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Now is the perfect time to clear out your pantries for all holiday cooking you’ll be doing soon. It saves so much time and effort when your kitchen is already organized and all your holiday cookware and serving sets are pulled out.
In that spirit, we’re cleaning out our prize closet to make room for our most exciting giveaways of the year. Look forward to our 12 Days of Christmas giveaways later this month! But for now, we’ve gathered some exciting leftovers that you could win this week. Find out how you can win below!
Organize Your Kitchen For The Holidays
1. Empty it out
To get organized, empty out drawers and cabinets one by one to get rid of items you’re sure you don’t need anymore. A good rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it the last year, you probably won’t miss it.
2. Divide and conquer
Separate your kitchen items into piles that make sense. This will allow you to see duplicates and begin to decide the best way to use your space.
3. Contain the containers
Move the larger containers to a high shelf or scoot them to the back, where they won’t be in the way. Set aside containers you won’t mind giving away (filled with holiday leftovers!)
4.Be realistic
Organizing and removing clutter may make cooking easier and help you make the most out of your space. However, what really matters are the wonderful holiday meals you’ll share! Don’t obsess over making it perfect.
Need more kitchen knowledge? Download our free ebook: The Ultimate Kitchen Guide: How-Tos, Cooking Tips & Essential Kitchen Knowledge. It includes tips from Mr. Food’s Test Kitchen!
Giveaway Closed
Cleaning Out the Closet Giveaway!
Through November 15, enter to win an amazing giveaway package featuring over $350 worth of prizes!
Prizes include: BBQ Dragon Charcoal Stoker, Vinturi Spirit Aerator, Vinturi Deluxe Aerator Set, CDN TempFork, Hostess Twinkies Bake Set, Tovolo Soak ‘n Strain. Joseph Joseph Food Station Cutting Board Set, New Metro Design Yolk-0-Mizer, Jessica Steele Apron and Pot Holder, Dexas Clip Cup, WMF ProfiResist Fry Pan, Spectrum Fruit Server, 2 Abundant Chef Ceramic Knives and a Lemon Squeezer.
How to Enter:
Just comment on this blog post with an answer to this question:
And the winner is…
Judith, we will contact you about your prize.
What’s your best tip for a great holiday meal?
RecipeChatter
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I think the key to good holidays is great food, and time with your family and friends.
Prepare as much as you can the days before, then you will have time to enjoy the festivites.
eat out,you can relax and no cleaning
My tip for a great holiday meal is do as much in advance as possible, and accept help from others. Then relax and enjoy.
I found just keep everything simple and don’t expect every thing to be perfect. You then can enjoy your company more.
My best tip is to go to someone else’s house. That way you can enjoy everyone’s company instead of stressing out over getting everything cooked.
Clean up as you go so you don’t have alot of dishes to do after the meal.
My best tip for a Holiday meal is always plan,prepare, and please keep your prep area clean!
Keep things simple and let company help if they offer
For a moist bird, soak it overnight in a solution of half a cup of kosher salt and water. Your meat will be tender and moist and oh so delicious! Then line your baking pan with foil and put your bird in a baking bag. This will speed clean up.
Delegate! Everyone must pitch in.
Prepare what you can ahead of time, to make it a less stressful day.
Being organized helps so much and prepping what you can a couple of days ahead!
Make sure you’re surrounded by people you love!!
Keep thunes simple
Keep thing simple
Enjoy yourself and don’t let the little thing stress you out the important thing is sharing the holidays with your family and friends.
don’t try to do everything yourself, ask for help.
Take a deep breath and down size! Then donate your items to a worthy cause.
Keep Holiday traditions going pass recipes down the generations. Family gatherings is what Holidays are all about.
Have your meal buffet style with everyone bringing a side dish and use good quality disposable dishware for easy clean up.
As much as help is appreciated in the kitchen, sometimes too many cooks can end up slowing things down. If you’ve set-out your dry ingredients, made sure any night-before prep is sorted, then the actual day should go quite smoothly (barring and family drama, of course! LOL) A little help here and there is fine, but trust me, you can handle the brunt of it on your own.
Happy Holidays, all 🙂
The right tool makes every job easier!
Keep things simple and enjoy family
Best thing to do is to try to have as many make-ahead dishes as possible, and a glass or two of wine while in the middle of food prep can make things run more smoothly!
Share responsibility. Everyone brings at least one dish.
Plan ahead, let guests help by bringing food or drinks to share, and keep it simple.
Don’t get in a hurry! Relax, take your time and enjoy the process!
make the potaoes stuffing and roles at home get others to bring turky vegies deserts and most important have lots of coffee sugar equal ect. and nestles french vanalla creamer and milk maybe some kool tea milk bones
Prepare dishes ahead of time except for the cooking as much as possible. Set the table the day before the meal.
Start a few days in advance so you will be able to enjoy the time with the other people!
Take vacation day before meal day !!!
Don’t over do it. Too much stress makes for an unhappy meal. Enjoy the company and keep it loose.
Plan ahead. Cook as much ahead of time so you just have to reheat. Have family help with table setting and decorating.
Make as much ahead of time as possible, keep it simple, ask for help, enjoy family.
Get started on sides and prep work a day or two in advance… keeps stress to a minimum.
Organization. That means preparing as much ahead of time so you can enjoy the day. Thanks for the giveaway.
All you need is family. The meal could be terrible but family is what it’s all about!
Unless you are a gourmet cook, keep things simple. I believe most people prefer the traditional food anyway.
Prep and cook as much ahead as can be done. Let others pitch in and help or bring dishes to the meal. Enjoy your family and friends.
