How to Host a

Stress-Free Holiday

We're Talking prep tips, Recipes, and... a Discount?

Over the next few weeks, I will be your personal guide for planning a thanksgiving with less stress, more efficiency. I have planned and hosted dozens of gatherings. From holiday's, celebrations, showers, graduations, dinner parties, and even a wedding... or three.

Plan the Menu and Create a Master Shopping list:

When I say plan the menu, I don’t just mean write down: turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes, etc. When I plan my menu, I write down every ingredient in each recipe. I categorize those ingredients according to the layout of my grocery store: produce, dairy, pantry items, etc. Save this document on your phone so you can grab a bargain if you see one in the upcoming weeks. Then I'll create a timeline so I know when I can stock up early for certain items, such as shelf items, and purchase last-minute items, like produce. If purchasing a frozen turkey, don't forget to allow plenty of time for defrost.

Order those flowers, pies, and specialty items now.

I adore doing my table scape and desserts, but after three decades of hosting, I know these two items take up the bulk of my time, especially flowers. I let a florist do all the heavy lifting for me by ordering a centerpiece well in advance, letting the designer know my colors. A local pie baker makes crust 100% better than I do, so Prairie Girl Pies is handling dessert.

A custom floral centerpiece | Certainly not a requirement. However, I absolutely adore a table set with glimmering votives of candlelight and piles of seasonal produce like squash, gourds, and pumpkins, or even sheaths of wheat from the craft store. Pick them up now while they are still plentiful in the shops.

For Dessert | A store-bought pie is perfectly delicious and often very budget-friendly. Dress up that pie by garnishing it with freshly whipped cream flavored with bourbon or rum and a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.

Shop your Pantry

Once I make my master shopping list and delegate out all the dishes and tasks, I go into my pantry and see what I already have. Dijon mustard? Flour for the gravy? Plenty of butter and olive oil? Tuck those items on a “Thanksgiving Only” shelf or pop them into a bag. This is a great way to keep from overspending, and additionally, you can consume items you already have in stock.

The one exception | Spices and leavening products. Chances are your pantry spices or baking powders may be a year old or more. This is the time to replenish when stores are having sales. See a deep discount or BOGO on an expensive item? Be generous and buy two and drop off the extra at a local food pantry.

Delegate

After years of hosting, I know inviting my guests to bring a dish is a wonderful way to create a sense of warmth.

Inviting over friends who do not cook? Assign them the rolls or wine. Don't be afraid to be specific and let them know which bakery or what type of wine. Be sure to have them bring everything ready to be served. For example, in a bread basket lined with a linen or have one ready for them. If you do not want Prosecco, let them know. Make certain they bring white wine or sparkling, preferably chilled for immediate serving.

Be sensitive to folks' financial limitations | Perhaps just ask for a bag of ice, half and half for the after-dinner coffee, or a handful of limes and lemons for the water or the bar. It makes folks feel included and they don’t have to show up empty-handed.

Have a friend known for her cranberry sauce? Let her bring it!

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One thing I almost always ask for when delegating is an appetizer from a guest. The last thing I want to fuss with when entertaining is a fancy appetizer. A guest bringing a beautifully plated tray of olives or cheese is a welcome break when gravy needs to be made.

Next week

Setting a Sumptuous Table and Self-Care:

It’s not just about polishing the silver and getting your nails done.

Each week this November, I will release more weekly holiday prep.

Subscribe and Stay tuned for a discount and help delivered to your inbox each Tuesday!

Further Reading

“7 Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving” HERE.

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See you next time!

Meggen Wilson Pine and Palm Kitchen | Wild Montana Foods, Founder