Beginning with Thanksgiving, all the way to New Year’s Eve, you and your kitchen are in for a marathon and for quite a workout. But, there are many things you can do to keep holiday stress at bay, including a potluck feast.
How To Prep Your Home for the Holidays
Below is a simple checklist that will have you ready, set and go for the holidays.
- Start with a fresh slate – deeply cleaning the oven is always a good idea to ensure your future meals taste good.
- Clean your festive china so it is ready for your famous desert when the time comes.
- Make sure your knives are sharp
- Organize cookware to make sure you have everything you need so you don’t end up looking for that one attachment while you’re elbow deep in cookie dough.
- Make a gift wrapping HQ to make beautiful gifts easily
- Out with the old, in with the new – why not get rid of stuff you don’t use as you will also need space for new presents.
- Make sure your kitchen is well stocked to avoid multiple or even worse, last-minute trips to the store.
- Devise a meal plan so you can make a list of everything you will need
- Make a list and check it twice – there’s a reason why Santa does it.
Benefits of a Potluck Holiday Meal
As a term, potluck goes way back. It has two meanings, one being for an unexpected guest that shows up to your door right before the meal and eating whatever is in the pot and the other for people bringing dishes to a communal meal. Symbolically, they share in the luck of whatever is provided. Potlucks were developed for practical reasons as you end up getting an ample and varied buffet while making sure there’s food for everyone. Need ideas? Here are some easy potluck dishes that you can make. This old-fashioned dinner framework has a lot of benefits.
Actually getting to enjoy the holidays
Many people end up dreading the holidays because of having to cook and clean so much that they don’t have the time to enjoy them. This is why a potluck can literally save the day- and the entire holiday season. Too often, the person throwing a party enjoys it least. This way, you get to enjoy your loved ones, your guests and the food, without worrying about whether there will be enough for everyone.
Save money
Potlucks not only save you time and stress, but they also help you save money both on food and on Scana Energy bill as there will be much less cooking to do.
Less clean-up
If you didn’t fall in love in potlucks before and during, you surely will after the party is over as there will be much cleaning to do as everyone takes home their leftovers.
You’re off the hook as a cook
All you have to do is to add your food to the ‘pot’, just like your guests. Whether you will assign guests dishes or categories, there’s way less pressure as you are not responsible for the entire meal.
You might get lucky
Although making something that is ‘everyone’s favorite’ is the safest way to go, potlucks are the perfect opportunity to try something new. If it goes South, it’s not a big deal as there will be lots of dishes so no one will go home hungry. Moreover, if you’re quiet about it, no one even has to know that yours was a flop. The worst-case scenario is you end up with your own leftovers. So, try your luck and you might even get lucky.
The “surprise” element
Although assigning dishes or categories will ensure a well-balanced meal, it will take out the fun part. Back in the old days, people brought whatever they had on hand or whatever struck their fancy. You will end up with a range that is both tasty and interesting.
The spice of life
In itself, a potluck brings a sort of an adventure to a meal as people can take small samples of lots of dishes. Admit it, how fun is it to be able to take a thin slice of apple pie, half a piece of a chocolate cake and a dab of tiramisu? Not to mention you feel much less guilty when it comes to calories.
Swapping of recipes
By adding a recipe next to your dish, you are adding a whole new dimension to the experience. This is also useful for people who have allergies to avoid any unpleasant turn of events.
Potluck is your best friend for the holiday season Potlucks are a great way to ensure a great feast without breaking the bank or tearing your hair out. Try your luck with a potluck feast and see for yourself.