Easy holiday entertaining hacks

(BPT) – There’s a reason the holidays are called the most wonderful time of the year – it’s an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones over delicious food and shared traditions. But hosting the holidays can be hectic if you don’t properly prepare. Is there enough food? What if the turkey is undercooked? Do the table decorations look OK? We’ve all been there.

This year, keep your holiday gathering fun, not frantic, with these holiday hassle-free hosting tips.

Prepare a game plan. Developing a checklist will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with to-do’s. For example, once the invitations have been extended, plan the menu, and gather recipes and a grocery list. Take inventory of your cooking supplies, serving dishes and tableware. While cleaning the house, identify what decorations are needed. Set the table. While last-minute jobs are bound to happen, conquering the planned details ahead of time will help keep you sane.

Keep the menu simple. From appetizers to desserts, determine what dishes on the menu can be homemade, made ahead of time or store-bought, and how guests can contribute. Figure out what is actually feasible for your meal – it’s OK if you can’t make everything from scratch. If you’ve never made homemade pie, there is no reason to put your culinary skills to the test the night before. By prioritizing your menu and asking for help, it will alleviate unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy the event.

Ditch the pile of dirty dishes in favor of disposable tableware. Instead of standing over the sink cleaning, spend the extra time celebrating with family and friends. Make sure to choose products that can stand up to heavy foods, such as mashed potatoes and gravy or cranberry sauce. Try using eco-friendly products, such as Chinet(R) Classic White(TM) plates and bowls. They are made from recycled material and biodegradable in home composting – leaving you to only feel guilty about that second helping of green bean casserole. And if your guests are known to be animated, opt for disposable wine glasses such as Chinet Cut Crystal(R) wine glass. It will hold up the event’s style without sacrificing your favorite stemware.

Deck the dinner table with a napkin fold. A napkin fold is a pretty and practical way to add personality to the dinner table. While some napkin folds can be intricate and time-consuming, choose unique designs such as festive trees and poinsettias that can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Create your own picture-perfect holiday. Incorporate meaningful touches throughout the table, such as photo centerpieces, heirloom linens and favorite greenery. These are easy ways to stimulate conversation and storytelling during dinner.

For more décor and entertaining tips, visit www.mychinet.com/entertaining/inspiration.