Have a plan in advance, don’t be afraid to ask for help, only try one or two new recipes and be patient with yourself! The less you stress, the better. Also, spend quality time with your guests, don’t stay hidden in the kitchen!
I make my turkey on my outside gas grill, keeping the oven open for other things.
Don’t sweat the small stuff, and when it really comes down to it, most everything is small stuff. Make a list for everything, shopping, dishes to be served at dinner ( so nothing is forgotten), family & friends who are coming and the dishes they are bringing, and a timetable for when each dish needs to go in oven and at what temp. Then sit back & have a glass of wine while waiting for the doorbell to ring.
Just enjoy family and definitely enjoy the meal!
My best tip for a holiday meal would be – Do as much as possible ahead of time and be sure to have everything ready at least an hour before guests arrive so you can relax and not feel stressed when the party starts. Above all – have fun!!!! If your guests see that you are stressed and not enjoying yourself – then they will feel awkward.
Everybody pitch in to make the dinner a true ‘family affair’!
Be sure to have lots of stuffing.
I get everyone involved. Bring your best sides, let the grandkids make the deviled eggs, stuff celery sticks. bring pies and I provide the basics-turkey and trimmings.
Plan ahead,be organized,most of all enjoy the time with your family.
The best Holiday tip I have is to be organized and have a list. Plan ahead what foods you want to prepare. Then the dishes you can make a day or two ahead of time will save you on time and effort later! My mother and grandmother taught me that if you make things such as cookies and specialty bread loafs, you can make those a week ahead of time and stick them in the freezer! The night before the big meal you can take them out to thaw and add toppings!
The gift look great! I love kitchen equipment.
Family fun!
I like to start early. Some foods can be fixed and frozen so do those first. Prep what you can then relax and enjoy the holiday.
My tip is to just relax and enjoy the time you have with your family and friends. They don’t mind if things are perfect!
Have plenty of cornbread dressing on the table!
do as much as you can ahead, so you can spend more time with the people who matter
Do everything possible the day before or even two days if possible. You won’t be as stressed the day of the meal and can be more relaxed.?
The best tip I can give would be to give yourself enough time to prepare. Do as much as possible in advance. Do not let yourself get overwhelmed. Relax and enjoy you company! 🙂
My holiday tip is for turkey roasting. I always sprayed my turkey with cooking spray before roasting. One year all I had on hand was Baker’s Joy, so I used that. I got busy and forgot to baste the turkey but to my surprise, the Baker’s Joy had created a perfectly golden almost glass-like crispy turkey skin and kept in all the juices. The turkey was fabulous!
I plan the menu and start preparing at least 2 weeks ahead of time. I ask my family to each bring one dish such as a dessert or vegetable. I make dishes or prep food ahead of time, if possible. I start getting the dining room and table together at least by the night before and place the individual name cards and/or nut/candy cups I made weeks before onto the tables. I always make extra to share with neighbors and friends that do not have any family and need somewhere to go. Remember sometimes less is better, enjoy and be thankful for what you have and don’t forget to share with the less fortunate.
I keep it sane by not trying to do it all myself. My two daughters share with my eldest actually doing much of the planning. Last year she began the tradition of including someone less fortunate to join us at the table and we all really enjoyed that.
Make things you enjoy!
Letting others bring dishes helps ease the stress of trying to cook everything yourself.
Take time with meal and enjoy family.
Best tip….get someone else to do the cooking!!! Or, put yourself in charge of the alcohol so you get something tasty, strong, and that can get you through dinner with your weird uncle.
good wine and people,who you like
The best holiday meal is one spent with family. The menu doesn’t matter that much.
The best tip-if you can make it ahead of time, do so. Keep it simple.
My best tip for making a holiday meal is to do as much pre-preparation as possible so you are not cooking when your guests are there.
I use my crock pot on warm to keep my mashed potatoes. You can even put them in there up to 4 hours before they dry out.
I.ve found using the crockpot (S) for some dishes such as dressing and or a casserole makes the oven more available.I find this make me less stressed over constantly having to check on these dishes while I pepare the rest of the meal.That makes me more relaxed and able to enjoy the holiday and al my wonderful family.
The best tip I have for the holidays is about Thanksgiving meal. As you’re prepping the turkey, take fresh rosemary and basil and put it under the skin, on top of the breast. A few pats of butter and your all set. I did this last year and loved the flavor of the turkey and the gravy!
Prepare relax and share your holiday meal.
I think one of my best tips is to do what you can before the big day even gets there, also..have a drink to take the edge off!
Relax, don’t expect perfection, and ask for help!
Two words…proper prep.
My fav holiday tip is from my mother. Simple and classic.
**Do as much prep the night before w/vegi trays and dip – and get up EARLY on the holiday so you don’t start out behind the gun**
Do as much prep work as possible . I freze garden potatoes for special events and bring them out and tastes like new potatoes out of garden. Get a lot of comments about them
Family, friends, and a good time. We enjoy our get togethers with games and laughter for all.
Cook as much beforehand as possible. OH and have plenty of wine 🙂
I believe the best tip for great holiday meals is preparation. Check recipes for ingredients or even possible ways to “tweak” to make healthier or for those with food allergies. Check supplies and ads for deals on the more expensive items and always have a go to quick addition to “extend” in case family or friends bring unexpected celebrators… and when its all done be happy with what has been accomplished
The key to a great holiday meal are the people you love
My tip, prep and make what you can ahead of time so you can enjoy your family and friends!
Plan your menu in advance to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients; prep as much as you can ahead of time; allow guests to contribute to the menu, especially if they have special dietary requirements; and always have a Plan B-Cold Food alternative on hand in the event of a worst-case scenario (such as a power failure).
My tip for a great meal, go to someone else’s house!
