The holidays can feel overwhelming, especially if the big festivities are taking place at your house. I have established a few essential steps for hosting over the holidays that help keep me organized and plan a successful evening.
Establish the menu
The first step for me is always to establish the menu. I choose 3-4 appetizers, 2 main dishes with 3 side dishes and 2 desserts. Once I decide what I want to serve, I can build my shopping list (broken down by shops and departments).
Prepare ahead
Don’t leave everything until the day of. Anything you can do in the days leading up to the big event should be tackled! There are dishes you can prepare ahead and put in the freezer. Décor is another task that can be tackled in the week before the big day.
Ask for help
You don’t need to do everything yourself. Make a list of specific tasks and delegate them to your team of helpers. Teamwork will make everything come together seamlessly.
Keep it simple
From décor to dishes, my mantra is to keep it simple. Instead of seven different salads, I’ll serve three unique ones that I’ve put a lot of thought into. The presentation of the dishes and the décor looks more polished when it is uncomplicated.
Planning a dinner amidst the chaos of the holiday season can seem daunting. To keep myself from feeling overwhelmed I use the steps above to stay organized, because once the gathering is in motion you get to enjoy a wonderful evening with the people closest to you.
