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    Home » Tips and Tricks » How to Host Holiday Meals Stress Free

    How to Host Holiday Meals Stress Free

    Posted on November 12, 2021 By Beth Neels

    189 shares

    You need this guide to find out how to host Holiday Meals stress free! No more stressing out because you forgot to do something and find out when everything is ready to go!

    Organization is the key. Not organized? No worries, I’ve got your back! As an added bonus, you’ll also get a sample holiday menu, complete with lots of recipes!

    Table with holiday meal just before serving.

    I had a smaller group than usual for Thanksgiving this year. In the afternoon, I posted on Facebook that I was pretty much done with all my prep and all I had to do was nothing until the turkey came out of the oven. I had a few comments asking me to do a blog post on how I managed that and thought that was a great idea!

    I used to be so stressed out cooking holiday meals that by the time everything was ready to eat, I was worn out and didn’t even feel like eating. Not so anymore. Through the years, I have come up with several tricks that work for me and I’m sure they will help you out too!

    So now that we have all made it through Thanksgiving, it’s time to turn our attentions to Christmas. It’s such a busy time of year… shopping, cleaning, baking, decorating, wrapping, etc. etc. etc.

    I have a pretty big group coming for Christmas but I’m confident that I will still have time to watch “Chef’s Table” for a while in the afternoon because I will have everything done! (Yes I am a geek, I watch cooking shows in the middle of cooking the largest meal of the year! 🙂 )

    So I want to take you through the process. First and foremost, make lists!!

    Make lists for helping You host holiday meals stress free

    Make a menu list

    Christmas dinner list of dishes, master list

    I can’t stress that enough. Start with a master list for your menu. Get that set in your mind early.

    You can always tweak a few things here or there if you find a great recipe you want to try or you can’t find that special ingredient you are looking for.

    Make a shopping list

    List of all ingredients needed to make holiday dinner

    Once your menu list is made, go through all of the recipes. Add the ingredients you don’t normally have in your pantry to the list. I keep my shopping list on Alexa, on my phone. The reason for this is that before smartphones, I would leave the list on the refrigerator, in the car, or lost somewhere in the bottom of the black hole that is my purse!

    When I use the last of a pantry item, I tell Alexa to update the list. So I don’t usually have to worry about those items.

    Just in case, when coming up with your shopping list, check all of the pantry items that you might be low on and add them to the list. If you do this list early, you can pick up a few things that may be on sale when doing your regular grocery shopping. Thereby saving money, as an added bonus.

    Shopping list with purchased items crossed out.

    As you purchase items, cross them off of the list. You can purchase the non-perishable items well in advance and not have to worry about them! In this case, I just bought the turkey, almonds and cranberries because they were on sale. Dry sherry is a pantry item for me.

    Make a timeline of tasks needed to host holiday meal

    timeline of when to start task on the day of the holiday

    Go back to your menu and determine how long each task will take to prepare and how long each item needs to cook. Add each task to a timeline that you can refer to all day.

    Make a list of dishes required for serving

    list of serving dishes and utensils you will need

    Go back to your original list and determine how many serving platters, serving bowls and serving utensils you will need. This will save a ton of stress as you are getting your finished food ready to plate and you have nothing to put them in.

    If you’re like me, the only time I break out the good china, is a few holidays. Inevitably they need rewashing. A few days before your event, get the dishes and serving bowls out and wash them. Then just set them aside for a few days.

    I usually cover with a clean kitchen towel because we have 3 dogs and they would be full of dog hair, if I didn’t. One to two days ahead, purchase the produce and perishables.

    Plan Your decor in advance to host holiday meals stress free

    Table set with holiday centerpiece.

    Again, well in advance, plan your table decorations including, centerpiece, dinnerware, plates, serving platters and bowls, napkins, etc. If you know the color scheme you want to go with, you can pick up lots of things at the dollar store. Saving you more money!! Here is a fun article from Southern Living on Table Settings!

    These are fun. Just a few different sized glasses and a vase with some spruce that I cut from the back yard. A package of tealights and a few colorful leaves. Cost me $8 at the dollar store. When they are lit they are really cute! The tea lights float on water for about 40 minutes.

    dollar store shelves showing great glass ware for centerpieces

    In my local dollar store there is an entire isle dedicated to glassware of all shapes and sizes. You can come up with really cute centerpieces for next to nothing!

    Set tables in advance

     Table set with all serving dishes

    If you read posts with tips such as this, many advocate for setting the table up to a week early. There is no way I can do this. We live in an old farmhouse and the dining table is where everything is set when anyone walks in the front door. Backpacks, groceries, tools, mail, you name it, it ends up resting, for a time, on the table. I have, in my old age, decided that I am setting it the day before any event.

