Lazy European host(ess) tips for the holidays

The holidays are beautiful and stressful at once. Expectations are high, disappointments more than probable. And while I have zero tips on how to not get into a very heated discussion or even a full blown fight on these days where families and friends gather and memories resurface (I just can't avoid confrontation 😅), I do have some practical tips that I implemented from others to make the process for the hosts a little easier. I called it "lazy European" because most of it I learned living in Germany and France (and loving Italian cuisine) and it's tricks that will save some time, labor and even money. Speaking of money, this text contains affiliate links, which means that I might earn a small commission if you were to shop any of my links, which you obviously don't have to do. I'm just thankful you're here! Let's start:

1. Table setting

seasonal plates and grand decor are nice but pricey and take away so much storage space. "Less is more", as the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe famously proclaimed. I keep my white plates that work with everything and add a festive runner. White cotton napkins can be bleached and reused indefinitely, are simple, but look sophisticated. Scented candles confuse our taste buds, so unscented candles are better suited for the table, and cheaper. A great brand for wine and champagne glasses is Schott-Zwiesel - tested extensively in our household, very durable and dishwasher safe (and German :)).

2. Drinks

To make your life easier, go the old mediterranean way! Champagne or Prosecco to start and wine with the main course. Maybe some dessert wine / liquor that you already have on hand for after dinner. Voila. No cocktails that require a lot of planning, shopping and time to prepare while the guests are already there, getting up all the time, getting different types of glasses, ice, garnishes etc. This obviously only works if all of your guests like wine. Let's imagine they do. (Otherwise, beer? Non-alcoholic for those sober. My favorite is Erdinger Weissbier). The easiest way to find the best wines for your food is to go with the classic pairings - like chardonnay and salmon or steak and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can check the best food ideas for white wine here and for red wine here before you go to the liquor store. Or get the book 'Wine Folly', it has helped us out a lot. How to calculate how much wine to get? The French say: one bottle of white or rosé for 3 people, one bottle of red for 2 people! 

3. Food

Make appetizers to share on large plates and assemble them before guests arrive, again, Mediterranean style. Either go the Italian route with ingredients like bread, prosciutto, mozzarella etc. - see the gorgeous Pasta Queen for reference here, here and here; or go French with salmon or shrimp canapés, or a more challenging idea. The main course is ideally a meat or vegetarian dish that requires time in the oven while you are busy eating the first course. I noticed that the French make tiny sides, so I try to do one side only like duchesse potatoes because my appetizers are filling. That way, there is no need for me to toil in the kitchen in between courses and I can enjoy my guests' company fully. An even easier alternative for the aforementioned main course is fondue, the classic from Switzerland! With meat and oil which is very popular in Germany (ok that idea we stole from Asia, so good!) or, obviously, cheese. With a variety of vegetables it is a versatile meal that will take a while for everyone to prepare for themselves and devour - perfect for long conversations at the table. With fondue, your appetizer needs to be light. A dessert could be a simple cake like this, store bought macarons (Costco!) and fruit, or chocolate fondue. A cheese plate is the easiest and chicest dessert on earth, but requires some reading (and spending). Here are informations about dessert cheese. Our favorite kind at the moment is fromager d'affionois. Central Market has an exceptional cheese selection. If you want to end with cheese, keep the main dish somewhat lean...

4. details

Music! Classical music, very quietly, is always pleasant. I think Tchaikovsky is great this time of year, my husband prefers Mozart and Bethoven. Haendel and Debussy are also on our playlist. But we both agree that Wagner is problematic for family gatherings 😅 it should be still light and somewhat cheerful... Jazz can work for everyone if it's classic - Armstrong, Coltrane, Hancock, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Eartha Kitt... and of course the Rat Pack! That's where my European tips end - I love American music.

5. for guests

if you are the lucky one this year to be invited instead of having people over, consider these ideas to gift your gracious hosts:

What are your secrets for happy holidays?

Talk to you soon, 

J.