claim, survey your property and even call-in experts to check trees, pipes and other possible hazards.

4. Stay safe on the road. The winter season carries driving risks. Not only may roads be slick and icy, but holiday shoppers are often stressed and frazzled. On roads, and particularly in shopping centers and mall parking lots, slow down and stay alert to avoid a fender-bender. As an added precaution, be sure to keep your auto insurance up to date in case of damage. Your insurance company might offer options to help you tighten your wallet during an expensive season. For example, Erie Insurance offers convenient bundling of car and home insurance to potentially save you money.

5. Mingle merry – and safely. Holiday parties can be fun, but make sure you have a plan for getting home safely. And if you’re hosting the party, be aware that in most states party hosts can be held liable for their guests’ actions behind the wheel. So be sure your guests have a safe ride home.

6. Be smart online. If you’d rather keep your comfy pants on and do your holiday shopping online, be aware of where your data might be susceptible and only shop on reputable sites. An ERIE’s homeowner policy includes identity recovery coverage that can help you if you are the unfortunate victim of identity fraud.

Whether you are having a party or going on a shopping spree, being safe and prepared for the holidays is key to avoiding any accidents, injuries and incidents.