14 NOVEMBER 21, 2019 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Gearing up for a big crowd at your holiday festivities can provide moments
of excitement, stress, fun and plenty of other emotions as the
big dinner draws near.
This year, avoid any nagging feelings of doubt with this step-by-step guide
to prepare for large gatherings.
Plan in advance: Even if you’re typically the last-minute type, the hectic
holiday season is no time to wait until a few days ahead of the celebration to
throw meals and more together. Instead, be sure to put together a guest list
and send invites at least a few weeks out. Take inventory of supplies like
silverware, plates, serving dishes and any accessories you’d like to feature
at the table. Make an outline of the food each guest is bringing, or, if you’ll
supply all the food, ensure there will be plenty for everyone - don’t forget to
take into account special diets or allergies.
Make a list: Planning only takes you so far if you don’t write everything
down. Once the menu is determined, list out what you’ll need to make the
magic happen. Don’t forget to jot down easily overlooked items that can be
picked up the day of, such as ice.
Remember to thaw: One surefi re way to make the big day a big disaster is to
forget to thaw your main course. If you’re planning to roast a turkey - perhaps
the most common centerpiece - remember it takes around a day to thaw for
every two pounds of meat. So, for example, it could take close to a week for a
14-pound turkey to fully thaw prior to cooking.
Prep the day before: There are many tasks (big and small) that can be taken
care of the day before guests arrive, making the holiday less stressful for hosts.
From whipping up simple appetizers like dips to giving the house a thorough
cleaning, there’s plenty of pressure that can be taken off your shoulders 24
hours in advance. If you really want to make the big day a breeze, consider
cooking your main dish, slicing the meat and placing it in reheating pans
one day prior.
Create a schedule: No matter how far in advance you plan or how much prep
you complete prior to the festivities, there will always be day-of work to be
done. With guests coming in and out, it can be helpful to lay out what’s known
as a “fi re list,” which details times chronologically for when things need done,
such as starting the oven to warm the turkey or simply remembering to lay
out dessert following the meal.
—Courtesy Family Features
HOLIDAYS
A Host’s Guide to holiday gatherings
/WWW.QNS.COM