My best tip is to clean as you go that way you aren’t left with a huge mess at the end of dinner.
Butter makes everything better!
Plan and prepare ahead of time as much as possible.
In order to have a great holiday meal, order sides from a restaurant and put them in dishes you already own. Nobody has to know the difference. This saves time and sanity!!
Plan Plan Plan. I’m a list person. I love my lists and don’t stray from them, unless it’s a must. From invitations, to meal preparation, shopping for decorations & food ingredients, etc. I stick to my lists. Involving friends and family helps also and makes for a great time to bond! Also, don’t forget the little ones. They always want too please and will work hard when involved. Plus they will have those memories always.
Spend the day with your loved ones and giving grace for the meal.
Relax and enjoy family. Don’t try for perfect, they won’t remember the small things left undone. And if something big happens it’s just another story added to the family memories. Those are things to be cherished.
Take time to plan your menu , start cooking early, and keeping the traditions that my Granny taught me alive and being able to share those with my family following in her footsteps. My Grannys steps are hard to fill, but I am proud to be able to give my family a little of Granny each holiday because she was the glue that held us together and although she is still with us in body, she is not in mind. So the best holiday meals for me are those that I know that my family enjoyed their food because there is barely anything left and after eating we gather in the family room and reminise on the old days, while most of the men have unbuttoned their pants and are napping just as it has always been.
Be organized…plan to do as much prep ahead of time so you can enjoy your company and meal.
Use the best ingredients possible.
Invite your favorite family/friends and spend the special time together finishing up preparations for the dinner before the rest of the crowd arrives
Everyone has a special dish that is their proud and joy to make , figure out what is the dish that your family /friends are really good at making, you do the turkey/ham, let everyone else bring a dish that they love to make BUT make sure you find out ahead of time what they are making so you can fill in the needed things. You really don’t want 15 desserts and no veggies, bread or whatever your family eats for Thanksgiving.
Food, Fun, Family, and Beer, is all it takes!
I found the best way to organize is to do as much as u can the day and night before the celebrations therefore come party time you can enjoy the family and friends u have over!!!
Our best dinner parties are potlucks. We provide the main course and everyone else adds sides, appetizers, or dessert. It’s easy and we get a great variety.
One good tip is just plan it all out. Sit down and make a list of everything you need and how you’re gone to serve it.
RELAX The guests already love you or they would be elsewhere. Have fun and relax enjoy as much as possible and do let others help they really want to just help
Do as much as possible ahead of time. Fancy paper plate for easy cleanup. Keep it simple. Who wants to keep so busy you cant spoil the grandkids or die trying!
Prep as much of the food the day and night before, that way you have to time to eat AND watch the game. 😉 Thanks for the chance!
We host Thanksgiving for several family members and their families so I always ask everyone to bring any dish that they would be disappointed if it were not served by me. Anything that was a tradition in their family. If someone is unable to provide the dish they can give me the recipe and I provide it for them. I love for all extended family to have the dish that they look forward to most.
Have everyone bring something so you don’t have to do it all.
My best tip is to begin early, and write everything down. Take time at the start and go step by step. Less will be forgotten, and you will also be able to enjoy the water holiday meal. The worst thing for me is to leave it to the last minute and rush around. No fun for anyone.
Make sure you know how many people will be at your party.
my best tip is to not spend so much time in kitchen and enjoy family and friends
blessings
the way to do it is to make as much as you can in advance.
Make what you can beforehand and prep as much as possible the day or night before so you only have a few things to do so you can enjoy being with everyone. Make sure you have enough ice to last and drinks for everyone including the kids. Do not stuff yourself on snacks and appetizers either brfore the meal. Just relax and enjoy being thankful that it is not going to be a rush and crush day after all. Oh yes have lots of bread or rolls, butter anf gravy on hand. Good. You are Set.Www
My best holiday tip is don’t leave everything for the last minute. Prepare as much in advance as possible making most things reheat able leaving only the bare essentials for the oven which will be free!
My grand daughter is about to move into her first apartment and this would be a great help for her!
BEST TIP EVER!! SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE!!!! plan ahead, make ahead, and tell everone 1/2 hour ahead of time you want them to show up reassuring that if they happen to be the slow poke in the family they do show up on time. one last thing. its no big deal if you forget the cranberry sauce aunt ethel will forgive you next year…. LOL breath its only dinner just like any other night just with the whole family…
don’t make it an impossible feat – it’s friends and family coming, not the prez, so act like it, soak up the love of your cooking for THEM, people you LOVE….I’ve found that is the best, most enjoyable way to deal with any holiday – remembering these are people I love and they know I’m human, so if mistakes happen, it’s a laugh, not at me, but with me….make more than enough because left overs are the best when eaten around the holidays!
My holiday tip is: Simple is best. We all have our own rules in the kitchen, however we all have simple, great recipes that won’t take away from your family time. Stick to those for a truly magical delicious family holiday.
Go simple start a new family tradition such as sub sandwiches or homemade pizza. Just something light and simple shared with the family. After all family are the most important.
Prepare and cook as many things as you can the day before.
Make lists – what you’re making and what you need to buy – and do as much of it as early as possible so you can enjoy your guests.
My best tip for a great holiday meal is make a list and shop and prep in advance. It will save you alot of trouble when the big day arrives. Thank you
If you want to try out a new recipie or technique, TEST it well ahead of time! You’ll make yourself crazy if you wait until the Big Day and have to worry about your results!
Making sure you have everything prepped early and cooking with friends always brings new and yummy things to the table for everyone to try.
Lots of family to share food and then help to eat it.
