Holiday Foraging
This year, consider using your backyard as a resource for decorating your home and holiday table.
Tips for Planning a Holiday Meal
Hosting a holiday meal for the first time? It can be an incredibly intricate process that many novices underestimate. Planning, shopping, coordinating all kitchen activities and cooking is a considerable amount of work. Most experienced hosts will recommend to plan and complete as many tasks ahead of time as possible (fun fact: if you wait until the day before a holiday, you might not find a turkey that is unfrozen, which may impact your timeline). Keep the menu simple and always accept offers of help from guests.
Here's a checklist to help figure things out:
FOUR WEEKS OUT
* Invite friends
* Check on seasonal ingredients
* Plan menu
* Decide what you will make and what guests will bring
* Order fresh turkey (or purchase frozen)
* Write out shopping list
THREE WEEKS OUT
* Check cooking equipment, serving dishes and utensils for all dishes on the menu
* Plan decorating theme and table decor
* Create music playlist
TWO WEEKS OUT
* Shop for beer, wine and other beverages
* Plan schedule for oven use on day of holiday cooking
ONE WEEK OUT
* Confirm guest list and make sure you have enough chairs
* Pick up fresh turkey
* Complete grocery shopping of all non-perishable ingredients (don’t forget to buy bread for leftover turkey sandwiches)
* Wash tablecloth and napkins
THREE DAYS BEFORE:
* Start defrosting frozen turkey in refrigerator
* Go shopping for fresh vegetables
* Forage for tablescape and centerpiece decorating
* Clean out refrigerator in anticipation of leftovers
ONE DAY BEFORE:
* Prep ingredients for side dishes
* Mix together stuffing ingredients and store in refrigerator
* Print out menu for guests
* Set table and decorate
* Chill beverages
DAY OF:
* Start cooking early and follow schedule
* Bake dessert after turkey is done
* Eat, drink and be merry — have fun!
* Put leftovers away or share with guests
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
* Meat thermometer
* Roasting pan and rack
* Baster
* Carving knife
* Baking dishes
* Leftover containers
* Table linens
* Silverware, plates and glasses
TIPS FOR DECORATING
Holiday Foraging
This year, consider using your backyard as a resource for decorating your home and holiday table.
A Guide to Table Settings
Fear not, diners. Navigating through a formal table setting is easier than you think.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY
The Perfect Holiday Cookie Tray
What do you get when you gather five bakers, mix in some coffee or adult beverages and toss out a question about the...
Communities Near You
Related Stories & Recipes
A Guide to Table Settings
Fear not, diners. Navigating through a formal table setting is easier than you think.
The Perfect Holiday Cookie Tray
What do you get when you gather five bakers, mix in some coffee or adult beverages and toss out a question about the perfect cookie tray? A collaborative recipe for a successful collection of holiday ...