Host a Holiday Dinner with Ease

Hosting Christmas dinner for a large group of people can be pretty overwhelming, but it shouldn't be daunting. If your family is like mine, there will always be a squabble over how lumpy the gravy is, but it doesn't have to get any worse than that. Here are some tips to turn your chore into a joy.

1. Just because your hosting the event, that doesn't mean that you have to do all of the work. Farm some of it out. In my family, whoever is hosting is the person responsible forthe ham and/or bird, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, and of course, the gravy. Every other person (including the children, once they get older) that attends is expected to bring a side dish or a dessert. In some cases, an relative has brought the same dish so much that it has officially become their food, and everyone expects them to bring it. Doling out food assignm,ents not only makes your work load lighter, but it also saves on your wallet, possibly allowing you to give your children a better Christmas.

2. If it is necessary to rearrange furniture, or if you are planning an elaborate decorating scheme, make those alterations a week or two before the dinner. This will give you more time further along to focus on other important factors such as cleaning and cooking. If you get those done by the time everyone arrives, then you'll have more time to spend actually being with your family.

3. In the day or two leading up to your holiday dinner, try to complete as much food prep as is possible. This will clear up some of your time the day of the dinner, making the work seem less overwhelming. It might even afford you some time to watch the Christmas parade.

4. Did you forget something? Don't have time to run out and pick it up? Don't worry, it's perfectly acceptable to call someone and ask them to bring it to you. Not only will it allow you to keep working, but when your friend brings the forgotten item, they'll be there early and can help you with the work load.

Holidays with the family can be hectic and mind-boggling, but they don't have to be a pain in the rear. With a bit of forethought and planning, they can be really enjoyable for everyone involved. You might even come to like playing hostess after all.