I actually buy all my cooking ingreidents-except for the fresh turkey 2 weeks before I cook-no last minute grocery store trips for me
My best tip for having a great holiday is be sure to take time to enjoy yourself. Don’t worry if not everything gets done. Visit with family. Some family may not be with you in the coming years. Everyone will eat what ever there is even if something was forgotten.
Cook ahead as much as possible so you can relax and enjoy your guests.
Be sure to use honey. Its great for you and it helps sweeten ip the holiday!
Never use the Holidays to try out new, and tricky recipes. You will end up stressing yourself out, and it may not turn out as planned.
I get my shopping done early and prepare all that I can ahead of time, and I also have guests bring certain sides.
Just make something you know you’ll like that way you will be happy, and you can share your tastes with your guests.
Eating out.
The best holiday is one where we celebrate just being able to be together, so we prefer a leisurely braise, so that dinner is served when everyone has arrived, and had a chance to visit over a glass of wine.
I think the best advice is the KISS philosophy-keep it simple stupid-don’t get too fancy or over the top. make the family favorites and gave guests bring some extras.
Always cook extra food! Better safe than sorry and your guest can always share leftovers with you!!
Plan things ahead and make it as simple as possible and everyone do their part in helping with
the meal.
Start a week ahead of time and get the whole family involved doing something. That way when the day comes and you are ready to eat everyone can say they helped and I did that. It will make for some real family time.
Make as much as you can ahead of time and freeze it! I prepare everything almost 2 weeks ahead of time 😛
We use the boneless turkey breasts because they’re so much easier to work with. Some one cooks the turkeys, someone makes the dressing, and so forth. Then we all come together at my sister’s house, sometimes my brother’s. The point is we all have our part to play in It. And It usually turns out very well.
I shop on the weekend for nonperishable goods. Then two days before I buy the fresh (veggie, dairy, etc). The day before I clean and prep all the dishes and precook anything possible so it just has to be heated on the holiday. Pies and bread we buy fresh the evening before if we aren’t having homemade. Otherwise I find myself in the kitchen all day on the holiday instead of with family.
Potluck is a good way to keep the special diet folks happy (Vegetarian/Paleo/ Gluten Free/ Diabetics):
Heartily invite them to bring their favorite dish.
Plan ahead, start early in the morning or the day before, HAVE FUN doing it (have family help, make memories out of preparing the food, jam out to some good music, be thankful for the moments that are spent with family)!!!
For a good thanksgiving play music while cooking it makes it go by quicker and pputs everyone in a good mood!
My best tip that always worked for me is to prepare some meals in advance so that there’s no rushing last minute. I also love when my guests bring a dish, whether it’s an appetizer or a dessert. It always works great.
My best tip for a holiday meal is about cooking the ham. I always mix Dr. Pepper, juice of a can of sliced pineapple and juice from a jar of maraschino cherries, and brown sugar. I stir it all together until it’s pourable, then pour it over the ham, put the pineapple rings on the ham and a cherry inside the circle. I baste it often. The results are absolutely wonderful!
Clean up as you go and then eat and enjoy your food and conversation with your family and friends then finish up after they leave.
Best Tip Ever.
LET Grandma do the cooking.
The best tip for the holidays is to prep your dishes ahead of the big day & to have a good drink on the day while you do minimal work with final preparations!
I prepare as much in advance as possible: cranberry sauce, cheesecake, stuffing. I clean all vegetables and have as much ready in the fridge that just has to go in the oven before dinner.
Potluck is the best way for everyone to enjoy the day.
My best tip for great holiday meals is don’t use a new to you recipe. Always test drive a new recipe. Your oven may be too hot or cold, your measuring may be slightly off, your ingredients may not even be in your pantry(teenagers). Get familiar with your new recipe before putting it into a fantastic holidays. You won’t be sorry you did.
I come from a VERY large family(5 sisters & 6 brothers)and they ALL have kids and grand kids. I always tell them to make their favorite dish and something that the kids will eat ( not all kids like turkey and dressing). My husband cooks the turkey and I do the dressing. No one person is stressed out .and the kids are excited that they have their favorite food. Rule of thumb, if the kids are HAPPY, they will make EVERYONE more relaxed for a pleasurable time.
My best tip would to be prepared, relax, and enjoy the family and friends- the great food is just a bonus
Pleas start early. organize, make lists and get sleep the days before. search sales and discounts. shop early. I start in October watching the sales and stocking up.
My best tip for a holiday meal is to keep the wine close.. 🙂
If you’re having the “zoo crew” over for a holiday meal, make sure two things are clearly understood by all:
1. What, if anything, invitees are expected to bring as a contribution to the meal;
2. That anyone who can’t disagree civilly can take their argument outside, no matter what the weather’s doing, and come back in when they can drop the rant and behave nicely–NO EXCEPTIONS!
The one thing that has ruined more family get-togethers than any over-baked turkey, half-done biscuits, too-seasoned stuffing or other cooking fiasco ever has is family arguments over politics, religion, or other sensitive subjects. Please, let’s drop the controversies and have HAPPY holidays!
I start a List at least a week before and I plan my meal at least 10 days before!
I check over my list twice to make sure that its right!
I start three days before,like my cakes,pies ,cookies,and a day before I cook the Veggies and have them in refridge ready to warm up!
On the morning crack Dawn I get up and put my Ham in My Crock pot oven,last I prepare my Turkey,while they are cooking I make Homemade Rolls!
This way I don”t kill over before Dinner,LOL
I think the key to good holidays is to prepare as much as possible ahead of time.
Prep what you can, but involve everyone. Some can cook, some set tables, serve as necessary, clear tables and do the dishes. Make sure there is a group of people for every task (some will be the same people), change groups for the tasks and make sure no one is alone. Find conversation starters ahead of time to use as needed. Mostly, enjoy!
