Ask your friends and family about their favorite holiday memory and you will find that it probably isn’t a gift they received.  Most favorite holiday memories, more often than not, are about special times shared with family and friends.  Simply said, holidays are about people, not presents.  You can create new memories with your family by planning and hosting a party during the holiday season.  Here are some tips and tricks to making parties and family get-togethers less stressful and more meaningful to everyone involved. 

Plan ahead.  Plan a menu and invite family & friends at least a week before the date.  Invite guests to bring their favorite dish – preferably appetizer type foods for a less formal event.

Make it casual. Some of the best memories are made in the kitchen – cooking, eating, laughing and telling stories.  The kitchen is the “heart” of the home, and it will most likely be the “gathering place” for your parties and get-togethers. 

Keep it simple. Consider one of the following menus:

• Variety of Finger Foods or Appetizers
• Couple of Appetizers and a Salad
• Soup with Fresh Baked Bread
• Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Tacos or Quesadillas for an International Twist

Decide what can be made ahead and keep in the refrigerator or freezer until the day of the party.

Accept help from your guests.  Have a few jobs ready that they can do.  No one likes to feel like a guest – they would rather be involved.  Let them fill water glasses, set the table, mix & stir dishes together, or chop ingredients.

Most importantly, make a point to get together with family and friends during the holidays to make special memories and spend quality time with one another.