Holiday Dinners Made Easy

Cooking is a big part of the holidays. It doesn’t have me to be a stressful part. Here are six tips to allow you to have great meals and lots of fun this holiday season. While good food can really make a gathering better, it’s not the focus of your events. Getting together and laughing, telling stories and creating memories is the most important thing. You’ll remember the funny story your family member told, not the pie on the table. That being said, it’s easier to create a special feast for your family than you think.

1. Consider going potluck. Consider that instead of one person making a LOT of food, all of the people each make one or two items and bring it to the event. This does require a little planning, but you save lots of time in the cooking process as well as money!

2. Make sure you know about any dietary restrictions BEFORE the big day. Ask people who you aren’t familiar with to tell you if they have any special requirements.

3. Make as much food ahead of time and freeze it. Lots of things freeze well, like cookies and this allows you to spend more time on the holiday having fun and less time in the kitchen.

4. Grocery shop early. This will ensure the best selection and therefore will prevent you from having to run around in case of a shortage. Often stores have sales all through the holiday season.

5. Consider cooking a big meal after the holidays and just having a simple meal on Christmas Day. My family is so full of junk food and tired out from parties by Christmas that we often have a casual brunch instead. After all, we are focused on so much more than the food on the holiday!

6. Take short cuts. If you want to have fun decorating sugar cookies, don’t feel compelled to make the dough from scratch. Use what you can to save time and buy from the store, then take the time and have the fun decorating!