Food Network star Alex Guarnaschelli has shared her strategies for successful holiday entertaining, emphasizing thoughtful touches and smart planning over excessive spending or elaborate setups. Her advice focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere, organizing the kitchen efficiently, and making the most of available space, even in smaller homes.
Guarnaschelli suggests that creating a warm ambiance begins with adjusting lighting. "A few candles or lamps instead of bright overhead lighting can completely change the feeling of a room," she explained.
For decorations, she recommends choosing items that can serve a dual purpose. "Bring something natural into the space," Guarnaschelli advised, suggesting a bowl filled with oranges, pomegranates, or fresh herbs. These items are festive and can be used in cooking after the event.
Upon guest arrival, Guarnaschelli stresses the importance of immediate comfort. "Have a place for coats and bags, put on some music, and make sure there’s something to eat or drink right away," she said. "You just want people to walk in and feel like they’re in the right place."
In the kitchen, Guarnaschelli likens the pre-service setup to that of a restaurant. She plans the cooking schedule by considering which dishes require the oven, stovetop, or can be kept refrigerated until the last moment to avoid competing demands on kitchen resources.
She also advises preparing serving dishes in advance, sometimes with labels, and clearing countertops. "And clear your counters!" she added. Utilizing versatile kitchen tools, like a multi-purpose sauté pan, can simplify cooking processes and reduce the need for numerous appliances.
For those hosting in smaller spaces, Guarnaschelli suggests distributing food and drinks across different areas to encourage guests to spread out. "If you put the drinks, appetizers, and main course all next to the stove, you’re going to end up with a crowd exactly where you’re cooking!" she noted. A side table can serve as a drink station, and items like a cheese board allow guests to serve themselves.
Guarnaschelli also recommends using varying heights for food presentation, such as cake stands or raised platters, to maximize table space. She advocates for a relaxed, casual approach to dining, where not everyone needs a formal seat simultaneously.
Preparation the day before is key, according to Guarnaschelli. This includes tasks like washing herbs, measuring ingredients, making salad dressings, and preparing serving dishes. She also highlights the utility of tools like cordless choppers for speeding up prep work.
Certain dishes, such as soups or braised items, can be made ahead of time and may even improve in flavor. However, she cautions hosts to ensure sufficient refrigerator space before beginning to cook.
On the day of the event, the focus shifts to dishes requiring last-minute attention, like roasting meats or finishing vegetables to ensure they are served hot and fresh. Guarnaschelli's final tip is to build in a buffer time before guests arrive to avoid last-minute rushes. Mazing image of Alex Guarnaschelli preparing food in her kitchen.