How to Host a Successful Holiday Dinner
Holidays are all about coming together, and nothing brings family and friends closer than a well-planned, delicious dinner. There’s something truly special about seeing loved ones gather around a table. It’s one of the few times we stop our busy lives and connect with those we hold dear. To ensure your holiday dinner party goes off without a hitch, here are a few things to consider.
Plan Ahead
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people leave everything to the last minute. In order to relieve stress and organize a proper dinner party, make a list of all the preparations needed and try your best to work through them prior to the holiday dinner. For example, don’t leave all the cleaning and cooking until the day of. If you’ve ever thrown a dinner party before, you know that there will always be unexpected tasks that pop up, and it’s important to have time to deal with them and compose yourself before guests start arriving.
Food, Food, Food
Needless to say, food is essential for a holiday dinner party. It’s no secret that great food brings people together, and conversations are always a bit sweeter over food and wine. To ensure a successful holiday dinner, do some research and put together a menu guests will look forward to. Try pairing each course with the drinks you provide and make an effort to ask your guests if they have any food allergies or preferences. There’s nothing worse than preparing a succulent turkey dinner just to find out one of your guests is a vegetarian. Another polarizing cuisine is seafood. Make sure no one will have issues with a lobster dinner because you wouldn’t want anyone to feel excluded. A safe bet that's always a hit is a great charcuterie platter. Pair an assortment of creamy and hard cheeses with olives, figs, apricots, fresh honeycomb and breads. Include cured meats such as prosciutto, sopressata, salami and even a great pate.
Limit Your Guests
The interactions during your holiday dinner are what your guests will remember most. Delicious food is a must, but the shared moments between loved ones and friends will be the real main course. Try to take into account each guest's personality and how they will interact with each other. Some guests prefer large gatherings while others do not. As a rule of thumb, holiday dinners will be more enjoyable with select guests. Family is a must, and your guest number will be set by how many loved ones you have, but it’s always a good idea to limit the amount of guests to a manageable number. In doing so, you’ll create a well-balanced atmosphere where each guest is able to interact without raising their voice or talking over someone else. In addition, you’ll also be able to give each guest the personal attention they deserve.
Set the Mood
Successful holiday dinners are able to promote positive energy and offer a safe place for guests to interact and enjoy themselves. By setting a relaxing ambiance with lights, music, and decorations, you can easily create a heartwarming atmosphere for your family and friends. Take a few moments to dim the lights, put together a great playlist, and set up a few candles. However, setting the appropriate mood isn’t only accomplished with lights and music; your personal mood will set the pace for the entire occasion. Make an effort to have a positive attitude for your guests to feed off of and build on throughout the night.
Enjoy Yourself
A holiday dinner is hardly worth it if you’re too stressed to enjoy it. Many hosts take it upon themselves to offer unforgettable experiences but forget to actually take pleasure in their own occasion. Once the guests are settled and mingling, take some time for yourself and savor every moment. Holiday dinners are one of the few times we get to connect with friends and loved ones. Make the most of it by setting aside your host role every once and awhile and sharing precious moments with your guests.