I agree with your nose test, but you must correct the amounts you measure when using the older dated spices.. Usually, we who use our noses think we have a prefect eye with the spoon .. :)
2 little things I am changing on my feast this year.
I bought cookie cutters in the shape of a maple leaf and turkey to use to cut out the shape in jellied cranberry sauce. Not to many eat the cranberry in my family and now they may since it looks so pretty. (oops I use jellied cranberry)
I am making "stuffing muffins." My stuffing will get its final bake in muffin pans and will come out in that shape. The muffin pan needs to be greased though for anyone who trys this.