Saw us sharing holiday hosting shortcuts on TV? A beautiful holiday gathering doesn't have to mean spending the entire day in the kitchen. Here are a few easy ways to prep ahead, serve smarter + actually enjoy your guests.
1. Set the Table the Night Before
Keep the place settings simple and let one festive piece do the decorating. A pretty tray, gold flatware or a holiday centerpiece can make the whole table feel special without much extra effort.
OUR PICKS:
2. Prep Your Serving Dishes Ahead
Put a sticky note in each serving dish with what goes inside—and add the serving spoon. One less thing to figure out when dinner is ready.
OUR PICK: This bamboo charcuterie board with built-in accessories for an easy, ready-to-serve appetizer.
3. Make One Dish the Star
A big pot of soup, stew or a braised dish + good bakery bread? That's dinner. Choose cookware pretty enough to go straight from the stove to the table.
OUR PICKS: Anything from the Caraway cookware line. But don’t overlook the sweet lines available in major retailers now either!
4. Set Up a Self-Serve Station
Keep drinks in a separate spot so guests can help themselves. For buffet-style meals, use a chafing dish to keep already-hot food warm while everyone serves themselves.
OUR PICKS:
5. Have Leftover Containers Ready
Set out containers, lids + a marker before dinner so guests can take home leftovers without hunting through your cabinets.
OUR PICK: Crudités food storage containers with stretch lids.
One Last Hosting Tip:
Let people help! Give guests something specific to bring or do, put the food away after dinner + save the deep cleaning for later. The whole point is spending time together, after all.
