The idea of hosting your family holiday gathering can be overwhelming. Not only are you responsible for creating a festive and inviting atmosphere for people to celebrate beloved traditions, but you also are in charge of one of the most important family meals of the year.
So how can you take on this challenge, leaving your guests raving about your hosting skills while also enjoying the holiday yourself?
Start by planning ahead. Sit down and make a list of everything you need to do and purchase for your family dinner. On your list, be sure to include:
- Party details, including a guest list, time frame, and what guests should bring.
- Decorations you want to have up or on display.
- Tasks such as household chores or cleaning that need to be completed.
- Gifts that you need to prepare for the celebration.
- Paper products, serving dishes, and utensils you need for the meal.
- A menu for your main meal.
- A list of appetizers you plan to serve
- Drinks that you need to purchase.
- A grocery list of items you need for your food preparation.
When it comes to shopping for your holiday meal, your advanced preparation will be your saving grace. Break down your shopping list into items you can buy a couple of weeks in advance and those items you need to purchase right before the event. Early shopping will help to spread out the cost of your hosting responsibilities and make your shopping trips a bit less overwhelming. Beat the holiday rush by purchasing items such as drinks, nuts, paper products, and other non-perishable items a couple of weeks in advance.
Don’t be afraid to outsource some of the work of hosting to local businesses with menu options for your holiday gathering. Purchase a pre-made cheese platter or charcuterie board from a local market to tap into their expertise. You will likely have delicious food items for your guests that are new culinary experiences for them! There are no rules against purchasing pre-cut fruits, specialty bread, or pre-made salads to free up your time in the kitchen when you are hosting. Your local butcher shop can help you determine the best meats to purchase, as well as advise you on when to buy for maximum flavor.
A couple of weeks before your holiday event, stop by a local wine shop to share your menu with their experts. They will recommend wines and spirits that will pair well with the flavors of the foods you are serving. In most cases, you will also be able to purchase most of these items in advance.
Oak Hill Market is ready to help you with all of your holiday shopping needs! With our bakery, service deli, and butcher shop, we will give you expert advice on making your gathering one to remember. Visit our full service deli department, and you’ll find pre-sliced meats and cheeses, fresh pasta, chilled salsa, guacamole, and other dips, cold beverages, and specialty foods. And, of course, our Wine Shop is always here to help make your celebration a success.
The team at Oak Hill Market wishes you and your family Happy Holidays. Enjoy your celebrations and time with loved ones!