The Perfect Hostess
Planning for the holidays can be quite the stressor, especially if you are to play host, but let me put your fears aside because I'm going to help you walk through an organized task list that should you follow that will allow even you to put your feet up when company comes over.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas- powdered sugar cookies, rich chocolate cake, lobster Newberg, prime rib, endless shrimp, eggnog, hot buttered rum...yummy. It's probably no surprise to you as to why this might be my wish every year, yes it's true I do indulge in these rich, high in fat oh so popular indulgences.
Do a little research and find out what peoples expectations are- do they want a big Christmas Eve dinner, do they want a buffet that lingers from lunch to dinner, are they expecting a full breakfast Christmas morning? What traditions would you like to continue even with guests, what traditions are your guests expecting you to carry on for them on their visit- this might be as simple as cookies for Santa, but if you don't ask you might have some disappointed guests.
* 2 teaspoons dried thyme * 6 garlic cloves, minced * 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided * 3/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1 (2 1/2 pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed * Cooking spray * 4 teaspoons butter * 12 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms * 1 cup less-sodium beef broth * 1/2 cup port or other sweet red wine * 2 teaspoons cornstarch * 2 tablespoons water
If your guests do not live to faraway and you want to assign them something to bring you can call them or it would be a nice touch to send out invitations with their food assignment on it, either way make sure you send these out early in December.
If you are no Betty Crocker than take out or visiting a local dinning establishment is ok just remember to include your guest in the planning of this kind- of event. Having someone cater may also be an alternative route for one of your fancier meals if you just don't want to take on the work load of cooking for all your guests, just remember your budget because your guests will expect you to foot the bill for this.
Who doesn't love a little fruit with their sweetness? I'm a big fan of strawberries but with this next dessert you can add black berries, raspberries, blueberries, just add your favorite and enjoy with only 300 calories this will be sure to delight to your taste buds and your waist line.
You are almost there, just remember along with your menu items you will need to do an inventory of all the supplies you will need such as chairs, tables, plates, cutlery, tablecloths, and decorations you want. If you make a list and check it twice, hopefully you will only have to make one trip to the store.
After you determine the meat or fish you have chosen for the main course, keep it simple; Do not drizzle extra gravy', creams', or butters over the protein, instead garnish with fresh vegetables such as broccoli with chest nuts, or cherry tomatoes. The key to serving a great meal is to have your food entertain the eyes and have flavor pop in their mouth, not on their hips.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas- powdered sugar cookies, rich chocolate cake, lobster Newberg, prime rib, endless shrimp, eggnog, hot buttered rum...yummy. It's probably no surprise to you as to why this might be my wish every year, yes it's true I do indulge in these rich, high in fat oh so popular indulgences.
Do a little research and find out what peoples expectations are- do they want a big Christmas Eve dinner, do they want a buffet that lingers from lunch to dinner, are they expecting a full breakfast Christmas morning? What traditions would you like to continue even with guests, what traditions are your guests expecting you to carry on for them on their visit- this might be as simple as cookies for Santa, but if you don't ask you might have some disappointed guests.
* 2 teaspoons dried thyme * 6 garlic cloves, minced * 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided * 3/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1 (2 1/2 pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed * Cooking spray * 4 teaspoons butter * 12 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms * 1 cup less-sodium beef broth * 1/2 cup port or other sweet red wine * 2 teaspoons cornstarch * 2 tablespoons water
If your guests do not live to faraway and you want to assign them something to bring you can call them or it would be a nice touch to send out invitations with their food assignment on it, either way make sure you send these out early in December.
If you are no Betty Crocker than take out or visiting a local dinning establishment is ok just remember to include your guest in the planning of this kind- of event. Having someone cater may also be an alternative route for one of your fancier meals if you just don't want to take on the work load of cooking for all your guests, just remember your budget because your guests will expect you to foot the bill for this.
Who doesn't love a little fruit with their sweetness? I'm a big fan of strawberries but with this next dessert you can add black berries, raspberries, blueberries, just add your favorite and enjoy with only 300 calories this will be sure to delight to your taste buds and your waist line.
You are almost there, just remember along with your menu items you will need to do an inventory of all the supplies you will need such as chairs, tables, plates, cutlery, tablecloths, and decorations you want. If you make a list and check it twice, hopefully you will only have to make one trip to the store.
After you determine the meat or fish you have chosen for the main course, keep it simple; Do not drizzle extra gravy', creams', or butters over the protein, instead garnish with fresh vegetables such as broccoli with chest nuts, or cherry tomatoes. The key to serving a great meal is to have your food entertain the eyes and have flavor pop in their mouth, not on their hips.
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