It’s a challenge to achieve perfect host status and still leave yourself the time and energy to celebrate with your guests. This comes to the forefront over the holiday season when being together is the entire reason for our celebration. How can you do it when you’re stuck in the kitchen, finalizing little details, stowing away coats and purses, etc.?
The key is to free yourself up from being or doing a few simple things:
If you think your guests will be into it, you can even present a build-your-own “perfect French pear martini” or other cocktail by displaying the recipe in a cute frame on a table with all of the ingredients for guests to use… hello, mixology bar! Truthfully, guests will love making their own drink and getting to see more of their friend, the host, so it’s a win-win.
- Stirring or cooking at the stove
- Last minute prep
- Pouring drinks (a few is fine)
- Too much directing traffic
Plan to do most of the cooking and preparation before-hand
Yes, this is possible to create a menu with items that can be done ahead! Working backwards: Begin prep work 2-3 days ahead. There are many items that can be done ahead (even, and especially) for Thanksgiving. Items that are great do-ahead dishes for a party:- room temperature or cold foods (charcuterie or bruschetta)
- soups or dips that can be in a crockpot or super low simmer
- Salad (keep dressing to the side)
- baked pasta like lasagna that can finish cooking as guests arrive, no supervision needed
- stove top pasta (needs to be done at the last minute)
- dishes that need to be served HOT, right when they’re done cooking