If you’ve hosted a holiday meal, you know that it can be stressful. You might have found yourself sweating over the stove instead of enjoying the holiday party. With some planning and smart shortcuts, you can avoid this stress and enjoy the holiday.
These tips can help your next holiday meal run like a well-oiled machine:
- Make your shopping list at least a week in advance and shop 5 to 7 days before the meal.
- Ask guests in advance to bring specific dishes or help with prep.
- Declutter the kitchen and set aside a spot for finished dishes.
- Prep what you can the night before, like cold salads, chopped vegetables, or desserts.
- Confirm your guest count so you can prepare the right amount of food.
- Check in with everyone about food allergies or dietary restrictions before the party.
Timing and kitchen flow make a big difference. Thawing large items like turkey in the fridge can take days, so starting early helps avoid uneven cooking or long delays. Keeping the menu manageable and cleaning as you go prevents stress and a giant pile of dishes later, so you get to actually enjoy the holiday meal right along with everyone else.
Source: The Daily Meal