Cook something you’ve made before and know people will like. This will reduce the stress over the meal choices and you will get to enjoy it with everyone else. This works for anytime you have company, not just special occasions.
keep it simple and don’t try a new recipe for Thanksgiving unless you have tried it beforhand
My best tip is to have a solid plan for the meal in place.
the menu is set up in advance with everyone bring their FAV side dish But prep work is the key to my great thanksgiving dinner and it doesn’t hurt to bribe the kids or grandkids into pitching in with the clean up
Make some of the dishes ahead of time, one at a time, so you can devote your full attention to it and prepare it properly. Then freeze or refrigerate for the big day, and it will be less hectic, and everything you serve will be perfect.
Plan a few make ahead dishes – sides, desserts, appetizers – so you don’t have SO much to do the day of. Thanks.
Always plan AHEAD1 Check pantry to make sure you have every item(s) you will need. Encourage family members for help, especially in preparations so that everyone will enjoy a stress free holiday meal.
My best tip is to make the preparation fun, get everyone involved, even if it means making a mess.
Don’t invite the drunk uncle.
Works every time.
😀
Plan ahead and always have extras. Cut up and prep things the day before and make room in the fridge for leftovers.
Prepare as much as possible ahead of time, and clean your bowls pans utensils as used so you keep a clean kitchen. Delegate some of the work to others so they feel they have helped.
Being with family and remembering to share the love is what holidays are all about! Thank you so much 🙂
My tip is to invite people you love and don’t stress too much about the food.
Prepare as much as you can the day before- Plan ahead.
I use lots of garlic in my holiday cooking. I have learned to mash garlic cloves inside a resealable plastic bag with the back of a knife. That way, your cutting board and knife won’t smell.
Make a to do list, keep calm and cook on
Try to prep as much food as you can the night before and don’t forget to ask for help.
ASk for help its to stressful to do it all yourself!
make sure you get as many family members involved as possible
Have it with family.
Happy Hour!!
Definitely pre-plan and also outsource items!
Prepare ahead, clean as u go along and don’t stress on things being perfect. Enjoy what the holidays are about, being with ppl u love n who love u
Sometimes easiest is the best!
dont stress, get the family involved in preparation and make it fun!
Don’t stress out you need to enjoy yourself too
Have everyone pitch in so it can be enjoyable and quality time together instead of having one person do it all.
The best thing to do is remember that it is about enjoying time with friends and family and to not get to overwhelmed by the food.
I spend several days prepping food so that I can bring it all together on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
My tip is have patients and make a plan. As any Chef would say your Mise en Place. Make a list of what you are making, what ingredients you need to make the dish, how long it needs to cook.
Wow I don’t even know what to say .
this is a really interesting mix of items .
I would like to see this for myself and cook and bake away
Delegate tasks and clean as you go! The last thing you want on your mind during a holiday meal is the clean-up. Thanks for this giveaway!
My best tip is to do all of the prep (chopping, sauce-making, and pie-making) the day before, that way all you’ll have to do is cook the different dishes. No prep makes it much easier the day of!
My tip is to include lots of dressings and toppings, so people can add what they like to their meal.
Let every family that comes to eat make a dish and then not just one person is trying to make everything.
Do not think that everything has to be “perfect” All you need for a perfect meal is enough to eat.
try to prepare beforehand
my best tip is to make it a potluck. You can enjoy the unique twist on different dishes that your friends bring to the table.
Love! Family, Friends and Food Love!
My best tip for enjoying the holiday cooking is to just relax! You do that if you have a good plan in advance so all ingredients are on hand, and all preparations are in order. (Sounds great, huh?!)
I tweak my green bean casserole with red peppers.
Marry a Cheff,!
Don’t stress and enjoy the time.
We seem to be the gathering place for Family dinners. I always make my own stuffing, so the night before I do alot of prep, like getting my bread broken which I use an old blender and only use it to chop the bread up. Plus I prep all my veggies the night before and I assign cleaning duties to the Fam.
Prep as much as possible in advance.
I think preparing what your family like to eat and enjoying their company.
The best way to enjoy any holiday is don’t stress over the little things. Plan a menu a week before and let other family members pick a dish to bring. Every family has a member that is best at making pies, or salads or picks the right beverage for the kids. Sit back and enjoy!!!!
Don’t cook too much food. It’s not just about the meal. It’s also about spending time with family.
Prep as much as you can ahead of time, serve wine, and enjoy the day!
Don’t stress over how other families celebrate their holiday. It isn’t about keeping up with the Jones’s. Do your own thing.
No matter how your food comes out the fact that you took the time to make it is loving and caring and is enough ! 🙂
Consider including a selection of flavors and textures
Prepare as much as you can the day before!!!
For the holidays, two weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas, I get a final count of how many people are coming over. Then I figure out how much food I will need. Next, I create a spreadsheet in one column I eater the food (turkey, stuffing, etc.) the next column prep time per dish, third column cooking time per dish, and the fourth column what the dish is being cooked in. I highly suggest using 3 6 quart crockpots along with the stove. Then I set a time for dinner. The last column in the spreadsheet is time to start prepping and cooking. This way everything will be hot and done by the time based for dinner.
I usually go to my brothers for Thanksgiving and I love to take new dishes that I think everyone will enjoy because I like to cook!
I make everybody help and cook.
Having plenty of food and family fun. All family
Enjoy everyone’s company and eat as much as you want
Focus on a few great recipes rather than a ton of dishes.
Start cooking early.
My tip is to go with the flow. Have some sort of structure to it, but don’t get stressed out if your plans are not met or have changed. Just be glad that you are spending your time with family and/or friends!
