Tips & Tools

Top Tips for a Stress-Free New Year

Hosting a New Years, Valentines Day or St. Patrick's Day celebration this winter? A special birthday or anniversary? No matter what the occasion, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned pro looking for tips and tricks to reinvigorate your celebration, we've got plenty of planning tips to help you pull off a party that everyone will enjoy... including YOU!

Learn to love lists. Lots and lots of lists.

• Start with the guest list. That way you’ll know how much you need of everything.
• Create a timetable. Include time to shop, prepare foods, set the table and decorate.
• Make shopping lists with all ingredients you will need for your homemade dishes as well as any pre-made items you need to buy. The first list should include everything you can buy ahead of time – everything except for perishables. Make a second list for any perishables you need, and pick these up the day before or day of the party to conserve fridge space.

Don’t feel the need to make everything from scratch. Really, it’s okay.

Don't do all the cooking. A dash through the supermarket can be really helpful. Order pre-cooked meats or a deli tray from your local grocer or restaurant. Grab a bagged salad, fresh bread and dessert from the bakery. Once everything is served on your own dishes, it will all look and taste like homemade, without all the stress.

If you make everything from scratch, get a head start. (And enlist help!)

• If you do the cooking yourself, plan to do as much as possible ahead of time, to avoid that last-minute rush.
• Enlist the kids to wash vegetables, roll out pie dough and set the table.

 

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-planned menu.

• Plan your menu early. Choose foods and recipes that complement each other with color, texture and flavor, and add variety by serving some hot dishes and cold ones.
• Select your recipes and read them ahead of time. Check your cupboards for supplies and make a shopping list. Remember, it’s always a good idea to shop early.
• Keep in mind, not all recipes are easy to double or triple. If you’re expecting a big crowd, the better approach is to make two of the same dish and keep the extra on hand in case you need it.

When a guest asks, “Can I bring something?” Always say, “Yes!”

• A contribution of bread or rolls, a bottle of wine, a side dish or a favorite dessert is one less thing you have to worry about.
• Ask guests that like to cook to bring one of their specialties. Just make sure to share with them what you’ll be serving, so their dish complements the entire menu.

Casual or formal? Pick a serving style that suits your space and guest list.

Family-style meals are a great way to bring people together around the table, but they are more formal and also require a lot more space. If your table is tight or you’re going for a more casual feel, a buffet may be a good alternative.

Casual or formal? (continued)

Family-style:

For a family-style or sit-down meal, assign one person to help you clear and serve so that the conversation isn’t interrupted between courses by everyone getting up. Set up a sideboard or table for the large platters and dishes to avoid a cluttered table.

Casual or formal? (continued)

Buffet-style:

• To serve dinner buffet style, stack large dinner plates at the start of the buffet table and put the silverware and napkins at the end. This way, hands are free to fill up the plates. Be sure to have plenty of seating planned for laptop dining, and have someone pass a tray of drinks so guests don’t have to juggle plates and glasses before they’re settled.
• Set up extra seating throughout the house where guests can sit comfortably and dine from their laps. Borrow or rent extra chairs, if necessary. Nice, clean patio furniture can provide extra seating, whether brought inside or used outdoors, if weather permits.

Entertaining outdoors? Be sure to have a back-up plan.

• It’s great when your guests can mingle and/or sit outdoors. But spring weather can be dicey, so it’s important to expect the best, but plan for the worst.
• Consider renting a tent. Even in the nice weather, it gives your guests a shady place to sit and it also protects your food from the elements.

A little ambiance goes a long way. Leave time for the small details.

• A few days early, check to see that your silver is polished, glasses and dishes are sparkling and linens are freshly washed and ironed.
• Plan and lay out your serving platters and utensils ahead of time. You can even place bowls and platters on the table the morning of the big feast and put notes in each bowl indicating what food goes in it. This makes it easy for others to help, too.

A little ambiance goes a long way. (continued)

• Collect and arrange flowers, so they’ll be in full bloom for the party. If ordering an arrangement, plan to place the order and pick it up ahead of time. Or save the trip and have it delivered.
• Choose music selections that will delight guests of any age. Classical, jazz or oldies are good choices.

Give each guest a job. They’ll feel included and you’ll have a lot less to do.

• Have someone come a bit early to help with decorations, organize foods and pass appetizers. Don't forget to enlist help from the kids.
• Friends love hanging out in the kitchen to lend a helping hand. Don’t be afraid to put them to work.

Give each guest a job. (continued)

• Have a "job jar" or list of ways others can help. Guests can pick a simple way to help out, from setting the table to pouring drinks.
• Ask family or friends to pitch in. Older kids can help with simple decorations, clear away clutter or pass appetizers. Grandparents can supervise young children.

Set aside some “you” time. Did someone say, “power nap”?

Before guests arrive, take some time for a quick nap or bubble bath, or to enjoy a favorite magazine. Just 20 minutes can mean the difference between feeling frantic or fabulous.