I am going to be cooking / hosting three Christmas dinner parties this month. THREE! It didn’t seem quite so insane until I actually just wrote that out. I love entertaining, especially during the holidays, but I also know how crazy busy this time of year is. No matter what, I always allow myself to take some shortcuts in the kitchen to alleviate some of the stress that comes along with making and planning holiday meals.
With three holiday events at my home in the near future, I thought it was highly appropriate that I partner with Pepperidge Farm on their challenge to help holiday hosts “elevate” ordinary meals into holiday-ready experiences. I’m going to need all the tips I can get to get through these three parties with my stress level in check.
We tried the Pepperidge Farm Stone Baked Whole Grain Artisan dinner rolls this week with a pot of soup and I have to say they are definitley holiday table worthy. In a pinch (or even not) I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to put these beautiful and delicious rolls on my table with my holiday spread. Besides the flavor, the best part of these rolls was that they were from the freezer to hot and fresh on the table in less than 10 minutes. I plan on having these dinner rolls on hand for our parties as well as for our own family dinners! Quick, easy and delicious… you can’t ask for much more than that.
I’d love to know some of your tips for making ordinary meals more holiday worthy. What tips can you share that will help time crunched cooks deliver a delicious and stress free holiday meal? Leave your best tips in the comment section and I’ll come back here next week to share some of your ideas for holiday meal success!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Pepperidge Farm. Pepperidge Farm provided me with a stipend for time and materials invested in the Pepperidge Farm® Stone Baked Artisan Rolls tip challenge.
My new favorite trick is to pre-cook almost ALL of the appetizers and side dishes, freeze them, and just pop them in the oven the day of. Stuffed mushrooms, artichoke dip, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, stuffing. ALL of it can be made in advance. Same with Christmas treats: fudge, cookies, cheesecake, cake. Make in advance when I have the time, freeze and just thaw a few hours before gifting or serving.
And you are INSANE for hosting 3 dinners. Oh wait, include me in the insanity club, I just realized we’re hosting 3 too 🙂
Those rolls look delicious. I am a fan of taking a few shortcuts and enjoying the entertaining process (instead of killing yourself and being worn out when the guests arrive). Here is a holiday entertaining tip that I shared last year: http://my-plate.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-party-tip.html Wash the dishes as you go. Believe me; it is worth it. Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases and a Happy New Year!
Wow, you’ve got THREE dinners? Kudos to you, girl.
As for tips, I have to say that advance preparation is key. And one should always try out new recipes beforehand to avert disaster :).
Those look amazing Kristen-
My trick- serve on fancier platters – makes everything seem just a bit more festive!
Yum! Kristen!!! These look awesome!!!
Have you mom there to do the cooking! 🙂
I HAVE A BIG FAMILY SO EACH WIFE OR HUSBAND BRING A DISH THAT WAY ITS NOT HARD ON THE PERSON WHO IS HOSTING IT.
Plan, plan plan and then plan some more. Right down to exactly how much butter, flour & everything else you need from the store. That way you only need to make one trip.
Plan what food goes in what dish. Then leave post it notes in the dish. Can’t overlook anything that way.
Make a different list for each event of everything you’re serving, right down to the garnishes. Again, you won’t forget anything.
The key is to remove all of the details from your head, and get them down on paper. Now – just don’t lose your lists! (I post them inside my kitchen cabinets. Easy to see, not making visual clutter).