Countdown to The Holidays

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring-because you had the next day's meal all figured out!The idea of cooking a formal Christmas dinner can be absolutely daunting, but it does not have to be if you follow some easy steps. First off, remember this time of year is about people having a good time. Focus on the importance of spending time with close friends and family, not on impressing them with your culinary skills, or having the house immaculate. Make sure you get to sit with your guests and enjoy yourself as much as they do. A good host is one who is relaxed and spends time with their friends and family. Secondly, choose your menu, print out your recipes, make your shopping lists and stick to it. Keep your menu simple, less is definitely more this time of year.  Two or three appetizers, one or two sides, a main dish and desserts.  This is not the time to teach yourself a new, complicated recipe.  You will undoubtedly stress and not be happy with the outcome, even if it tastes good.  Christmas lands on a weekday this year, so take the weekend to get everything ready.  Thirdly, set your table, do not forget serving utensils, trivets, extra napkins and glasses.  This can be done a week ahead of time, just throw a sheet over your table so your china and crystal does not collect dust.  Another easy entertaining technique is to choose a signature drink and make tons of it.  I am a big fan of festive punches that suit the event. For the holidays I prefer drinks with cranberry juice, fresh oranges, brandy, fresh cranberry.  This can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for several days prior to your festivities. Set up a pretty punch bowl, and let your guests enjoy. For the non drinkers in the crowd I like to add fresh cranberries, orange slices and pomegranate juice to sparkling water, this makes a beautiful and festive non-alcoholic drink.  Last but not least, make as many dishes as possible ahead of time and delegate!! I do not enjoy baking desserts, so I always ask friends and family to bring their own favorites to dinner.  There is no shame in asking, and usually guests ask to bring something anyway. Only prepare the things you enjoy eating, you will not be able to please everyone! If you are going to have left overs, at least make them food you want to eat for a few days. Finally, enjoy yourself! Even if the kitchen is a mess, and you burned everything, sit down and celebrate this time of year.  We can buy everything on Earth but time, so use it wisely. Christmas is a very special time of year, we have all been given the gift of friends and family so enjoy them!  


Christmas Punch 
Ingredients

• 1 (64-ounce) container cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
• 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 (16-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
• 2 fresh oranges cut into thin slices
• 1 (12-ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate
• 1 cup brandy
• 1 bottle extra-dry Champagne, chilled