Hosting the Perfect Holiday Feast
Photo by Azzura Photography
Quite often, we ask ourselves what makes for a perfect holiday feast. How many appetizers should I make? Which ones? Hot or cold? Finger food or plated? How much wine should I account per person? Red or white? Should I serve hot mulled cider? Should I hire a bartender? Etc. Etc. Etc. There really is no right or wrong when it comes to hosting a dinner party. Regardless of whether it’s to celebrate the holidays or the New Year, you are the host and you set the rules.
- Appetizers: Generally speaking, when guests are standings and mingling, finger food is best so that they can sip with their left hand and eat with their right. Cheese, crackers, prosciutto, fresh preserves and spiced nuts (like my recipe for spiced nuts) is a good place to start. Think of items that can easily be eaten in one bite with minimal mess and crumbs.
- Drinks: When it comes to drinks, if there are more than 12 people, I always like to have someone dedicated to drinks. Whether you splurge and hire a bartender or designate your other half or a friend, having someone on point with the bar will keep things clean, flowing and help prevent spillage.
- Dinner: Serving 3 courses is absolutely perfect when hosting a dinner party. Start with a soup (hot or cold) or a salad, then your main and of course, dessert. By all means end on a sweet note! Sometimes, less is more so plan out your menu as realistically as possible.
- Coffee Service: I always recommend coffee service with dessert. This way, those that had a few glasses of wine start to sober up and those that like coffee with their dessert, are completely satisfied. It doesn’t have to be fancy but make sure you have plenty of it and it’s hot!
- The most important component to planning a holiday feast is taking into consideration your space, understanding your guests and catering to fit the needs of both. At the end of the day, you have every right to also enjoy the party, so allow yourself the opportunity to do so.
Cheers to starting a new tradition around the table together!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Lewis
Founder and true believer in the power of bringing people around The Table Together!