My tip is to be well organized and remember the purpose of the gathering. A good attitude goes a long way!
Get others in the kitchen to help. Especially the kids!
Use paper plates and disposable Casserole to make clean up easier
Prep the day before and ask or help from family,things will run much smoother
Plan ahead, prep as much as possible ahead of time, so the day to cook will be much easier and wash up as you go.
My best tip is to plan ahead and always cook more than what you think you will need. My family has a habit of bringing people with them or just stopping by without letting me know! I love having everyone over but one time I planned for fewer people than showed and had to whip up food last minute and felt frazzled!
For a great Holiday Meal bring as much family together as possible . Use as much family in preparation as space and time will allow each to be put in charge of preparing a dish for the total meal. Use favorite family dishes from the past that has imprinted the family taste buds over the years. Allow for two or more deserts – homemade bread or rolls would be great – favorite main course of your choice. Use your better or best place settings for a great presentation — set a nice table and perhaps a party gift for each place setting for all to enjoy . Then ring the dinner bell — give thanks — love your family and enjoy !!!
Prepare as much as you can in advance and have delegate other family members to bring side dishes.
Prepare in advance! Do everything you can in advance to make your day go smoother
Know your guests and prepare, prepare, prepare.
My tips are to constantly keep an eye on what’s cooking so it doesn’t burn and clean up as you cook.
Prepping as much as you can before hand is very important.
I get as much done over 3-4 days before! I make all dough’s and deserts,cookies,pies a few days before. The day before I partially cook potatoes so I just need a few minutes to finish them. We set up all the tables, serving and eating, the day before and cover them with a clean sheet. I and/or my husband make up appetizer platters the night before cover them well and store them where they need to be. I set up all non refrigerated ingredients on the kitchen table 2 days before. I have my own veggie garden so I make sure I have picked all veggies I grow for the dinner 3 days before and par cook them, again so I only have a short time to cook them. Doing all this gives me more time to spend with family and friends rather then cooking but it all comes out great!
Don’t make too many grand dishes, it doesn’t all get eaten and then there is too much to store later. Keep it simple and basic and only have one special dish to try. Let others help, it strengthens your bond with one another and no one is left feeling like they missed out on anything or had to do most of the work. Everyone should find a way to participate in making the meal, cleaning and setting up. It’s a family and close friends event, everyone should be a part of it all.
I buy disposable foil pans for cooking and holiday design plates for serving.
My best tip and what I’ve always done for a great holiday meal is to get started early and have all of your ingredients set out in proper proportions as you’re preparing each dish. I absolutely have to have everything ready to toss together or I forget things. lol
Make sure you have everything you need, most stores are closed on Holidays and for Heavens sake, if someone offers to help with the food, LET THEM!
Use time-proven recipes and do as much preparation work the day before. Also, it helps if other can prepare a side dish or bring a dessert. Put on some music, have a glass of wine and enjoy the company of friends and family.
MAKE SURE EVERY THING IS MEAURED OUT WHEN YOU ARE COOKINGNAND THAT YOU HAVE ALL YOUR PRODUCTS.
My best tip is careful planning and doing as much prep as possible the week before. My second best tip is salt pork on top of your turkey… it equals BACON turkey and guarantees against a dry bird.
my best tip is have a helping hand. i always have somebody to chop things for me.
planning
My tip would be to make sure you have all the ingredients for the meal on hand so missing items doesn’t slow down the meal preparation.
I recently (as in last year) started ordering our Thanksgiving meal from The Fresh Market. I know it’s cheating, but being able to spend a stress free holiday with my family is so worth it. I highly recommend trying it if you have a large family and not a lot of time to prepare.
Get help when you can!
My best tip is to make some things ahead of time and freeze them. I do my dressing in small foil pans, freeze them unbaked and then bake a couple on Thanksgiving and then one or two on following days tp have with the leftovers.
Make sure you get any side dishes and desserts done as early as you can, the night before if possible to save yourself sometime.
prep ahead that has helped me alot so that is my tip
Prep as much as possible a day or 2 before hand. Casseroles can be put together and frozen ahead.
I think having something everyone will enjoy.
Make a list and have your family you.
My best tips for the holidays- Peel potatoes ahead of time and leave in the pot with water, ready to turn on when the time is right. I also cut up my celery and green onions (for the stuffing) the night before and keep in a zip lock in the fridge till needed. Frozen veggies can be put their pot and covered till you are ready. Hope that is enough to get some you started. Happy Holidays!!!!
By staying calm and also by making sure you have all your ingredients the day before.
My best tip is to prep as much as much as you can so dinner will be done at the correct time.
My tip is to enjoy your loved ones to the fullest extent by not cleaning up the mess until everyone leaves (with the exception of saving the perishable stuff). I don’t know how many memorable moments I missed out on while I was in the kitchen cleaning and the family was in the living room making memories.
Best tip is to make plenty so you will have left overs for the next day after cooking all day!
Designate an assistant, based on abilities and willingness!
Better to have too much, not too little.
I STILL SAY MY PAPER BAG ROAST TURKEY IS A HUGE TIME SAVER!
CLEAN, STUFF AND SEASON YOUR TURKEY THEN PLACE IN A CLEAN BROWN PAPER BAG THAT YOU HAVE BUTTERED ALL THE WAY AROUND, ROOL CLOSED AND PLACE IN A DEEP ROASTING PAN. PUT IN THE OVEN TO COOK FOR TIME ACCORDING TO POUNDS, AND WALK AWAY! WHEN TIME IS UP PULL OUT OF OVEN AND CUT TOP OF BAG AND PEEL OFF! TURKEY IS PERFECTLY MOIST AND GOLDEN BROWN! I WILL NEVER COOK ONE ANY OTHER WAY!
