How to Maximize Kitchen Space for Your Holiday Party

We’re headed into the busiest time of the year: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Solstice, and New Year’s Eve are all fast approaching. Whether you celebrate them all or just one, you’ll appreciate our prep and planning tips that make playing host more relaxed and enjoyable.

Tip #1: Keep the cocktails out of the kitchen.

While you’re finishing the prep work, your guests will surely want a drink or two. Keep all the liquor and glassware away from your workspace so anyone who wants a cocktail doesn’t have to interrupt you to get the festive spirits flowing. This will help you get more done in less time since you won’t be constantly interrupted by guests. But don’t worry, because all of these tips will leave you with plenty of time to mingle.

Tip #2: Serve appetizers as the main course.

Creating your own version of a tapas-style meal can be exciting-- and it can be easier on you as the host. Appetizers tend to be easier to prep, freeze, and serve than a traditional meal, plus your guests get to try a little of everything, and you get to enjoy more time celebrating away from the kitchen.

Tip #3: Set up a prep station.

Take 15 minutes to determine how to best utilize your counter space based on the setup of your kitchen and the menu items you’ve planned. Creating different areas for chopping and preparing can make the flow of your holiday meal prep easier and faster.

Tip #4: Keep dessert simple.

The best part about the holidays is spending time with those you love – so the last thing you want to do after the meal is head back into the kitchen to make a complicated dessert.

To keep dessert simple, try cookies, rugelach, mini sweet potato pies, and, if you’re a true solstice lover, some Wassail (it’s delicious and easy to make non-alcoholic). The best part is, you can make all of these in advance, so they only require serving the day of.

Holiday parties are meant to be fun-- even for the host. So remember, you don’t have to overcomplicate your menu or meal prep to have a party people will be talking about all winter long. Keep it simple, and enjoy every minute of the busiest-- and most wonderful-- time of the year.

Have any holiday hosting tips to add? Share your favorites with us in the comments below or over on Facebook.