Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Here are some tips to help you plan and execute the perfect dinner for your family and friends.
The Guest List
In order to know how much food to prepare, you must know who is coming. Also, knowing ahead of time which of your guests may have allergies or dietary issues allows you to plan an inclusive menu from the start.
Gather the Recipes
Having the recipes organized not only gives you an ingredient list but also provides information on cooking times and items that can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. It also allows you the opportunity to shop sales ahead of time and same money on ingredients thus lowering the cost of the meal.
The Shopping List
Divide the list into categories. Produce, meats, seafood, dairy, baking, bakery, beverages, wine/beer, paper products including foils, wraps and foil baking pans, cleaning supplies. Once you make your list, check your pantry for the items you already have. I highlight those items on the list.
Clean the Refrigerator
It is much easier to begin with a clean and organized refrigerator. You will need all the room you can get.
Create a Cooking Timeline
Calculate out how long the different menu items will take to cook so you don’t end up with half of your meal getting cold while the rest finishes cooking.
Prepare as much as you can in advance. Prep all the veggies you need a day or two before you make the meal. Then, store them in a prep bowl set or plastic baggies and place them in your fridge until you need them. Label which veggies are being used for each dish. When you’re ready to start cooking, you can just grab the precut veggies and go! Measure all the ingredients you need ahead of time. I have made my own baking mixes by measuring and placing all the dry ingredients in labeled bags so all I have to do is empty the bag into a mixing bowl.
Go grocery shopping for ingredients that will keep in advance. Put all the ingredients that need to stay cold in a designated space in your fridge and everything that should be stored at room temp on a half sheet pan on your countertop. When you’re ready to cook, you won’t have to frantically search for everything you need.
Consider using Quick Cookers, slow cookers and the microwave to save time and space on the stovetop.
Get the Family Involved
Everyone can help. Look at your menu ahead of time and see what tasks can be assigned to family members. If necessary, give them a little training session in advanced.
Clean as You Go
I keep a sink full of hot soapy water for easy clean up. Empty the dish washer and use it to drain the washed items. Periodically empty the dishwasher and put away the items. This keeps them off counter tops. I have set up and drying station on top of my washer and dryer when I run out of space.
Never Turn Down Free Food or Help
If you have a guest or family member who is a fantastic baker, ask them to bring a dessert. Maybe there is someone who is great at decorating, get them to do the table. Set up an area for the children and get the teenagers to play games with the younger kids to keep them entertained.
Set up stations ahead of time
Choose areas for drinks, desserts, appetizers and make the self-serve. Keep the plates, napkins and cups together for easy refills.
Make Notes
Make notes. I make a document with the guest list, all the recipes and shopping lists ahead of time. As I makes changes to the recipe or have to adjust the cooking time or order, I make notes. After everything is over, I make more notes. I take photos of the tables, the stations and the food. This helps me plan other events and if a guest asks for a recipe, I have it at hand.
Finally
Relax and have fun.