This week’s question is prepping for Christmas and comes via Facebook from Ashley in Winter Park, FL.

Dear Sara, 

I am of mother of two young children, and have recently moved into a new home. We want to host Christmas Day for our families. My questions is…what are some good, easy to do before hand lunch/dinner options. We have always hosted Christmas morning and breakfast, so I know what works for our family there. I’m just stomped on how to do a late lunch/early dinner, with also enjoying the Christmas memories with my family and time with my kids. 
I love your site. 

Thank you so much for whatever help you can give,

Ashley,

Hostess in Need

Dear Ashley,

This is such a great question, as hosting shouldn’t have to mean that you miss the party. I tell this to my husband all the time when we host dinner parties! I say focus on a few really great dishes that are simple and wonderful and will work for everyone, to ensure that you still can spend time with your family creating memories.

I’m a big believer in things that can be made ahead of time, or things that bake for hours while you enjoy the smells wafting through the house. So one of my favorite meals, especially on the holidays, includes a roast. It can beef or pork, whatever you prefer, but a roast only takes 15 minutes or so of prep, a couple of hours of hands off time in the oven, and few minutes of carving (nothing like a bird– just a few knife slices will do) and you have a feast for the kids  to the men. It will stay juicy and flavorful without too much help for you. Easy, beautiful and holiday feeling!  {This roast pictured is herb crusted!}

The best addition to meat is obviously potatoes.  I loved this idea of sweet potatoes with apples and bacon– which could be a meal on its own, not to mention amazing leftovers. But a mashed potato bar could also be fun, if you don’t mind lots of bowls of various toppings. Again, perfect items that can be left in the oven and assembled at the last minute.

To round out the plate, a nice salad would be beautiful. This salad is berry and citrus, but as the citrus in Florida is perfect at Christmas time, you could even leave out the berries. A simple citrus and arugulia or mixed greens would be sweet and crisp, and a nice contrast to the meat and potatoes. Everything could be prepped ahead of time, then one last toss as it goes on the table is all it would take for this beautiful addition.

My other tip to making any party easier is to have one signature cocktail, rather than a full bar. I’m not sure what this drink is, but it sure looks pretty and festive! Also, not pictured here, but a simple dessert, like a pear upside down cake would be lovely, especially after a big meaty meal.

I hope you like this menu, which is geared towards a late day meal, with lots of oven time, but little hands on time. Other ideas? A pot luck can work, but can require a lot of time in coordination ahead of time. Heavy hors d’ouvers can also be nice, but I think you need a lot of variety to make it work.

I love that you are thinking of the happiness of your guests, but still maximizing memories with your family! That thoughtfulness shows you are an amazing hostess before putting out any food!

Readers– any other advice or menu suggestions?