Enjoy entertaining during the holidays with these tips from D&W Fresh Market:

Plan ahead and do a little each day to prepare.

1 month ahead: Check out your local D&W Fresh Market, especially the produce, deli and bakery departments, decide on a menu, take good notes on what is available and let us know how we can help make your holiday gathering easier.

1-3 weeks ahead: Make items, like baked goods, a week or more in advance and freeze them in freezer bags.  Or, make items like spiced nuts and store them in the pantry.

2-7 days ahead: Cook and prepare as many dishes as possible in the days leading up to the event, like sauces dips or dressings and refrigerate them, leaving only fresh items like salads to be made the day of your party.

1 day ahead: Clean the house, set table, select music, arrange flowers and place candles.

Event day: Keep the timing of dish preparation in mind, you can’t have too many things on the stove or in the oven at the same time. Plan and execute accordingly.

Keep it simple, focus on just a few things and execute them well.
A good rule of thumb is 3-5 appetizers per person per hour and one drink per person per hour.

Mix hot and cold dishes, so that the oven is not overcrowded and it is easier to serve.

If your event includes a sit-down meal, select a certain amount of dishes like three to five and stick with it.  No one wants to leave over-stuffed.

Delegate responsibilities, people love to help and many hands make light work.
Ask each guest to make a different dish to share or that they bring a favorite beer or wine.

Never try a new recipe the day of a party.

Most importantly, have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Don’t try to do too much or attend to every last little detail.  Physical, mental and emotional stress is detrimental to your health and can even compromise your immune system. Stay healthy and enjoy this holiday season. Remember that your festive occasion is supposed to be fun for everyone, including you.

Cheers to a stress- free holiday season from your friends at D&W Fresh Market!