Hosting a holiday meal or party for the first time this year can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s a rite of passage, especially if it’s your first year in your new Albuquerque home. To ensure a successful event, here are some top tips to avoid rookie mistakes.
Don’t try to do everything yourself
Successful hosting requires knowing when to stop and accepting help when it’s offered. Don’t worry about delegating too much, as you should also enjoy the event. Spending all your time in the kitchen defeats the purpose of hosting, as your guests won’t get to see you.
Do what you can ahead of time
When planning your menu, prioritize dishes that can be prepared or prepped in advance. This will save you time and reduce stress on the day of the event, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with your guests. Avoid the last-minute scramble by choosing recipes that can be made a day or two ahead of time.
Don’t try to be Martha Stewart
When hosting a party, it’s important to remember that your friends and loved ones are more interested in good company than fancy dishes or matching tableware. Don’t stress about not having the perfect setup – instead, use what you already have. If your plates don’t match, scatter them and find a common thread with matching napkins. If your glassware is mismatched, alternate matching ones at each place setting. The key is to create a visually balanced table for your guests, but perfection is not necessary.
Don’t be overly ambitious
When hosting at home, it is advisable to stick to what you know and scale back on trying to impress your guests. According to Kathleen Schaffer, a celebrity caterer, it is important to set yourself up for success by playing to your strengths and planning and preparing in advance. Avoid attempting complicated recipes for the first time and focus on what you are confident in cooking.
But keep the food coming
When hosting guests, it’s important to prevent them from becoming hungry and impatient due to delayed dinner. Serving a variety of appetizers allows you to buy time while preparing the main dishes and keeps your guests satisfied. One great holiday appetizer is a cream-cheesy salsa made with fresh cranberries, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeno for a spicy kick. This appetizer is not only delicious, but also incredibly simple to make.
Remember that you can never have too much toilet paper
When shopping for your gathering, don’t forget to stock up on napkins, plastic cups, silverware, and bottled water. It’s easy to overlook these items, but you don’t want to run out in the middle of your event or resort to using paper towels. Make sure to buy plenty of toilet paper as well.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Inevitable mishaps await, whether it be a spill, a cracker catastrophe, or a chair in ruins. Maintain a close proximity to your sense of humor, and emerge with tales to share. If humor falters, seek solace in the remedy of another glass of wine.
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