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The Three R’s of Holiday Entertaining

Throwing a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. When you know the three R’s of entertaining - how to get Ready, be Realistic and choose a Reliable menu - you’re on your way to a party everyone can enjoy. 

Get Ready. When it comes to party planning, lists are your friend. With so many things to do, lists will help you think things through and keep track of what you still need to accomplish. (And it feels great to see to-do items checked off!) 

In addition to the lists for guests and pre-party chores, make two grocery lists: one for dry goods and shelf-stable items, such as canned items, sugar and flour, that you can buy up to three weeks before the party. The other list is for perishable items that you can buy two to three days ahead of time. This way your fridge doesn’t get too full too soon, and you can spread the cost out over a few paychecks. 

Be Realistic. You don’t have to prepare a five-course gourmet meal. The whole idea of holiday entertaining is to spend time with people you enjoy, not to spend time stuck in the kitchen. Setting out a spread of healthy and delicious appetizers and salads satisfies different palates, lets people mingle and keeps the conversation going. 

Choose a Reliable Menu. Trying out unfamiliar ingredients is a risky party proposition. Stick with food you know your guests will enjoy. Tuna, for example, is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be dressed up into dips, spreads, bite-sized appetizers and salads. Consider a high-protein, satisfying treat such as Tuscan Tuna Crostini or Tortellini Tuna Salad. This tasty appetizer and salad are so good your guests won’t realize how healthy they’re eating!  

Other reliable appetizer ideas include: 

-An antipasto plate of marinated vegetables, salty olives, artisan breads, natural deli meats, small bites of seafood, and nibbles of quality cheeses 

-Spiced nuts 

-Fruit kabobs  

-Crostini with fig and blue cheese spread 

-A cheese plate. Select three to five cheeses that contrast in taste and texture: balance sweet with pungent, firm with creamy. Fresh fruits such as grapes, sliced pears and apples complement cheeses well. 

Tips from the pros: Minimize your time in the kitchen by serving room temperature items that can stay out on your table during the whole party. And plan on 8 to 12 appetizers per person for a cocktail party where dinner is not being served. 

Make entertaining easy on yourself so you can enjoy the party, too. Keep these three R’s in mind so you’ll be able to add a fourth one Relaxing!