Furnish and Present a Holiday Dinner

When its time for the holidays we all want our holiday parties to be perfect and great. We plan a wonderful menu and people cook and clean for days in advance. But many people spend all their time and energy on the food, and neglect the other important aspects of a party. Table décor, key furniture, and room arrangement are just as important as good food to the success of a gathering.

Unfortunately, most hosts don't think about these things until the last minute, and often just throw something together. The experience is usually always good but this year lets do it the way we always talk about doing it next year. Here are some ideas for creating a functional and attractive environment for your party. You are going to want to have ideas that are going to hit all the needs and not just the good food, which is important.

The best way to avoid stress is to put together a plan in advance. Most stress is caused by last minute shopping, re-arranging, etc. Think about where your guests will sit. Don't try to cram too many people around a small dining room table. If you need a bigger table, order one online in advance. Visualize what furniture you might need for the occasion. Order that bigger table with chairs. If necessary, add another table and cover them both with one long cloth. The point of a party is to provide a fun opportunity to socialize and that won't happen if guests are squeezed uncomfortably together. Extra chairs and places to congregate is a must. If your chairs won't fit, try using a bench on one side of your table.

Another way to make more space is to place all the food on a buffet table. You can get yourself all the things you need for your buffet again by shopping online early. Set up one room as the buffet area, and once guests have been seated, move a few dishes to the table so people don't have to get up for seconds. That is key. You can also set up a separate dessert table in advance, so you don't have to worry about it after dinner.

Setting a festive holiday table begins with the right china. A fine bone china with an elegant red ribbon and mistletoe design will complement any decorating scheme. There are many nice kinds of silverware, china, or other various serving ware to choose from. Choose items that are elegant and that represent your home well.

Another great thing to do is to add some edibles as table arrangements such as apples, cinnamon sticks, pears, gourds and even dried corn nuts. Another idea is to fill interesting jars or containers with flowers, cranberries or dried fruit. Throw in some candles arranged among little heaps of apples and nuts. Make sure you go to the store before hand and line yourself up with all these goodies. It will add to your holiday experience.

Keep centerpieces and decorations low so they don't interfere with conversation or with the food. You want to have nice festive decorations but you don't want to have it interfere with socializing. Fresh pine or cedar is an easy and fragrant decoration that won't get in the way. To complete the holiday look use fabric remnants to make holiday table runners or simply wrap your table in holiday paper adding to the festive vibe going on. Good colors to use are gold or silver. These colors on paper make a dramatic statement and will set off decorative china well.

Finally, make sure you have all the serving pieces and utensils you need and that they are washed and ready to go. A variety of accessories vital for entertaining are available. Have a large turkey platter, an elegant cake plate and server, a chip and dip tray and even a decorative trivet. Get all of those things, it will add to your holiday dinner and atmosphere.

When it comes to your food, remember to make sure that you cook your turkey the night before or slow roast overnight. Instead of having to continuously baste the turkey, take some margarine and season your turkey with it, doing this will make your turkey juicy inside instead of dry. If possible, bake desserts and dinner foods ahead of time. Set the table or buffet the day before Christmas. Clean the house ahead of time also.

So when you start thinking about your next party, don't just focus on the menu. Think about your decorations and arrange your rooms in advance. Think about what extra or new furniture you might need and order ahead of time. Follow these tips and you'll be able to enjoy your gathering as much as your guests.