(StatePoint) As most party hosts know, it’s not unheard-of to spend the majority of your party in the kitchen, while guests laugh together down the hall.
But preparing in advance can help you maximize your time with family and friends, while still serving a delicious meal. Here are a few hosting hints to keep in mind.
Snappy Sides
Make sides in a cinch by doing any chopping, slicing or mixing in advance of the day of your party. Certain sides can even be prepped ahead and popped in the oven just before the guests arrive.
Or, consider making your party a potluck festivity. This way, everyone pitches in on the food which leaves you time to mine Pinterest for simple DIY décor ideas that are sure to draw more than a few wows.
Main Course
The centerpiece of your celebration doesn’t have to involve a ton of work or preparation. When your guests have traveled from all over, why not treat them (and yourself) to a little taste of home that provides the perfect presentation and effortless preparation?
One easy way to serve home favorites without spending all day near the oven is by picking up a ready-to-serve, premium turkey or ham locally. Classic options like those from HoneyBaked Ham come spiral sliced so they are effortless to serve. Their handcrafted, premium meats are smoked over blended hardwood chips and finished with a sweet, crunchy glaze, giving flavors that are evocative of happy memories and home cooking.
The brand also offers ready-made sides, as well as cakes, pies and other desserts, which could potentially mean one-stop shopping for you.
DIY Drinks
All too often, hosts get bogged down fixing drinks for guests as they arrive. Avoid this conundrum by setting up a DIY drink station. You may consider making a signature drink in advance and serving it in a beverage dispenser or punch bowl, or giving guests a few cocktail suggestions on a placard.
Don’t forget the little ones. Strawberry-lemonade and sorbet punch are great options for kids.
You don’t have to get sidelined in the kitchen at your next gathering in order to serve a home style feast. With a few smart strategies, you can be both the host of the party and the life of it.
