No matter where you’re celebrating this season, we’ve got a recipe for the occassion. Dishes that make a thoughtful host gift or fit perfectly into an evening soirée menu. Whatever you need, Guiding Stars can be your party planning partner.
Gifts for the host
Pass on a bottle of wine and surprise your host with something unique and thoughtful instead. Consider your host’s tastes and what recipe they may love most from your kitchen. Maybe it’s “breakfast in a basket” for the following morning. Or a delicious dinner they can enjoy the next day and take a break from cooking.
For overnight guests
If you have overnight guests, rely on recipes that turn your home into a “five-star” bed and breakfast. Pumpkin Overnight Waffles and Slow-Cooker Apple Spice Oatmeal are delicious choices that cook overnight while you sleep. Or for a heartier meal, try Broccoli Chicken Frittata paired with Home-Fried Potatoes. Round it out with a seasonal Cranberry Smoothie.
For a sit-down dinner
When you’re the host, you want entrees that look impressive but are simple and stress-free to prepare. Lean on your oven for “hands off’ cooking so that you have time to socialize with your guests. Try Herb Roast Beef with Orange Salsa or Beef Sirloin with Oven Roasted Vegetables. These cuts of meat are more affordable than others and perfect for a larger dinner party. Another great recipe is Squash and Leek Lasagna, a unique way to elevate a crowd favorite. Or wow your guests with the simple yet elegant Sea Bass en Papillote.
For a casual party
My favorite way to entertain is to open my home for a casual party. This format allows my guests (and me!) to mingle, connect, and of course enjoy some scrumptious food. You don’t have to serve a “sit-down” meal—just provide a hearty assortment of foods to build a satisfying plate. Thinly sliced Warm Hummus Flatbread or handheld, open-faced Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches are good options. Or maybe your crowd will like Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad and Boneless Buffalo Wings.
For cocktail hour
The busy holiday season often calls for cocktail parties before heading to another party, holiday event, or commitment. Start with a fun cocktail and mocktail bar. Then offer guests appetizers that are easy to eat while balancing their beverage. Coconut Chicken Satay and Scallop Mango Ceviche are always well-received. Or try Curried Squash and Apple Bisque with Leek shooters (served in 2-ounce glasses).
To bring to the potluck
Of course, it’s important to bring a dish to a potluck party that your friends will enjoy. But I also like the idea of making sure it’s something you want to eat. For me that usually means there are veggies in the mix, or maybe it’s even a vegetarian dish. Provencal Tofu Salad and Marinated Mushroom and Pan-Fried Cauliflower Salad are two dishes that do just that.
To end on a sweet note
Yup! Guiding Stars has dessert recipes too. Prepare seasonal Apple Crumb Squares or Apple-Date Torte to please your guests. Or make Old-Fashioned Fruit Crumble, prepared in individual ramekins, for an elegant end to your holiday dinner.