If you’ve decided to host a holiday party, ample preparation for that delicious holiday meal is a crucial component. Whether you are cooking for your incoming family members, corporate events, weddings, or retirement parties, how you prepare all the dishes is what will leave your guests talking about your cooking prowess.
Here are five steps to help plan your perfect holiday meal:
Step 1
Plan your menu and decide what recipes you will use. Be realistic in your capabilities and time frame. Choose recipes that you have pulled off successfully in the past; this isn’t a day to attempt a new cooking technique. Also, find out how many guests are coming, think about them--whether they have any food allergies or if they’re vegetarians.
Step 2
Plan what can be prepared before the D-day. Cranberry sauce is a perfect item to make a day before the party. However, sweet potato casserole should not be made ahead of time since it will get gluey. You’ll want to serve your dishes fresh and hot just like a lunch delivery; therefore prepare only what can be reheated and leave the rest for the party day.
Step 3
While planning holiday parties, it’s recommended to cross check all the equipment such as party trays, pots, and dishes among others, a few days before. Just like you do while preparing for picnics, create a list of everything you’ll need and go grocery shopping.
Step 4
The day before the party; prepare everything so that you can relish the following day’s party. Do everything except for oven-roasted turkey and mashed potatoes. The red-skinned garlic mashed potatoes can be cooked 1-2 hours before the guests arrive and the turkey is prepared early morning the D-day.
Step 5
On the day of the party, wake up early, stuff the turkey, and place it in the oven. Cook the potatoes and mash them. Leave some time before the guests arrive to clean up.
Tip: Try to prepare a balanced diet, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts to serve. For instance, you can serve oven-roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and gravy.Add some spinach salad and a caramel apple bread pudding for a dessert.
The Takeaway
Now that you have what you need to help you plan your perfect holiday meal, remember that the most crucial part of being the holiday host is preparing the meal on time and better yet, create time to interact and enjoy the company of your guest.Therefore, use these great steps to prepare your holiday meal.Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy all the excitement of the holiday season. Check out Peppercini's Deli & Cateringto assist in your holiday meal needs!
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