Whether it’s a festive Easter brunch or a warm and cozy wintertime gathering, if you’re in charge of putting together a big dinner for the family, it’s important that you know how to make the holiday a success from start to finish. Who better to guide you through the intense process than the legendary Martha Stewart? Consider using some of her helpful tips as you prepare to host a large number of people.
1. Nailing the Outside Décor — Depending on the season, an al fresco meal can be the perfect choice. If you plan on serving your guests in the backyard, make sure that your tablecloths are secured before you place plates or dishes on them. Martha encourages hitting the dollar store for weights in fun seasonal shapes, such as ceramic eggs for Easter or decorative jesters for Mardi Gras. If it’s chilly out, make sure that there are a few wreaths or garlands to let your guests know they are in a place of celebration.
2. Display the Season — Make a color palette before you start (such as Earth tones during Fall or pastels during Spring), and plan your menu and decorations around it. Look for timesavers wherever possible, such as buying pre-arranged bouquets in your colors instead of assembling your own.
3. Plan Your Cooking Schedule — If you’re in charge of preparing a meal for a large party, you need to make sure that you get started early enough in the day. Many of Martha’s celebration recipes call for multiple levels of preparation, such as her roasted vegetable terrine, which requires several hours of chilling on top of the cooking and assembly. In addition, you may be required to stick a roast in the oven for a long period of time, depending on how many pounds of meat you’re cooking.
4. Make Appetizers the Night Before — It’s a good idea to put together a list of appetizers you’d like to serve. If possible, try to make as much as you can in advance so you can save your time and energy to deal with the main course on the day of the party.
5. Make a List — Try your best to make a To-Do list of what needs to be handled for the day and when, but include time for yourself! Block out at least half an hour for you to sip your tea, have a shower, and get dressed so you are composed and ready when the guests arrive.
6. Keep Decorations Simple — Sometimes it is best to try and think small when you’re planning the décor. Don’t overdo it too much; try to look to find simple ways to fill up empty spots on the dining table.
7. Prep Ahead of Time — If a food or drink can be partially made ahead of time, make sure you get all the prep work done. You don’t want to be chopping veggies nonstop the day of the party.
8. Have a Fun Bar — There’s nothing that sets the crowd mingling faster than a few cocktails. Try mixing together a pitcher of white wine spritzers for your Mother’s Day brunch, or something more warming such as a bourbon-spiked apple cider for New Year’s. Of course, champagne on New Year’s is also a must!
9. Make the Serving Easy on Yourself — When putting down food on the table, try to use serving dishes that will keep the food warm. Plan what dishes you want to use for each item ahead of time so you’ll know where everything will go.
10. Don’t Forget Dessert — Don’t put too much focusing on perfecting the main course! You still need to make sure dessert looks great. Martha generally recommends going lighter on the sweets after a big holiday meal, although a traditional rum cake or fig pudding is always a showstopper. Fresh fruit in meringue cups is a delicate and sweet (and low-effort, most importantly) end to a heartwarming celebration.
Keeping your business ahead of the curve means developing strong relationships — and lots of them. From clients and customers to business partners, vendors, employees and more, your list of vital players is ever growing and increasingly harder to handle. With professional gifting tips and industry insights, Cane River Pecan Company is here to help.