    So iron the tablecloth, if you must, (I freaking hate ironing and might not if my Mom wasn’t coming 🙂 ). Place the centerpiece and set place settings. If you are doing a buffet, set up for that. (Threaten your family with a horrible fate if anything gets messed up!)

    Make dishes ahead of time

    Anything that can be made a day or two in advance, do it. Think cranberry or other sauces. Parboil vegetables and cold shock them. If you are making stuffing, for instance, cook any sausage and the onions and celery the day before and store in a container. Then you can just add it to the bread cubes and stock the day of the feast.

    I usually make Cauliflower Au Gratin, otherwise my husband and my dad whine so I always make that the day before and just pop it in the oven. If you are making a vege tray, most everything can be cut up the day before and stored in plastic bags. Then you can just arrange on your serving tray the day of. You get the point. Get any prep you can done early!

     Holiday Pie in pie dish

    Ok, so you finally come to the day of and you have made yourself a timeline. Pie comes out of the oven first. Try not to get behind. If you can get ahead, that’s all good.

    If you are making mashed potatoes don’t wait until 4 o’clock to peel them and cut them up. Get them done at 1 pm and cover with cold water. They will stay for hours without browning and soaking actually removes a bit of the starch.

    So now, it’s only 2 o’clock and you have 2 hours to relax before company shows up. Kick your feet up and watch a good cooking show because you just owned this dinner!

    Last minute stress

    Roasted Turkey on platter with herbs

    The hardest part is the last 30- 40 minutes. You have to mash the potatoes, make gravy, finish the last minute veggies, bake rolls and whatever else you have on your list. Remember, if you are cooking a turkey, it needs to rest for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. Plan your last minute things so they can be finished in this time frame.

    Table set with all of the dishes just before serving

    My last two tips. Sit down, enjoy the feast you have produced, enjoy your company.

    Next, when dinner is done, and everyone wants to know how they can help, let them help with clean up! Have plenty of tupperware containers ready to pack with leftovers. Delegate where to put all the leftovers. Let one person be in charge of washing dishes another with leftovers. Get the kids in there helping too!

    Delicious recipes to serve for the holidays

    Main dishes

    Almond Crusted Turkey Cutlets – Turkey Schnitzel
    This schnitzel is made with turkey breasts!
    Make This
    Fork dipping piece of turkey schnitzel in orange sauce.
    Brined Turkey Breast
    Once you learn how to make a brined turkey breast, you’ll never have it any other way. It turns out moist, perfectly seasoned and so delicious that Christopher wants me to make it this way for many years to come.
    Make This
    Turkey breast with gravy, peas and potatoes
    Strawberry Infused Sea Scallops
    These Strawberry Infused Sea Scallops are not only gorgeous but they take less than 40 minutes, including marinating and have a wonderful hint of strawberry!
    Make This
    Strawberry infused scallops on gray plate.
    Garlic – Citrus Stuffed Whole Rainbow Trout
    This trout is easy, flavorful, moist and melt in your mouth tender!
    Make This
    Two whole trout on pewter platter with sliced lemons.
    Lamb Loin – Grilled or Roasted to Perfection
    This Lamb Loin is a super easy, special dish for any occasion! You can grill it in the summer months, or roast it in the oven any time of the year!

    Make This
    Sliced lamb loin, medium rare on white platter with fresh rosemary.
    Air Fryer Pork Loin
    This Air Fryer Pork Loin turns out tender and juicy on the inside, and nice and browned on the outside! Air Fryer Pork Loin only takes about 20 minutes, total! If you are trying to eat healthier for the New Year, this recipe is for you!
    Make This
    Sliced pork with roasted vegetables.
    Apple Sauce & Stuffing Stuffed Pork Loin Roast
    This Stuffed Pork Loin Roast is easy but beautiful enough for a fancy Sunday dinner!
    collage of recipes for valentine's day

    Vegetable dishes

    Parsnip Recipe – Vegan
    This Parsnip Recipe comes together in a matter of minutes! A vegan, healthy, parsnip recipe it’s perfect for a side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas or Hanukkah!
    Make This
    Parsnips in vintage pewter bowl.
    Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
    These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are an easy and delicious side dish for any meal. Glazed with butter and brown sugar, they also are known as burnished carrots, or roasted carrots. With just 3 ingredients, cooking them on the stove top makes them fast and easy! Elegant enough for company, easy enough for a work night!

    Make This
    Glazed carrots in vintage dish.
    Green Beans Almondine -Amadine
    Green Beans Almondine has to be one of the easiest vegetables dishes to make! It is great for the holidays, because the green beans can be blanched the day before and then can be finished in a few minutes!

