It’s easy to get caught up in all of the holiday preparations this time of year. The most important tip I can give is “make it as simple as possible”. If you get too stressed out over the planning, you miss out on the enjoyment! Here are a few thoughts on holiday event survival…..

Hosting several holiday parties? Decorate early so you don’t have to rush around at the last minute. Do a deep house cleaning at the beginning of the season and then just touch up quickly prior to each event. Face it; your guests are going to be having too much fun to notice a little dust. So don’t sweat it! However, if you are still stressed, lower the lights and use candles for illumination!

Make your decorations cheery and easy. Use extra ornaments scattered about your serving and dining tables; utilize the greenery of the season (add evergreen sprigs or holly leaves w/ berries to centerpieces & table settings); red cranberries and other fruits look wonderful floating in a glass cylinder filled with water; holiday ribbon can be spread along your table and intertwined among your serving dishes; holiday colored candies in glass dishes can double as treats & decorations; sprinkle red, green, gold or silver crinkled paper on the table; and don’t forget the pinecones – these can be used in their natural form or sprayed with faux snow. Remember to use items that will not wither & will last so you can decorate once and forget it!

Serving bottled water or soda? Tie a ribbon around the neck of each bottle. Also decorate around the punch bowl. It’s those little touches that add so much. Search through your boxes of decorations. Anything you have on hand can be turned into a wonderful creation!

Make a menu for each event you have planned. Create a shopping list that’s all inclusive. Purchase all non-perishables at once and have on hand. Then pick up last minute items a few days prior to your party. This eliminates the hassle and hair-raising experience of numerous shopping excursions.

You don’t have to fuss with a turkey or ham. Make it easy. Deli trays, cheese/crackers, a big pot of chili or soup and pasta salads simplify everything, yet present a nice buffet.

Make your cookie dough ahead of time and freeze. When ready, pop a few of each type in the oven and you will always have fresh baked cookies for each gathering without the fuss.  Present your holiday treats in a unique way. Purchase a divided box (in holiday colors or cover it with wrapping paper), tie a festive bow around it, and place your treats in each divided section. This can be used year after year.

Paper, paper, paper. You don’t have to pull out the good china to make a table presentable. Use paper products wherever and whenever you can. Then, just throw them away (or add to your recycle bin). Mini ornaments hanging from ribbon can be tied around red plastic cups to make instant decorative flatware & napkin holders. Cover your serving table with white paper tablecloths and add a runner down the middle made of a strip of wrapping paper. When done, no need to wash & iron, just bundle it all up and throw away.

Spending the holidays as someone’s house guest? Don’t forget the hostess gift. Consider “gift mixes”. There are a number of options available from soups to sweets. Layer the ingredients in a jar, spruce up with festive ribbons and include the recipe directions on a cute card tied to the neck of the jar. You can make several jars ahead of time and have handy to grab and go. Here are a few resources. www.recipelink.com/holiday; www.cooksrecipes.com/holiday-recipes/holiday-food-gift-mix-recipes; www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar.

Remember, the best part of the holidays is just being together with family and friends. Don’t let stress get in the way of what’s really important. Wishing you many happy memories of this Holiday Season.

Here are some tips to help take the stress out of your Day of Thanksgiving.

1. Make lists: Make lots of to do lists. Make a grocery list, make an errand list, make a list of things that need to be done around the house. Remember…..delegate some tasks to others in the family. Make sure kids have something to keep them busy. They will love feeling a part of the big day.
2. Make Thanksgiving a pitch in: You don’t have to do all the cooking. Give specific assignments to your guests (be sure and ask them what their specialty is!) This relieves the stress, gives everyone an opportunity to contribute, and makes it a real family affair.
3. Check on your supplies: Do an inventory of your kitchen. Make sure you have all the cookware you need, necessary serving dishes, and your festive table linens (making sure all is in order and clean can be done days in advance.)
4. Decorate early: To avoid last minute rush on the big day, set your table, including centerpiece the day before. Once again, let the kids help!
5. Appetizers:  We all know how difficult it is to bring the entire meal together at the same time. While guests are waiting for the chef to put on the finishing touches, serve a few appetizers. Make sure these are just little nibbles…..you don’t want everyone filling up before the big meal!
6. Carving the bird: This all important task is often thought of at the last minute. Appoint your official “bird carver” ahead of time. Make sure they have the necessary tools to do the job justice.
7. Drinks:  An important detail that is often overlooked is the beverages to be served. Give these some thought, prepare ahead if possible, remember to stock up on ice and have appropriate beverage glasses available.
8. Keeping everything warm: In order to serve a warm delicious meal, use warm plates. This can be done in a clean dishwasher set on the dry cycle or run the plates under very hot water. Dry them thoroughly and wrap in heavy towel     until ready to use.

Adapted from The Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan. Copyright 2001.