Hints and Tips for Holiday Entertaining

1. First and foremost remember; it’s a party. Don’t make a menu so large and complicated that you are exhausted by the time the event starts. Your guests are there to celebrate with you and you with them.

2. Get some help; one or more people in the kitchen or dining area can make all the difference in a party. Someone replenishing food and taking care of used dishes takes a lot of strain off the host. This person could be a neighborhood teenager, or a professional if desired. It is money well spent.

3. Plan a menu that allows for a large amount of pre- preparation. Don’t leave everything to be made or displayed at the last minute.

4. If there is a traditional dish from your family or past that you make well, make it the center piece of your table, and tell everyone its story. Taste memories are some of our most evocative memories; they take us back to great times in the past and make the holidays sparkle.

5. Try and feature both traditional dishes and modern renditions on your table. Spice up some of the traditional dishes with modern ethnic flavors, and try new items in the place of old standbys, for instance you could try pheasant or wild turkey in the place of the standard turkey.

6. Develop a great guest list, invite people from all areas of your life, and mix business with social and local friends. This makes for much better conversation and inter-action. Be aware of any special dietary needs of your guests and try and have something for everyone without being “preachy” in your menu.

7. Do less items well, rather than a lot of items done poorly. Display the food in a simple manner, over done presentations while striking at first rarely last and quickly become shabby looking.

8. Use your home to its best advantage. Don’t assume that the dining room is the best place to serve the food from, look at all areas in your home for unique areas for service and décor. While food should be presented simply, use the décor and ambiance of your home in concert with interesting and unique service containers and arrangements to highlight your own style.

9. If the meal you are serving is a seated dinner, try and keep food during the cocktail hour very light and simple. Also if the inspiration strikes you try and serve a special or themed cocktail as part of this hour.

10. Relax and have a great time, people are with you to celebrate the season, not have a catered banquet. Be proud of what you have done and celebrate with them.