Holiday Menus

For a great majority of you the holidays mean FOOD! Every gathering we go to or have has at least one meal. Whether you are hosting the event or just contributing a dish now is the time to plan for it.

First make a list of events you will be going to or having in the next two months from now through the new year celebrations. Yeesh, it was more then you thought wasn't it? Now separate the ones you are hosting from the others.

For holiday gatherings where you aren't expected to contribute to the meal, count your blessings :) that you don't have to make anything. (Although a small hostess gift from your stockpile is always thoughtful.)

For holiday gatherings where you are expected to contribute call up the host and make an offer. Do not say, "What can I bring?" Look at your pantry, think about what will be on sale in the weeks before the event, (baking supplies, turkey, cranberries, etc. are on sale in November, ham, soda, etc. in December) what you can afford, and what you like to make. Then, call your host and say, "We are looking forward to your party, would you like me to bring item A, item B, or item C. That way you are still giving your host options for what will fit best into her menu but you won't blow the bank since you are only offering to make something you know you can afford.

If you are hosting the gathering make your menu!!! We have an all day gathering at our house which encompasses two meals so I also make a cooking schedule for myself that tells me what time the ham, buns, etc. need to go into the oven. That way I'm not trying to do the math on all of that with 20 people running around the house. Once you have your menu made start watching for deals and stock up on what you need. As people who are coming offer to bring things you can add their items to your menu and possibly delete things you were going to make.

If you have a gathering to go to soon after you are hosting one, make extra. If you bake an extra pie while you are making your own you will be all set for the event you are going to. Even leftovers are great just put the left over salad, dip, or whatever into a fresh bowl and it will look like new. Do whatever you can to save yourself some work. Holidays can be exhausting for those of us who are making it wonderful for others :)