In order to have the ‘best’ holiday ever, we need to focus on the people involved, they’re what’s important! Not the food, nor the place.. it’s the people!. But to make it easier, try to prepare some ahead of time, have folks bring food to contribute, accept help. And demand that all who eat help with clean up!
Fall cleaning at it’s best!
The best tip for the holidays (meals or anything else) is don’t stress over anything. The only thing that matters is family and friends, if you have those everything else will fall into place.
Pre cook everything that can be done ahead of time. Make any kind of a freezeable dessert a week or more ahead of time. Just pull it out of the freezer the day before and refrigerate.
Let someone else cook it’s that’s for sure!! Ask everyone to bring a dish to share and have a list of food dishes they can pick from.
Making holiday food listening to Christmas music makes me feel good 🙂
Stay organized – make lists!!~
Best tip for the holiday season is preparedness, and family.
My best tip is going to someone else’s house to eat. 🙂
The key to a great holiday meal is to make it with love and fill the bellies of your loved ones!
Order and let someone else fry the turkey
My best holiday tip is to get as much food ready the night before and utilize crockpots.
Just breath and relax and enjoy your guests and family. Even if you are cooking the most important part of a holiday meal is your guests.
Have plenty of gravy available for dressing. Let others help bring a dish or help with preparation and clean up. Frozen turkey gravy from the deli is usually very good.
My best tip is to prepare as much as possible before the big day.
prepare as much as possible then invite your family over or go and donate it to a homeless shelter to those who are less fortunate
Be thankful!
Please don’t overcook the Bird. Remember its not about the “Bird”, its about friends & family!
My best tip would be just try not to stress! The holidays are stressful enough without the fabulous meal being stressful too! The point is to spend time with family and friends and enjoy a wonderful meal or two, nobody wants to add that stress! You know it always turns out great in the end!
raventally00@aol.com
My tip is to cook with love, have fun, and surround yourself with loving friends and family! Also, double check you have everything so you don’t have to do last minute shopping trips.
Keep things as simple as possible by doing as much advance preparation as possible, and allow your family to help prepare side dishes and desserts.
Have a lot of sides.
My tip is to have plenty of wine on hand! Always helps the holidays go smoothly 🙂
Thanksgiving is for giving thanks. I thank God first and then my family & friends for what they mean to me. Prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Don’t stress is something doesn’t turn out right. That is a memory to laugh about in later years. Surround yourself with positive loving people & let others pitch in & help you. Don’t go too fancy so everyone can relax & enjoy themselves! Above all else, give thanks!
My best tip is to never try to do it all yourself. Work ahead of time, get friends and family members to help with cleaning and cooking and don’t let it completely stress you out.
Make everything that can be prepared ahead of time to save much needed time the day of the feast.
A great tip for a great Holliday meal would be to cast your stress and worries aside. It’s the holidays and it’s the time for family. Have a great time and enjoy. Happy holidays everyone.
Too much food doesn’t exist
Prepping ahead saves the day and gives more time to be with loved ones rather than cooking
Best tip for a holiday meal? Keeping it simple saves time. You’re usually doing 10 things at once, keep everything simple to make sure they all get done in a timely manner.
Make sure to have MORE THAN ENOUGH food! lol there is nothing worse than running out!!
Get family involved to help so that you have more time to spend with everyone. If you are having a big gathering than I would designate some of the smaller dishes to others.
We always plan ahead. Invite friends and neighbors or acquaintances who might not have any one to go to to extend open invitations to many and plan for extra places at the table. We have even extended the table with extra folding tables and chairs.
everyone helps
Always have chocolate!
Keep it simple, accept help, ask for help, and enjoy the people!
I say rotate- you don’t always have to be the one that is cooking / hosting. Take turns each year with other family members or even just go out to eat so that you get to experience a relatively stress-free holiday dining experience
KC
Prep things in advance and plan plan plan!
Thank you for the giveaway. The best tip that I could give is to start preparing before Thanksgiving day. Cook the easiest items the night before, use paper products to save on the cleaning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help in cooking and cleaning.
Make all desserts the night before and plan it out so you know when to start the turkey and ham and when to make the gravy etc. After a few years it gets easier
My tip is to review recipes and make one that is simple but enjoyable for all the guests
My best tips are to have a menu that includes as many items that can be made ahead as possible and keep it simple. Don’t try a new untested recipe for a Holiday meal.
my tip is have all the tools you need to make a great holiday meal! don’t stress! eat drink and be merry! have fun with friends and family. LOVE. this prize package would really help me out during the holidays! 🙂
My best tip – let others help when they offer – you want your guests to enjoy themselves, but that doesn’t mean you should be stuck slaving away. We made almost all of our get-togethers potlucks, this way no one is stuck doing everything.
The more relaxed you are, the better the chances that everyone will enjoy themselves.
let the kids help
Organize as much as you can well in advance.
I find buffet style is the easiest way to go. Have everyone bring a dish, set it up, and dig in.
My best tip would be to prepare as much as possible in the days before to give you more time with your family on the holidays, try not to stress over the small stuff and enjoy the time together.
The best part, IMHO, is the time spent in the kitchen with family.
Prepare whatever can be done in advance, the evening before.
I’m a firm believer of keeping it simple, having some wine will smooth out any bumps along the way as well!
My best tip for a great holiday meal is to enjoy the meal with family.
Order out!
Have plenty of dessert choices!!!!
mY BEST TIP FOR hOLIDAy meal is get invited to somebody else’s house for dinner!!!!
