The first year I planned Christmas dinner was nerve-racking, I didn’t really know where to start! Then I thought about how my mom planned her holiday meals. When I followed her 5 unofficial rules, I found that my holiday meal planning was relatively stress-free. Happy holiday meal planning!
Rule 1: Ask your guests about any special diet considerations.
Before you have your menu figured out, make sure that everyone attending will have enough to eat. If my friend with celiac disease is coming, for instance, I make sure to choose a dessert that doesn’t use any ingredients, like flour, that contain gluten, such as fresh fruit with chocolate fondue. And if a vegetarian will be dining with us, I make them a special main dish, like squash stuffed with white beans and chard or atart full of roasted vegetables.
31 Easy Gluten-Free Desserts
Rule 2: Start with the main event.
Pictured recipe:Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce
Rule 3: Plan for at least three side dishes for a well-rounded meal.
Pictured recipe:Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese & Pomegranate
I find that a well-rounded meal contains these three elements: a salad, one green vegetable, likeBrussels sproutsorgreen beans, and a starchy dish, likemashed potatoes, squash orsweet potatoes. I might plan on more side dishes than that, but I know I’ll at least want to fill in those three “holes.” I try to pick as many recipes as possible that can be made entirely or at least partially in advance so I can relax as much as possible the day of the party.
18 Make-Ahead Christmas Side Dishes for an Easier Holiday
Rule 4: Keep the apps quick.
Pictured recipe:3-Ingredient Cranberry-Brie Bites
Appetizers are where I spend the least amount of planning time. It’s not that they’re an afterthought, it’s just that I usually keep appetizers on the simple side,cheeseand crackers, nuts andveggies and dip. Sometimes I do get inspired to make something a little more special, but if I do, I keep it equally simple.
The Easiest 3-Ingredient Appetizers You Can Make for Any Occasion
Rule 5: Don’t forget dessert!
Pictured recipe:Spritz Cookies
What’s a holiday meal without dessert? I always choose a recipe that can be done in advance so I have one less thing to cook on the actual day.
22 Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Desserts You Can Prep in 30 Minutes or Less
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