The holidays can be stressful time especially when you’re hosting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some of my tips on what to cook and how to adjust your home so that you and your guests have a stress free (or close to) visit.
For me, making sure everyone is fed is the most stressful part of entertaining. I believe there are a few staples that every homemaker should have under their belt and one them is a quiche. It’s a great thing to master because it only requires a few ingredients and you can use whatever you have on hand as a filling. I save the last bits of charcuterie cheese in the freezer and use it when I’m making an impromptu quiche.
1. Master a Foolproof Quiche
I always have a frozen pre-made crusts in my house. Quiche is one of my go-to’s for when I have to feed a group of folks. If you want to make homemade pie crust, more power to you! Its one of those things that I don’t mind outsourcing so that I have more time to spend with guests. You can put just about anything in it, making it a versatile option for breakfast, lunch or even dinner with a simple salad.
Recipe:
(add more eggs and less milk/cream if you want a less custard-like quiche)
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Filling ideas: spinach and mushroom, sweet potato purée and turkey bacon, shaved asparagus and cheese
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit
- Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl
- Add filling and milk/cream and mix well
- Pour mixture into pie crust
- Place quiche on cookie sheet and bake on the middle oven rack for 45-50 minutes, or until top is browned and a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
2. Choose one signature cocktail
This can be a fun way to keep your friends and family lit all weekend. Here is an idea for a delicious holiday cocktail that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If your family is a mixed drink crowd, you can adapt this idea accordingly to what’s in you home bar.
3. Have a few quick recipes on deck
Not every meal needs to be extravagant. It’s always good to have a few recipes up your sleeves that are quick and stress-free. I’ll often prepare either Naan pizza or grilled salmon tacos, to serve alongside my roast. Quick and easy!
4. Make Yourself at Home
Ask for help! You don’t need to be a servant all weekend. Empower them to make themselves at home, meaning helping out with cleaning after meals and after themselves. It also means setting your home for people to help themselves.
Keep extra blankets out so they are easy to access. Have a tray of water and snacks out. You can put breakfast cereal out the night before for the kids and keep the milk on a low shelf in the fridge. Declutter, or tuck, your personal items away to make some space for guests.
Lastly, if your guests are planning on staying for more than a week, here a few things to consider:
- grab your guests slippers and a robe
- make a spare key so they can come and go as they please
- clear a drawer or closet space so they could put their close up
- stock up on snacks and food items that your guests love (for example: their favourite coffee, chips, fruits)
I hope that these tips make your guests feel most welcome in your home, and you a relaxed host!