    Make This
    Green beans with almonds in antique pewter bowl.
    Cauliflower au Gratin
    This Cauliflower au Gratin is a favorite to have for the holidays, or any day! Cauliflower and cheese is a cheesy, creamy vegetarian dish!

    Make This
    Cauliflower au gratin on gray plate with salmon filet.
    Roasted Butternut Squash
    This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is easy and delicious! With just 3 ingredients, you’ll find out how to roast butternut squash the easy way! No peeling or chopping required! Oven roasting takes all of the work out of the task.

    Make This
    Half of a roasted butternut squash on antique tray.
    Parmesan, Spinach, Bacon Spaghetti Squash Boat
    Easy delicious side dish to enjoy with any meal!
    Make This
    Spaghetti Squash, Parmesan, Bacon Boats on metal baking tray with spinach and walnuts
    Maple Roasted Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
    Just a hint of sweetness gives this side dish a wonderful flavor!
    Make This
    Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes

    Side dishes

    Cranberry Orange Sauce
    Making your own Cranberry Orange Sauce is so easy! This Cranberry Orange Sauce has a little extra kick from Grand Marnier! Feel free to eliminate that if you have little ones sharing your Thanksgiving or Christmas table! It is every bit as good!
    Make This
    Cranberry orange sauce in a pink depression serving bowl.
    Classic Mac & Cheese
    Classic Mac & Cheese is a creamy, homemade version of the popular stuff in the box! Just like your mom used to make, this Macaroni & Cheese has a crunchy topping!



    Make This
    Macaroni and cheese on white plate with black rim.
    Mrs. John F. Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche
    Vintage recipe from First Lady, Jackie Kennedy! This Casserole is creamy easy and incredibly delicious!
    Make This
    Cheesy noodle casserole Marie Blanche in glass casserole.
    Irish Colcannon
    Colcannon is an Irish dish that has been around for centuries! It is super easy and normally served for St. Patrick’s Day in the US, but great any time of the year!
    Make This
    Bowl of colcannon with bacon and chives.
    Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes
    These Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes are all spiced up with roasted garlic and herbs of your choice! Easy, delicious summer side dish with zero cleanup!
    Make This
    Red and white potatoes in white bowl.
    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Mexican Flavors
    This Hasselback Sweet Potato is super easy and ultra flavorful!
    Make This
    cheesy hasselback sweet potato on blue plate

    Desserts

    Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
    This easy Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie is a delicious way to enjoy pumpkin pie if you are lactose intolerant!
    Make This
    Slice of pumpkin pie on white plate with dollop of cream.
    Apple Crumb Pie
    Apple Crumb Pie has lovely spiced apples with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping. This Dutch Apple Pie is much easier than a traditional double crust pie!
    Make This
    Sliced apple crumb pie side shot.
    Apple Cranberry Crisp
    Apple Cranberry Crisp is an easy, delicious dessert for the holidays! Festive and gluten free, dairy free and vegan!
    Make This
    Colorful apple cranberry crisp on white plate.
    My Mom’s Rhubarb Pie
    This Rhubarb Pie is slightly sweet and slightly tangy! It is the best rhubarb pie EVER!
    Make This
    Vintage Rhubarb Pie
    Blackberry Pie Recipe
    This Blackberry Pie Recipe is easy and a perfect summer dessert for a picnic or BBQ. Flaky pie crust and a not to sweet filling make this recipe stand out!

    Make This
    blackberry pie on antiques blue plate with ice cream
    Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie
    Making your own Gluten Free Lemon Meringue Pie could really not be easier! This Lemon Meringue Pie has a special twist! It has a chocolate crust! Yum!

    Make This
    Lemon meringue pie with chocolate crust and browned meringue.
    Yellow Plum Sorbet
    This Yellow Plum Sorbet was caught my eye immediately! I thought the use of Grand Marnier was interesting!
    Make This
    Yellow plum sorbet on pink dessert bowls.
    Raspberry Banana Sherbet
    Easy lactose / dairy free and vegan dessert for any day!
    Make This
    Pink raspberry sorbet in dessert fluted dishes.

    When the guests leave, put your feet up and pat yourself on the back because you OWNED this!!!! So that’s how easy it is to Host Holiday Meals! If this post is helpful to you, or you have any additional suggestions, please leave me a comment below! I would love to hear from you!

    Binky’s Signature

    Xoxo,

    Originally Published 11/25/2016

    « How to Make Lox
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    189 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vicky

      December 13, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      I think sometimes we stress so much over planning for holiday meals that we don’t spend much time enjoying it or the time around our family. I love the tips you have offered along with the timeline.

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        December 13, 2019 at 3:51 pm

        Thank you Vicky! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Happy Holidays! Enjoy yours!

