Photography by Ellie Kistemaker
The holidays are a time to savour family and friends, not subject yourself to a personal episode of Hell’s Kitchen combined with Survivor. With a little planning, a serving of creativity and a big dollop of perspective (leave perfection to Martha Stewart) you can enjoy the festivities. To help with the task, here are Good Life’s hints for a successful soirée.
Advance planning is a must to avoid last minute stress. After you have decided on the size and style of your party, take stock of what serving dishes you have on hand, table linens and glassware. Don’t forget extra hangers for guests’ coats. Make a detailed chronological list of all the shopping, cleaning and decorating that needs to be done.
Establish a realistic budget and stick to it. Splurge on good quality entrees and save money on simple side dishes well prepared.
Ease your to-do list with prepared dishes such as bakery desserts and fresh or frozen appetizers. Cravings Fine Food Market and Catering owner Angela Pidutti suggests eliminating stress entirely by letting her do all the work from appetizers to dessert. On a smaller scale her ready-to-bake brie (laden with candied pecans and brandied cranberry) can be purchased a week in advance and baked just before the party.
Consider renting dishes and glassware for your party or large family dinner. The best part is you don’t have to wash them afterwards; just put them back in the box and let the rental angels come to your rescue. It’s also more environmentally friendly than plastic and paper.
Alexis Guidon, owner of Be Our Guest Events, says holiday table settings should make your guest feel special. She suggests including details such as name cards or even a small favor such as a chocolate or Christmas ornament.
A great centerpiece needn’t mean a last-minute trip to the florist. Holiday décor trends this year call for a combination of crystal, metallics and natural elements. Elizabeth Heintz, of Passion Décor, says a manzanita tree branch, festooned with crystal garland and accented with green balls in various hues, is a show stopper. And, because it does not contain any perishable items, you can set it up days before the party.
Give a lot of thought to responsible hosting – provide taxi vouchers, a drive-your-car-home service, or be prepared for overnight guests. Or consider starting the fun early by arranging a car or limo to pick up guests; then they only have to cab home one-way.
If children are included in your gathering, take a tip from popular restaurants and have holiday colouring sheets and crayons on hand. Hire a babysitter to organize a holiday craft and supervise the kids’ table during dinner.
Don’t go overboard on pre-dinner appetizers. Your guests will appreciate lighter fare before a large meal. It also allows your holiday dinner to take centre stage. Try an elegant dish of citrus marinated olives, mini mozzarella balls wrapped in Serrano ham, spiced nuts or shrimp shooters (served on a dollop of cocktail sauce in a shot glass).
Pick recipes that are tried and true. This is not the time to try out Flaming Crepes Extraordinaire (unless you live next to some attractive firefighters).
Appetizers, vegetables and desserts can be made in advance. Blanch vegetables and drain. Keep covered in the fridge up to a day in advance. Before serving, a quick sauté in butter is all that is necessary.
Make up a signature cocktail and mocktail to serve to guests before dinner. It makes a festive statement and reduces or eliminates the need for a full bar, and someone to mix those drinks.
Take advantage of the expertise at the LCBO. Take along your menu and ask for recommendations. As a general rule, off-dry Rieslings or Chardonnay stand up to poultry, soft cheeses and even cranberry sauce. Merlot, Shiraz and Pinot Noir go well with hard cheeses and dark meats.
Have a large garbage can lined and ready to avoid taking out the trash during the party. Be prepared for life’s little mishaps with Tide-to-Go pens, Winning Colours stain remover, or club soda, and paper towels.
I’m Dreaming of a Stress-free Holiday
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