Season’s greetings, readers!! I know everyone is probably stressing as we count down to the final week before Christmas. I’m sure many of you will be whooping it up over the next two weeks, and if you’re hosting a party, then you are probably feeling double the stress. This week I thought I would offer some tips to help you prepare for your gatherings and actually enjoy yourself when you’re hosting!
First and foremost, do not be afraid to make foods in advance and freeze them. When I am gearing up for a large party, the freezer is my best friend. If you are making any appetizers with a puff pastry or biscuit crust, for example, like my Cranberry Brie Bites, you can make them ahead of time and freeze them. Then, the morning of your party, take them out of the freezer and let them get to room temperature. Next, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees and bake for 15 minutes. Lasagna and baked ziti also freeze well. I assemble them and freeze them uncooked. I find that BBQ pulled pork, sausage and peppers, and meatballs in sauce all freeze and reheat well, too.
Second, don’t be afraid to shop and prep as much as possible ahead of time. I recently purchased organic chicken and the sell-by date was 9 days away. As long as you are staying within the sell-by date, feel free to pick up the food up to a week before your party. Making appetizers with a cream cheese filling or base, such as spinach and artichoke dip or crab dip? Those items can be made 4 days before the event and then just store in the fridge in an air-tight container. Of course, anything with fresh fruits and vegetables, like a salad or veggie tray, should be done the night before or the day of the party.
Third, I know a host’s worst nightmare is serving food that isn’t hot enough, as usually people don’t have the oven space to heat up all the food at once. One of my go-to tricks, before I invested in insulated food carriers, was using dish towels! I kid you not. Heat the food up in a disposable foil pan with the lid, and then wrap that baby up in a dish towel! Investing in those foil pans is worth it, which brings me to my next suggestion…
Finally, use disposable products as much as possible. I am all about being environmentally friendly, but I also think it’s okay to cut yourself a break when hosting your annual Christmas party and loosen the reins. Who wants to be standing in the kitchen scrubbing dishes in the wee hours of the morning after a long night of hosting and partying? Disposable, disposable, disposable and make your night more enjoyable and your life easier.
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who follow me on social media, read my blog posts, and enjoy my crazy-funny stories throughout the year.
My Christmas wish for you all is to relax and enjoy this time with your loved ones, and don’t forgetful to remember all you have to be grateful for in your life! Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year!
