The holiday season is winding to a close, but there’s still a couple holidays to go.  If you plan on entertaining for any of them, not to worry.  We’ve got you covered with some of our easy-to-remember kitchen tips that are guaranteed to take the stress out of what is sure to be a stressful event!

Set the Table First

Make sure you have the table set and looking lovely before the guests arrive, that way no matter how chaotic things actually are in the kitchen, at least the front of house will have an aura of order and calm.

Choose a Simple Menu

Less is more in so many ways.  Not only does a simple menu mean there will be less types of food, it also means less for the cook to juggle, making it easier to cook the dishes you are serving to perfection.

Implement a Cooking Schedule

Starting the week of, make a schedule of what you need to do – and need to have – in the kitchen.  From shopping to prepping, spacing out your to-do list over multiple days keeps you organized and efficient.  You can even make certain dishes days beforehand, such as soups, and freeze them until the day of your event.

Outsource dessert

Just because you’re hosting a holiday dinner doesn’t mean you have to make everything from scratch by yourself.  Save time in the kitchen by having your other guests take care of the sweets.

Delegate

More than likely, you’ll have a bunch of little helpers running around.  Now’s the time to recruit a few of them to give you an extra hand when you start feeling overwhelmed.

Check Staples that May Need Restocking

You may think your pantry is well-stocked, but before you hunker down for the holiday, double-check on staples, such as olive oil, butter and spices.

Plan Ahead

When it comes to cooking, things always take longer than anticipated.  Thus, the rule of thumb is to allow way more time than you think you’ll need.  Also, do as much as possible in advance.  No one wants to be running around in the kitchen while the first few guests are arriving.

But above all else, have fun and enjoy yourself!  You’ll cherish these moments looking back for years to come.