In The News
Holiday Entertaining without the Stress
10.05.2006
As the season's glistening colors and rich aromas beckon, with them comes the chaos of the holiday rush. 'Tis the season to entertain, but that doesn't need to be an overwhelming task. The following tips, mixed with the right blend of preparation and a dose of holiday cheer, can help anyone put together a quick, yet memorable holiday event.
Advanced preparation is key to ensuring a relaxed and lively hostess. Whether serving a buffet or a sit-down dinner, set the table a day ahead so that only the food is missing. Coordinate place settings, but remember that they don't have to match exactly -- in fact, eclectic settings can bring just the right touch to a festive table. Skip the elaborate centerpiece and instead scatter pinecones and holly sprigs around the table.
Avoid the Baking Frenzy
Holiday baking, while fun in theory, is also labor-intensive work. Avoid time-crunches by making and freezing cookies and quick breads up to a month in advance. Plan a family baking weekend to produce such seasonal favorites as shortbreads and gingersnaps -- then enjoy the holidays with honest home-baked goodness, and without the time strain.
Last-Minute RSVP's
In a moment of questionable good sense, Aunt Edna decides to bring her Bingo partners to the party. To change a cocktail menu into something more substantial, pick up a Cook's Spiral Sliced Ham from the grocery store. Perfectly pre-sliced, serving spiral sliced ham is as easy as using a fork, and is a convenient solution for last-minute meal planning, while adding a touch of elegance to the evening. Cook's Ham comes complete with a glaze packet that takes just minutes to prepare. When presented with rolls and condiments, a centerpiece entrée such as Spiral Sliced Ham clinches best hostess nominations in a way that snack mix never could.
Workable Menu
Look for ease of preparation in all menu items. Instead of hot side dishes and hors d'oeuvres, choose dips and cut-up veggies, or side dishes such as wild rice or polenta that are made in advance and served at room temperature. Take advantage of backyard snowbanks to quickly chill bottles or cans, being careful that they don't freeze.
Without Julia Child's expertise or Martha Stewart's panache, holiday
entertaining can be daunting. But by incorporating a few tips and
using a little imagination, clueless cooks and culinary connoisseurs
alike can avoid the stress of holiday entertaining.