Take the time to enjoy your family and the holiday, don’t stress over the little things and prepare as much ahead of time as possible and have a great holiday.
My best tip to make a good holiday meal is to make it simple and not try to overdo anything.
Sharing a meal with amazing people! 🙂
Relax! You will forget something, but everything will be ok!
Divide the menu and do as much as you can ahead of time. Also enlist the help of other family members.
my best tip for having a great holiday meal is to have everyone participate and bring something so that i don’t have to do it all myself.
Eat out!
Keep it simple.
Clean up as you go even if it is tempting to wait! Thanks so much for the chances to win.
Plan ahead with what you will need, make a list and check it twice. If something can be prepared in advance like pies or dressing do it, that will leave less to do the day of the meal.
plan ahead
I prep as much beforehand as I can. That makes the actual day much less stressful!
Try to do as much as possible ahead of time so you’re not scrambling the day of the meal.
I think putting time and thought in to cooking a meal for loved ones is a sure way to have a great meal.
My tip is make some some of the dishes ahead of time
My best tip for a great holiday meal is to have fun with it. Listening to holiday music while cooking helps to make the cooking fun and lets you get creative at the same time.
My tip is have a potluck style family dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish
cook as much as you can ahead of time so you are not going crazy on the day of the big dinner
Vegetables can be cut and stored in ziplock bags a day ahead of time. I place my onion in a ziplock then put that bag in tufferware with baking soda to absorb invading oders.
Keeping it simple and full of laughter!
I think a great holiday meal is one where nobody is stressed; make it fun and informal.
I like to prepare as much as I can a day or two before hand. That way I can spend more time with my family!!!
doesnt matter what you make as long as family is there
Keep it simple and use tried and true recipes you have previously made yourself.
put sausage in the stuffing
My tip is to keep it simple. When it’s simple you have less prep time, less cook time and less clean-up. The biggest advantage is that you have more family time!
My best tip is to start prepping and cooking of your meal in time to not be all stressed out and therefore ruining the whole holiday.
I love using my crock pots to keep the food warm. It allows me to cook the majority of the meals ahead of time. The true key is to have us all together. In the end thats all that matters.
I order my turkey and trimmings from the restaurant – all ready to eat – no dishes, no cooking, just a day to relax and be thankful.
The best tip I have is to keep it really simple, you want to be able to enjoy the time and guests. Do simple sides, have guests help out,….
Don’t stress and always plan ahead of time
Plan ahead, ask for help and keep it simple.
I think pre-planning your menu and doing as much prep ahead of time helps you to be able to enjoy more time with your family and friends.
Start early so you aren’t in a rush and be prepared.
Prepping is my best tip! I try to get done everything I can the day before so that things aren’t super crazy and I can get some family to help out without getting all stressed!
I would say prep early and start early.
I like to make everyone’s favorites. I think that makes for a great holiday!
Start early and make sure you have everything you need. Prepare foods that you can ahead of time.
In my house a great meal is when everyone helps with preparation and things go smooth
My best tip is to plan ahead and get as much done the day before as possible.
A tip to have a great holiday meal is the guest. If you are around wonderful people everything will be find. Plus I plan ahead and prepare as much food as I can before hand. I plot out what will go in the oven when and when I should start cooking this or that.
My tip is to plan and make detailed lists….decide what can be prepared ahead…write down your menu so you do not forget anything…breathe and enjoy…you are making memories
My best advice—-forget any and all transgressions and just enjoy your family and friends. It doesn’t matter if you couldn’t stand each other yesterday or hate each other tomorrow today be in love. Oh—and invest/borrow lots of crock pots to help keep sides hot while you’re preparing all your food.
My best advice is to let go and do it potluck style! Everyone will share the work and then you can spend more time with family! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
My advice for a great holiday meal is to not expect perfection. If you can relax and let your hair down a little and accept that there are going to be a couple mistakes, then everyone will have a good time.
My best tip is to have your turkey smoked rather than spending hours cooking it in an oven.
The best tip is to plan in advance. Nothing worse than having to adjust because you did nto realize you were missing an ingredient. Thank you
Being organized of course. Start by finding out how many people you will be cooking for, then think about what you need to prepare and what you may ask others to bring, then list for shopping, gather coupons, a few days before prepare what you can, the night before set most things up. The big day you have a little to do and can enjoy the holiday with your Loved ones.
Don’t stress over the holiday meals. Have a glass of wine (or two) and relax.
My best tip is keep it simple. There are so many easy recipes for great tasting foods your guest will love without killing yourself during the holiday season.
Make a guest list and prepare your menu around it to ensure everyone has enough food.
Have plenty of snacks for picky eaters Thanks for the chance!
My best tip for the holiday meal is to keep it simple. Easy appetizers like dip and crudite and some cheese and crackers. An entree like ham or turkey, a couple of side dishes like mashed potatoes and a green bean casserole and a couple of pies or some cupcakes for dessert.
Make a written menu and to do list… Don’t try to keep it all in your head.
Don’t try to do it all yourself – ask family to help!
Don’t stress out, its better to have a good time then worry if everything is perfect!
GREAT FOOD WITH FAMILY.
Prepare as much as you can the day before and pull out all of your serving dishes and bowls so everything is handy and ready to go!
make it more about the people than the event. The “event” will all fall together then (and let people help if they offer, just don’t let people bring critical items and then no big deal if someone goofs.)
Recruit the family for certain tasks. There is no point in stressing through the holidays if you’re not going to enjoy them. Have a plan and set people out to help.
Eat at someone else’s house!
My tip is to relax, have fun and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. It is your holiday too so enjoy it.
make it fun
Take the time to make it homemade.. it’s worth it.