Your sister-in-law was going to host Christmas. You were going to relax. But there’s been a flood in her kitchen and a change in plans – in four days, a dozen people will land on your doorstep expecting a holiday feast.
After you’ve fainted, picked yourself up off the floor and had a glass of wine or two to calm your nerves, it’s time to get back to reality.
First, don’t panic. Hostess extraordinaire and former caterer Lynda Adair (my sister-in-law!) offers some helpful advice.
T minus 3 days
On your countdown to Christmas, get organized by making detailed lists, starting with your menu – appetizers, munchies, dinner and dessert. Once your menu is set, check recipes and ensure you have all the ingredients on hand or add them to your grocery list.
Make two grocery lists: one with items to be purchased ahead of time, the other with perishables, such as rolls and salad fixings, to be picked up the day before. Don’t forget condiments, cranberry sauce, coffee cream, juice, soft drinks and butter. Make sure you have enough coffee and tea, and check to ensure a well-stocked bar.
At the top of grocery list one – the turkey. It’s understandable that you might panic and run out to find the biggest frozen bird you can find, but don’t. Buy fresh, because you won’t have time to thaw it. Use the rule of thumb of at least one pound per person.
If you need help with the meal, ask family and close friends to bring something. Request specific menu items so you don’t end up with five salads and no desserts or vice versa. Keep your requests to extra side dishes or other non-essential items, in case someone forgets. Revise your grocery list, then go shopping.
When you get home, hop in the hot tub to unwind, then do a quick walk-through of your house. Your tree is likely already up and your house decorated for the season, but you may want to order a festive centre piece or two.
T minus 2 days
Set the table. Go ahead and mix and match if you don’t have enough dishes and cutlery, or borrow. On each setting place a napkin and candy cane tied together with ribbon – an easy way to add a festive touch to your table, and a great way for the kids to help out.
Ensure you have enough seating. If not, you can rent folding chairs or ask family to bring some.
Bake and freeze cakes and other desserts. Make sure you have adequate serving plates, platters and bowls.
Clean out your fridge and freezer to make extra space for appetizers, beverages and ice.
T minus 1 day
Enlist the whole family for a cleaning frenzy, remembering to do guest bathrooms and the hall closet to make way for extra coats.
Kids can also help make simple decorations, such as marshmallow snowmen with pretzel-stick arms, to decorate cakes. Wrap them and put them aside for now; add them after the cakes have thawed on Christmas Day.
Pick up perishables and prepare as much as possible ahead of time. Cold appetizers, such as cheese trays, shrimp or veggies and dip, are a good choice over foods that have to be baked just before serving (the turkey will be occupying the oven most of Christmas Day). Cold appetizers can also be prepared the day before. Just remember to wrap them well.
Wash and prepare the veggies. Peel potatoes and store in a pot of water. Make the stuffing and put it in the fridge.
Party time
On the day of the party, stuff your turkey and put it into the oven. When the turkey is done, take it out of the oven and put vegetable casseroles in. They can cook while the turkey rests.
Cook potatoes, gravy and other veggies on the stovetop and keep them in their pots until the turkey is carved.
Ensure you have designated drivers, cash on hand for taxis or the spare room made up for guests.
Remember: you’ll expect it to be perfect, but you’ll be the only one to notice if it’s not. Relax and enjoy. Happy holidays.
THE GUESTS
* Casual is okay. Throw a buffet or a potluck – and don’t be afraid to use paper plates.
* Christmas is not the time to solve other people’s problems, to give advice or review the government’s position on law and order. Keep problem guests as far apart as possible – but realize people who want to fight will.
* Creating a positive memory is important. No one will remember if there are lumps in the gravy. They will remember if there’s a brawl.
* Put your feet up 10 minutes before the party and relax. Keep a sense of humour. If you don’t enjoy it, how can they?
– Louise Fox, owner of The Etiquette Ladies, which offers etiquette training to children and adults.
THE FOOD
* Let your turkey rest: After your turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven, cover it with foil and a bath towel and let it rest for at least 15 or 20 minutes. If you cut the turkey immediately, the juices will run out.
* Turkeys can safely rest for about an hour, giving you time to prepare your side dishes.
* Don’t store turkey on the carcass; bacteria could multiply rapidly. Take the meat off the bones within two hours of cooking, then refrigerate.
– Marge Klindera, supervisor, Butterball Talk Turkey Line (1-800-BUTTERBALL)
SAFETY
* Lather and wash your hands, especially before and after handling raw meats; sanitize cutting boards and counters, and don’t forget about sinks.
* Don’t stuff the turkey until you’re ready to put it into the oven. Pack the stuffing loosely; more can be cooked in a separate pan.
* Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches at least 165 C.; stuffing should be at least 165 C.
* Do not leave food on the counter for more than two hours. Ensure your fridge is set at 4 C for proper food storage.
– Dr. Jeff Powis, infectious diseases consultant, Toronto East General Hospital
THE DRINK
* Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available, and stop serving alcohol well before anyone is likely to leave.
* Don’t be afraid to be a responsible host. Say: “Give me your car keys, I'll drive you home.” Some people get intimidated, but it would be very difficult to live with yourself if you didn’t step in and something bad happened.
*Call a cab. Your guest may not be happy at the time; when they sober up, they will realize you did the right thing.
– Carolyn Swinson, past president, Toronto Chapter, MADD Canada, and a victim service volunteer
