Holiday Grocery Shopping Tips

Throughout the year, the one thing that usually gives me comfort is planning meals and entertaining dear friends. I know, it sounds absurd but true – hosting gives me a great sense of joy! However, for some reason, this year the thought of all that entertaining makes me feel slightly stressed out.  Instead of giving myself a headache worrying, I’m going to try something new this year.

For the first time, I’m going to focus on creating memories while being relaxed! Sounds impossible? Not with these helpful hints in place:

1. Order all groceries online: Nothing makes me more stressed out than visiting my local grocery store along with 1,000 of my neighbors.  My blood pressure (already high) rises to levels that can possibly send me to a much-early grave.
2. Buy as many dishes ready-made as possible: Here’s the deal: whether you’re entertaining family, friends or neighbors, as long as you put the ready-made dishes into a gorgeous serving platter and place on a pretty table (table cloth, napkins, flowers and candles) no one will know the difference. And the selection of delicious pre-prepared side dishes has grown exponentially over the last few years.
3. Have friends and family bring a dish or appetizer to pass: I usually hesitate to have people bring food to my home since I want to make it easy and fun for my guests to plan an evening out. But not this season. I’m getting past my hesitation to inconvenience my friends and family (and I’m sure they won’t mind bringing a little something to share).

It is hard for me to “just make it easy” because I enjoy the ceremony around gatherings at my home: the food, the table and the ambiance.  So, even as I’m focusing on making things easier on myself this year, I still want to host memorable holiday evenings that feel welcoming and elegant.

Tags: Holiday Grocery Shopping, Holiday Shopping Tips