Tis the season! Along with the season comes shopping, caroling and entertaining. Christmas entertaining is an unusual phenomenon because it spans over several weeks. If you are planning on entertaining more than once, that can really take a bite out of your Christmas budget. Here are a few tips to ensure a merry Christmas for everyone!
Use fruits that are in season- Cranberries are very popular this time of year, spice up any protein with a cranberry glaze or chutney. Roast your chicken or turkey and add dried apricots to the pan for a sweet and savory taste.
Offer more than alcohol to guests- Stocking up on bottles of wine and liquor can spend your whole budget. Try hot teas with hints of vanilla or make hot chocolate and offer a variety of swizzle sticks for each guest to customize their own drink.
Don’t be afraid to buy in bulk- Carefully plan your entertaining menus and reuse the same ingredients. If you buy cheese, separate the quantities you’ll need and freeze them until you’re ready to cook. Buying pasta in larger sizes ends up being cheaper per unit price, so get the big box!
Reuse platters- Go ahead and buy those platters you’ve been eyeing. If you purchase several platters and serving utensils in a staple color, it adds flair of classiness and makes your guests feel at home! Skip the aluminum and go for the real, that way you can use them over and over again!
Decorate with what you have- The table need not be gaudy, just festive. If you have an extra string of lights, hang them somewhere on the serving table if you are having a buffet or above the dinner table if you are having a sit down meal. Put a couple of ornaments on a plate or bowl in the middle of the table, your guests will notice the small touches but appreciate the fact that they don’t have to go through a maze to get to the food!
Relax, take a deep breath and make sure to enjoy the season, the most important thing to a guest is a relaxed host. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
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