Holiday Entertaining Tips

Katie Goodman believes that part of the goodness in life is sharing great food with friends and family. She's a SAHM determined to make family meal time a priority while providing a variety of healthy and delicious food choices (that's not to say she doesn't indulge in sweets on occasion). Katie blogs at goodLife {eats} where she shares what she finds good in the kitchen and in life: a mix of great recipes, family memories and yummy photography.

I like to keep my pantry well stocked with baking items during the season. You never know when the mood will strike or when you'll need a plate of goodies for friends who've just stopped in. In addition to basics like flour and sugar, these items will provide you with many holiday baking options: chocolate chips, oatmeal, dried fruits, nuts, canned pumpkin and cocoa powder.

If possible, do prep work in advance so you aren't stressed out on the big day. Tackling tasks such as chopping onion and celery, assembling dishes ahead of time so they just have to be baked or cooked, and having a menu plan will help you keep your holiday more relaxed so you can spend time doing what you really want to do - enjoying your loved ones. I keep all my Thanksgiving recipes and menu plan printed out and in a clearly labeled file folder. In addition, I have a list of what tasks I need to accomplish on which days. It makes doing the planning and shopping stress free.

Have a happy holiday season!

For the perfect holiday treat, try Katie Goodman's Cranberry Crumb Bars recipe.

Katie Goodman
goodLife (eats)™ | finding the good in the kitchen and in life
www.goodlifeeats.com