Top 1 0 planning tips from an expert

If you’re planning to host a holiday party this year, make it easy by following these tips from chef Taryn Wa, co-founder and culinary director of Vancouver catering company Savoury Chef Foods:

1. Plan ahead. Prepare your menus and shopping lists beforehand, and make a checklist of everything that needs to be done.

2. Hire a caterer. A caterer will help with the planning, bring the food, serve the wine, keep the food circulating and clean up after.

3. If you do plan to do everything on your own, rent dishes and glassware (that way, you won’t spend the next morning washing dishes), and consider hiring servers and/or a bartender.

4. Do as much as possible ahead of time. Prep (or purchase) the components of your canapés a day or two ahead, and consider serving a prebatched cocktail or punch.

5. Plan menu items that can be served at room temperature, so you can do as little lastminute cooking as possible.

6. Be sure to accommodate allergies and aversions, and offer non-alcoholic options.

7. Set the mood with low lighting and/or candlelight.

8. Keep decor simple but elegant with beautiful flowers. Arrange serving dishes at different heights on the buffet table. And play with colour.

9. Make sure your guests have a safe way to get home.

10. “Don’t stress out,” Wa emphasizes. “People are just happy that you’re having them over.”