Holiday hacks to keep entertaining merry and bright
Gathering with friends and families makes the season bright, and with a few simple steps taken from the experts, holiday hosts can be as entertained as their guests.
Cindy MacDonald, a caterer at Temple On Queen in Bridgetown, says her simple rules of good parties include planning and preparing ahead, keeping the menu simple and stomping out yearnings for perfection.
“Perfection is over rated and just quite boring,” she said. “If you are time challenged and need to decorate, use a grand statement piece. Fill a large vase with bows, berries, feathers, sticks and some fresh flowers tucked in for colour. If you think it’s big enough, try making it a bit bigger. It can accent the buffet table.”
If a large vase is not available, a large bowl with fruit is always a gorgeous addition to the table. Combine simple and exotic fruits for wonderful colour, shapes and textures. MacDonald
added that using lots of low lights and candles in the room will set a more relaxed atmosphere than overhead lights.
“Prep the buffet table beforehand, use a statement decoration, and arrange the plates in stacks; place cutlery in a bowl or basket,” she said. “Serving bowls and plates can be stacked at different heights, adding interest to the table. Stand a serving bowl on a pedestal plate; secure it from sliding around with a squeeze of honey.”
MacDonald also recommends setting up a bar table for refreshments away from the buffet table. This creates two gathering spaces for people to mingle and less congestion near the food. If serving punch or eggnog, label the bowls to indicate which is with and without alcohol.
“I avoid appetizers. It’s a whole lot of work,” she said. “Instead, make ahead one large hearty dish, like chilli, jambalaya, paella or beef bourgeon. Make ahead and freeze to serve with a crisp fruit and nut salad with mixed greens and berry vinaigrette.”
Wow them with a selection of sides and an assortment of breads: olive, sourdough, maybe muffins such as jalapeño cheddar, cranberry fennel, and plain. MacDonald also suggests whipping the butter and creating a fancy spread with pesto or sundried tomatoes.
“Ask your guests to each bring a dessert item, and nosh on them after the main,” she suggests. “This way, everyone gets a dessert doggie bag to bring home.”
OVERNIGHT GUESTS? NO PROBLEM
Now that the party is prepped, there are simple ways to make overnight guests comfortable without inconveniencing the household. Christine Buiteman, a previous event planner who is now a Halifax-based interior designer, recommends setting up a serve-yourself coffee, tea and beverage area separate from your main kitchen.
“Keeping the kitchen free of constant traffic makes entertaining easier,” she said. “Don’t try to do it all. You’re not running a hotel. When guests ask what they can do to help, they really do want to know. Time spent talking and laughing together, tidying the kitchen after a big family gathering, creates more memories than going it solo.”
Quality time together is precious, and memories make the holidays bright. Plan a couple of excursions. You may be the host but all of your family time does not have to take place in the home. Book a sleigh ride, visit a maple sugar shack, or take in some live theatre, she added
“You may be the host but you can’t always be the entertainment as well,” she added. “Have a stack of games, puzzles, card decks and the like available to guests during their stay. You’ll be amazed how the down time fills itself.”
The holidays are fast approaching and if you find yourself short of time, don’t be afraid to scrimp on holiday shopping. Buiteman recommends skipping out on excessive gift giving.
“For 20 years now, my family has drawn names for gifts,” she said. “Sometimes we mix it up with a theme, last year it was wood. Eliminate the weight of shopping for every adult in your life. You may be surprised how well the idea is received by your friends and family.”