Family Foodies

If you dread the holidays because you knock yourself out with preparations, you really need to slow down and smell the roast cooking. One of the biggest mistakes we women make is attempting to do it all and provide an extensive buffet that will surpass previous years while still putting in regular work days.

Set your menu (all foods, drinks and ingredients) and stick to it. If tradition dictates that guests bring a dish, be ready to give choices of extras you would like.

Do not be afraid to purchase ready made (or ready to bake) specialty breads, rolls or pies, cakes, desserts, hors d’oeuvres, snacks, gravies, dips, dressings and stuffing. Just be certain to order a week or two in advance and arrange set pick-up times.

Prepare a help list per family member so everyone has a written to do list, and you can recheck a master list.

Build your dinner around the following suggestions:

• One or two types of home cooked roast
• Stuffing and gravy
• Three hot vegetables (one of which is mashed potatoes)
• Breads and/or rolls
• Butter, appropriate condiments, sauces, sugar, salt and pepper
• One type of salad, two choices of bottled dressings
• Two different kinds of pies, or cakes
• Vegetable, cheese and/or hors d’oeuvres tray, dip, mustard
• Bagged snacks, nuts and dip
• Coffee, soft drinks, hard drinks (or make a punch), ice
• Wish list choices for guests to choose to bring

Now, spend your extra time with family and guests at your dinner and relax.