I love entertaining over the holidays, a.k.a. having friends and family over. From small, intimate holiday gatherings to throwing a full on party for 30 people, I use the same principles. My holiday entertaining tips are easy and straightforward!
First, keep it simple.
Remember, it’s all about easy entertaining for the holidays. Prepare a game plan with a menu that’s easy to execute. Don’t try to make a beef wellington if you have never made one more. Use tried and true recipes, recipes you have made before that family and friends already love...this is to keep the stress level down.
Even better, put together a menu of easy recipes you have made before paired with store bought items.
Here is the holiday entertaining game plan:
- List the recipes you want to make.
- Make a grocery list.
- Hit the store and get your ingredients and supplies.
- Schedule when you’ll prep the different ingredients and recipes and when things will need to go into the oven, what temperature and for how long.
This will make your life easier.
Make easy recipes that have little prep and have a lot of wow factor.
Your guests are coming over to spend time with you, that’s the most important thing to remember. Don’t overdo it... as the host or hostess, you’re supposed to enjoy the party too!
Here are some party recipes that are easy and have a big wow factor.
10 Easy Party Food Recipes for Holiday Entertaining
Meat and Cheese Board
Make it less stressful by serving easy but impressive party foods such as a meat and cheese board. You can buy pre-sliced cheese so all you have to do is set up the cheese board the day before (minus the crackers) and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Add the crackers right before serving.
Get instructions on making a meat and cheese board...
Candied Walnut Bruschetta
Get the candied walnut bruschetta recipe...
Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Get the buffalo air fryer wings recipe...
From cakes to cookies, a great party needs great desserts!
Gingerbread Cake
Get the gingerbread cake recipe...
Oatmeal Lace Cookies
Get the oatmeal lace cookies recipe...
Slow Cooker Ham
You can totally serve the ham buffet style with dinner rolls, sliced swiss cheese and a bowl of grain mustard. Everyone can make their own ham sandwiches.
Get the slow cooker ham recipe...
Last but not least, make sure you have serving utensils and platters. You can even set them out a week ahead of time so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Other recipes that are great for easy entertaining are below:
