Nothing can disappoint a host(ess) like finding out one of their guests can't eat the fabulous food they've prepared. Entertaining during the holidays seems especially fraught with challenges. No one relishes the thought of Aunt Sally munching on celery sticks while everyone else digs into the classics that she can't enjoy. From vegetarian or lactose intolerant to gluten sensitivities or nut allergies, people have a variety of needs when it comes to food — some that are personal choices and others that are medically necessary. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to make sure all of your guests are well-fed and satisfied. I’ve got some special tips to help make this easy and delicious! First, you’ll need to inquire about special dietary requirements your guests might have. If you are sending out invitations, just include a note requesting an “RSVP with dietary restrictions, please.” If speaking directly to your guests, let them know ahead of time that you haven’t set your menu yet and would like to know if they have any special requests or restrictions. Believe me: You can save yourself and your guests much embarrassment! Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to set your menu. Some changes can be simple — like using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for vegetarian options. Others can be more involved. Here are a few words of caution:

• Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening. It is critical that you think through all aspects of your cooking for a guest with a serious allergy – or ask them to help you.
• Cross contamination can be a problem, especially with allergic foods such as gluten, peanuts, shellfish and tree nuts. That means if you chop nuts on your cutting board for one dish and then chop celery for a “nut-free” dish without washing the board, you are not really nut-free. Same goes for stirring spoons, serving utensils, blenders, food processors, etc.
• Be aware of hidden ingredients. Adding flour to gravy may be so automatic that you don’t stop to think that the flour contains gluten. Don't worry, there are substitutes!
• If you are making dishes that include packaged foods, check labels for “hidden” ingredients such as gluten, nuts or dairy.

You may want to consider serving your holiday meal buffet style. This is a great way to please all guests and keep the food separate. Remember that not all of your dishes need to meet everyone’s requirements. Serving a protein choice with a couple of side dishes is fine. Here are some examples of what I mean:

• If you are serving a turkey or a ham, present a tofu or lentil dish for vegetarian guests.
• If you are serving bread stuffing, offer a rice stuffing for gluten-free guests.
• If serving whipped cream, pick up a non-dairy whipped topping as well.

Buffet-style meals are perfect for setting out small cards, like place-setting cards, that include the name of the dish and the ingredient listing. If your meal is not buffet-style, your guests will appreciate a quick private rundown on the dishes that meet their needs and those that don’t. Now, on to the good stuff! Here are some delicious “alternative” holiday dishes you may want to try. Gluten Free:

• Brown Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Apricots
• Gluten-Free Bread Stuffing
• Cranberry Banana Quinoa Bread
• More gluten-free holiday recipes

Dairy Free:

• Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
• Foolproof Turkey Gravy
• Miso Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• More dairy-free holiday recipes

Vegetarian Options:

• Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Tempeh
• Green Apple and Butternut Squash Casserole
• More vegetarian holiday recipes

You can also use our advanced recipe search to look for recipes that meet other special dietary needs. Planning a holiday feast for folks with special dietary needs? What will you serve? Got a favorite idea or recipe you plan to include? I would love to know!