Stress Free Entertaining
One of the most valuable things I ever learned from my grandmother was to relax when having a gathering. She used to say "if you are relaxed, everything will be fine". She taught me how to make successes out of disasters and magic out of everyday staples. Her style was simple: nothing fancy, use items from your pantry and fridge and enjoy yourself. Here are some holiday planning tips. Remember: for any gathering over 6 people, serve buffet style. Six or less is a perfect sit-down meal. If guests offer to bring something, write each item down and keep that list handy. Delegate desserts and time-consuming recipes.
Plan your menu: Antipasto or a charcuterie board is a terrific beginning. This can be done well ahead and refrigerated (do not put any bread item on the tray/board until just before serving). Sliced deli meats; a delicious dip or spread; fresh fruit; melba toasts; nuts and dried apricots make a lovely platter. You can serve on top of fresh grape leaves or purchase some seasonal decorative leaves to dress up your board.
Print out recipes: Print out your menu and recipes well ahead of time. This will allow you to plan your food items; prepare your grocery list and order whatever special items are necessary.
Order special items: If you are ordering a special roast or item from your market or supermarket, place the order two or three weeks in advance. Confirm the order the week of your gathering so there are no miscommunications with your butcher/market. Delegate picking up special items like food and wine to anyone who volunteers.
Make a To-Do List: You don't need to go overboard planning. Make a simple list and stick to it. A minute-by-minute plan will stress you ... keep it simple. Refer to it as necessary.
Cooking: Make and bake whatever you can ahead of time. The day of yout gathering, have your warming plates and so forth heated up before filling and use your microwave and/or toaster oven to reheat prepared dishes. That leaves your oven/ovens available for the main dishes. If you have a really delicious gravy recipe and/or sauce that can be made ahead, do so and refrigerate. Cranberry/orange sauce can be done ahead and simply allowed to warm up at room temperature. Clean-up as you go.
Table: Again, keep this simple. Set your table before hand (again, another task to delegate). Use disposable fancy plates and surround with good crystal and silverware. This will simplify your cleanup. For large gatherings, place two butter dishes at opposite ends of the table for a crowd, as well as multiple salt and pepper shakers. Your centerpiece should be simple and low to the table. If serving anything that requires grated cheese, place two dishes at opposite ends of table. Gravy and condiments can be placed either at the table or with the buffet dishes (or both).
Serving: If serving buffet style, set your dishes out where the flow of people goes easily from food to table. If serving family style, gather your delegates to help bring the food to the table.
Dessert: Coffee and dessert should be served well after the meal, allowing your guests time for rest and conversation. Have ice cream and whipped cream on hand for special occasions. (In my household growing up, this followed just about every meal since my father loved dessert.)
Clean-up: It is up to your host/hostess if they want you to clean up. Offer to help out. If your host/hostess prefers to leave clean-up until later, enjoy the gathering with after-dinner refreshments and leave at an appropriate time. If you are an overnight guest, offer to help clean-up after guests have departed. The task of consolidating food after the gathering requires input from the host or hostess and this is a perfect time to offer help. Moving food from serving dishes to refrigeration containers is quite helpful and appreciated.
Disaster Control: Be prepared for disasters. You can delegate someone whose specific job is to clean-up and manage any spilled food, burns, accidents, etc. Have one vehicle free for any trips to the emergency room (this is not as far-fetched as it sounds) and have a first aid kit handy; a fire extinguisher close by and flashlights. Always be prepared is a pretty good motto for everyone.
Enjoy yourself!
