For first-timers or seasoned pros, putting an elaborate holiday meal on the table for family and friends can be daunting, to say the least. Not to worry, here are some of our favorite tips for serving a wonderful meal while staying calm, cool and collected.
Santa’s not the only one who makes lists. It can be challenging to keep all the details of your holiday meal in your head, so we suggest that you get into the habit of creating lists and checking them twice. Write your lists at least two weeks ahead of time, allowing you to add more items as they pop up. Here are a few quick suggestions:
Cooking ahead is a lifesaver. Desserts are often perfect for making ahead and anything you serve refrigerated, such as cranberry sauce or chutney, can be prepared ahead too. Winter vegetables are hardy and much of the prep work can be accomplished before cooking time. Store peeled sweet potatoes, white potatoes, parsnips and celery root in cool water to maintain crispness and color. Refrigerate all other prepped root vegetables in airtight containers.
Holiday meals are usually feasts, which can lead to overindulging. As part of the meal, consider adding some fresh, raw foods to the menu. For example, provide an appetizer tray of freshly cut fruits and vegetables to help curb appetites before the big meal. Along with the main dishes, serve a delicious fall greens salad or a fresh fruit salad. Many pre-cut fruits and vegetables are available to reduce prep time, making this a time-saving choice too.
There seems to be a false perception that if you host the big meal, you have to prepare everything yourself. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Big holiday dinners are all about sharing good food with family and friends and the stress of constant cooking need not be a side effect. Here are a few ways to ease the cooking burden.
From natural meats raised without antibiotics to fresh cut herbs, guests will taste the difference. Always buy the freshest, best-quality ingredients you can find.
If your guests ask if they can bring something, by all means say, “yes!” If they have a specialty dish they want to bring, that’s perfect. If they offer to pick up a pie or a bottle of wine, that’s great too. Remember that your guests want to contribute to the meal and you don’t want to cut them out of the event.
Another way to accept help is to cook some of the meal from scratch and then purchase a few dishes to complement your menu. Some people choose to purchase the main entree and then make the sides themselves and others pick up a few sides or appetizers or desserts. Focus on your strong suit, and pick up the rest.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to purchase the entire meal. Not everyone is a cook. We believe it is much wiser for non-cooks to enjoy time with family and friends than to stress themselves in the kitchen.
This adage couldn't ring truer than when it comes to planning a big holiday meal. If you are planning to prepare new dishes, a practice run may be in order. A stressful time is never a good time to try out a new recipe. Depending on your level of confidence in the kitchen, you may not need to test out every new recipe. If you’ve made mashed potatoes a jillion times, preparing a new version with garlic and cheese shouldn’t throw you for a loop on the big day. It’s those new recipes that have a multitude of ingredients, cooking steps or both, such as a fancy dessert, that should be approached with appropriate diligence.
Chances are your guest list may include someone with a special diet need. From vegetarian to dairy-free to low sodium, people have a variety of special dietary needs—some even life-threatening. Not to worry though, big holiday meals are actually perfect since there are so many dishes, there is bound to be something for everyone. Check with your guests to make sure you are aware of their needs and review our Guide to Entertaining Guests with Special Diets.
Wine and champagne are wonderfully festive, but be sure to offer nonalcoholic beverages to your guests as well. Sparkling apple ciders and fruit juices make a good alternatives and can be served in wine glasses to facilitate toasting. Organic fruit juices mixed with sparkling water make festive punches and iced herbal, black or green teas are always nice. And, be sure to have plenty of fresh, pure water on hand too.
