Are you telling MPM that you’re in mega-panic mode because you decided to host a huge holiday get- together at your house this year? No worries… Whether your guest list will be big or small, MPM’s Winter Holiday Buffet and savvy menu planning tips will help melt away stress so you can relax and enjoy this special time with family and friends.
Planning ahead is the key to assure the cook as well as the guests are happy…so make sure you do your homework!
Thought about your guest list?
What goodies will be on your menu?
Will your meal be sit-down or buffet?
Is cost a consideration?
How much time can you REALLY devote to food shopping and cooking?
Are there “Junior Chefs” around to help?
Holiday Menu Planning Essentials
The Guest List. Social calendar and other responsibilities already over-the-top? To give yourself plenty of time, as soon as you have decided on a guest list, offer your invitation. Of course, who hasn’t been surprised by a last minute unexpected guest or 2, (or 10? LOL), but at least if you know your basic numbers, you can plan the appropriate selection of dishes and quantities of food to serve.
Choose a Menu. Your goal should be to create a menu that is fun and full of the colors of the season. Will you lean toward traditional family favorites or test the waters by choosing a few eclectic dishes?
Offer plenty of healthy selections too, as chances are most of your family and friends are quite food conscious these days, so processed, calorie-ridden foods should not be the star guest at your table!
Swap out the majority of traditional calorie and fat- laden menu choices (such as heavy casseroles, gravies, creamed veggies, etc.) for lighter dishes such as you’ll find in MPM’s Winter Holiday Buffet (which can also be served “sit-down”) Not only will your menu be healthier, but the look of your table will be enhanced with bright colors, tastes and textures from fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains. (leaving some room if desired, for “conscious treating” without guilt)
Sit Down or Buffet? To be quite candid, if you are having a crowd, MPM prefers buffets as opposed to sit- down holiday meals to give the guests more opportunity to mingle. Buffets also allows the cook more time to relax, eat and socialize as there is no jumping up from the table to clear dishes while scrambling to present the next course. It’s certainly no fun if your guests are ready to leave just when you’re finally ready to kick back and schmooze, right?
Make It Budget-Friendly. Today, everyone is watching their pennies when it comes to planning events and holidays are no exception. Be assured that delicious, lovely menus can be planned on a budget that works for you. If after the menu is planned, you decide your food costs will be just a bit over the top, see if you can’t do without a dish or two, because like MPM, you probably make too much food anyway!
No Need to “Go It Alone.” MPM is betting there are friends or family that would be delighted to help- so do not be shy about asking. Not only will you be able to reduce some of the cost, but you won’t need to work as hard to cook a huge holiday meal while juggling work, family and other social responsibilities.
Take a Break from Food Prep: These days, there is an abundance of healthy store-bought foods, many which can be found in bulk food warehouses. Sure, you can make everything from scratch, but to save time (and sometimes money), MPM recommends scouting out potentially healthy alternatives available in your area. In the mood for a mini splurge? Investigate local bakeries for a selection of artful and delicious miniatures which will limit sugar exposure and calories to just a few bites. And by the way, mini’s are really quite the rage these days!
Engage the Services of Your “Junior Chefs!” Having taught cooking to preschoolers for nine years, MPM knows just how much these wee ones love to cook. And the holidays are the perfect occasion to practice their culinary skills. With age-appropriate kitchen tools, let your little helpers perform tasks like making a simple fruit salad or arranging fresh veggies on a tray. Kids love to set tables too, so do show them how to fold napkins and place silverware. And if you have some extra time, MPM knows they would love to make a special holiday centerpiece for your table. Oh-and don’t forget to request help from your bigger kids too!
Let the Cooking Begin!
Okay, so all this sounds great, but now you may be inquiring, how and where do I start? Well, relax because Meal Planning Maven has put together a fabulous Winter Holiday Buffet….fun, colorful and reasonable to prepare. Have guests with special dietary needs? No worries if you go with a menu that covers many bases such as this delicious, crowd- pleasing meal.
Shop Smart: This budget- friendly menu requires few special foods and in fact… most of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or farmers’ markets (just starting up again here in the South) or even your favorite bulk food warehouse for additional cost savings. Just choose the dishes that interest you, make yourself a detailed shopping list and off you go.
Most Importantly… Relax and Have Fun! No matter how simple or fancy the food, make sure you and your guests enjoy the moment. With all the stresses we must endure these days, the Winter Holiday Season should be a time where everyone can relax and have fun. With careful planning and attention to detail, your celebration meal will be happily remembered by all.
Hang Out with MPM!
“Like” MPM on Facebook! Our incredible community is growing by leaps and bounds with almost 10,000 fans! Don’t miss out on great time-saving meal ideas and recipes you can use NOW! Also, join us for lots of fabulous “foodie chit-chat” including our popular nightly “What’s for Dinner at Your House Tonight?” The party goes on all day and night!
Follow MPM on Twitter! NEW! Come join in the fun! Lots of great recipes and smart menu planning ideas are being shared…especially delicious holiday dishes!
Follow MPM on Pinterest! I have been busy pinning lots of new recipes for your enjoyment, so do make sure you start exploring MPM’s boards today, especially my favorite Edible Gifts recipes!
Visit MPM’s Website Often! Here you will find bunches of healthy and delicious recipes, meal plans for daily use and menus for special occasions. And do check out MPM’s Recipe Collections including fun ‘n yummy Edible Gifts!
Can Meal Planning Maven Help You?
Feel free to contact me at Meal Planning Maven or visit my website for more information about Food Coaching and Personal Meal Planning services.
MPM Wishes You Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!
Ceeya Next Time!