        Reply
    2. Annissa

      December 13, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      I love how you’ve broken down the process of making a big meal. What a help this is for organizing for the holiday dinner. Thanks so much!!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        December 13, 2019 at 2:38 pm

        I’m so glad it is of use to your! Thank you Annissa! Merry Christmas!

        Reply
    3. Emily Liao

      December 13, 2019 at 2:10 pm

      This is such a helpful post! Thanks for sharing all your tips on how to be the perfect host!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        December 13, 2019 at 2:38 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Emily! Happy holidays!

        Reply
    4. Anita

      December 13, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      I need to do this too. Keep myself more organized and have a time line by the hour of what needs to be done! I can do it. 🙂

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        December 13, 2019 at 2:37 pm

        You totally can! It’s not difficult! Without the list, I always forget something! Thanks Anita!

        Reply
    5. Denisse Salinas

      December 13, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      I work as a private chef and I gotta say that having that list, that plan, that schedule is EVERYTHING and makes cooking for other people what it should mostly be – a pleasure! Great job on this one!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        December 13, 2019 at 1:47 pm

        Thank you so much Denisse! That means a lot! Have a great weekend!

        Reply
    6. Corina Blum

      November 23, 2017 at 6:15 am

      You seem so organised! I always think it’s best for big meals like this to try to get as much done in advance as possible but even then I end up rushing around at the last minute. Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 24, 2017 at 10:34 am

        Thank you, Corina! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

        Reply
    7. Ellie

      November 22, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      Awesome and useful tips, Beth! Holidays can be really stressful sometimes.

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 22, 2017 at 2:57 pm

        Thank you Ellie! It won’t be bad if you take my advice!

        Reply
    8. Gabby | The Tolerant Table

      November 21, 2017 at 11:39 pm

      Great tips Beth! I am a monster stress head whenever we are hosting events but if I could get myself this organised I’m sure it would be much less of an issue. I will give it a go at Christmas! Thank you ????

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 22, 2017 at 2:56 pm

        Thanks, Gabby! Start your lists soon! Then it will give you plenty of time to remember everything!! I have 5 started all ready because I have to host multiple events over the holidays! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Laura

      November 21, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      You are so well organized, great planning and tips especially the clean up !!!!

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 22, 2017 at 3:00 pm

        Right? The cook should never have to do the dishes!! Thanks, Laura!!

        Reply
    10. Emily

      November 21, 2017 at 3:07 pm

      Great post Beth, the food looks to die for!

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 21, 2017 at 3:17 pm

        Thanks so much Emily! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    11. Soniya

      November 21, 2017 at 2:15 pm

      I am so happy I stumbled on you post! I have a Thanksgiving get-together at my home and was so stressed.. but after reading you post.. I guess I can do it:)

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 21, 2017 at 3:17 pm

        Absolutely, you can! It’s all about the planning! I hope it helps! Let me know! Thanks, Soniya!

        Reply
    12. Nadja | Nashi Food

      November 21, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      What a great guide for the holidays, I never write down anything and I always end up running to the supermarket at last minute because there was an ingredient missing to make a meal. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 21, 2017 at 3:16 pm

        I used to, that’s why I try to remember to write everything down! Now I don’t have to worry! Thanks, Nadja!

        Reply
    13. prasanna hede

      November 21, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      wonderful info and right in-time! lovely share.

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 21, 2017 at 3:11 pm

        Thank you Prasanna! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    14. Ben Myhre

      November 21, 2017 at 12:32 pm

      I have not done a Thanksgiving yet, but I think next year is my year. I am actually already excited and getting ideas ready THIS year.

      Reply
      • Binky

        November 21, 2017 at 12:41 pm

        Thanksgiving is fun! You really should! Just get prepared early!

        Reply
    15. Jai Want

      March 09, 2017 at 1:23 am

      Thanking you for sharing a great blog….

      Reply
      • Binky

        March 09, 2017 at 9:55 am

        Thank you for your comment!

        Reply
    16. D. Christopher Spears

      February 15, 2017 at 5:31 pm

      Very nice instruction Beth. Thank you for sharing! Food looks awesome as always!

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 15, 2017 at 5:35 pm

        Thank you so much, D. Christopher Spears! I am so glad you enjoyed it!!! Have a wonderful holiday

        Reply
    17. Wilbur

      January 18, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      I was more than happy to uncover this website. I need to to thank you for your time for sharing this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every part of it and I also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your website.

      Reply
      • Binky

        February 17, 2017 at 4:36 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply

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    Welcome! Thanks for stopping by! I am Beth "Binky" Neels, wife, mother of 2 boys and 3 dogs! I will impart tips and tricks I have learned over the years, to make cooking easier and fun for you!

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