Chances are your holiday guest list may include someone with a special diet need. From vegetarian to dairy-free to low sugar, people have a variety of special dietary needs—some personal choices and others medically required. Whatever the reason, as the host you want to make sure all of your guests are well fed and happy. Here are some simple tips for helping make special diets equal special times.
To begin planning your holiday meal, you first need to find out about any special dietary needs your guests may have. If sending written invitations, simply include a note requesting “Please RSVP with dietary restrictions.” Or, when speaking with your guests, simply say, “I haven't set the menu yet; remind me, is there anything you're not eating?” People who have special dietary needs will be relieved to have the opportunity to let you know—no one likes to offend their host by not eating the food that is served.
Once you assemble your list of what foods to avoid, think about what you would like to serve. There may be some simple substitutes, such as using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in your stuffing for a vegetarian guest.
For more elaborate changes to your menu plan, look for appropriate recipes in books, magazines or on websites. Our Guide to Winter Holidays has numerous recipes designed to meet various dietary needs.
Next, head to your local Whole Foods Market and explore the aisles to see what options exist. Many of our team members are very knowledgeable about our selection of alternative products. Feel free to go to the customer service desk and ask some questions. For example, if your dinner guest has an allergy to dairy products, our team members can direct you to dairy alternatives.
With a little investigative work, you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover how “unrestricted” those restrictions actually are.
Important Tip: Be careful when cooking your favorite recipes, especially when gluten sensitivities are involved. For example, adding flour as a gravy thickener or when browning meat could be so automatic to you that you don’t remember there’s gluten involved. Don't worry, there are substitutes!
Since many holiday meals are served buffet-style, they offer a wonderful way to satisfy various dietary needs and introduce guests to new dishes at the same time. Not all of your dishes need to meet your guest’s needs, just try to have at least one protein dish and a couple of side dishes that they can eat.
To illustrate, if you're serving a main course of turkey or ham and there’s a vegetarian or two on your list, create an additional entree that is vegetarian—Lentils in Puff Pastry is our favorite vegetarian entree this holiday season. The meat eaters can enjoy vegetarian entrees as a side dish and your special guest will feel right at home.
You can also let guests assemble some of their own food. Providing a nice green salad, for example, can be a great choice that satisfies a variety of diets. Just keep any cheese, nuts or creamy dressing on the side and offer alternative dressing for your guests on dairy-free diets.
Some of the most common restrictions you might encounter are those of a vegetarian or vegan, and avoidance of gluten or dairy—all require Special Diets.
Important Tip: Remember when making a recipe that includes prepared packaged foods that sometimes ingredients are “hidden” within them that might not meet special diet needs. Be sure to read the labels and ask questions of our team members.
Holiday times with family and friends can often center around the kitchen. The scent of food cooking, the bustle of food preparation and the desire to converse with the chef all draw guests into the kitchen. So we say put them to work! You may find it fun and appropriate to ask a guest to help prepare a special dish—especially when cooking with ingredients that you may not be familiar with. For example, asking your gluten-free guest to make the gluten-free gravy may be the perfect plan to ensure the dish turns out well for all.
People with special diets need to eat carefully, but they also want to be good guests. No one likes having to ask “What’s in that?” over and over again. Instead, they will generally assume they can’t eat it and move on. One easy way to help your guests is to make small ingredient cards, like a place setting card, that lets your guests know exactly what is in those delicious dishes. Alternatively, you can take your guests aside and give them a private rundown on the dishes that meet their needs and those that don’t.
Remember, the holidays are all about spending time with your family and friends. Learning a little bit about their dietary restrictions gives you an insight into their daily lives, and preparing an appropriate meal for them shows them how much you care. Sharing a meal that brings people closer together...isn't that what it’s all about?
For ideas on recipes to prepare for your guests with special diet needs, check out our list of gluten-free and dairy-free holiday dishes as well as our favorite holiday vegetarian entrees.
