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Are you attending a holiday meal at someone else’s home? 

Don’t know what to bring?

The kitchen can be so crazy, so we gathered up some tips for you to help you:

WHAT TO BRING TO A HOLIDAY MEAL

 

First, ask.

Not every host wants you to bring something.  Why?  If they have a carefully thought out menu, they may not want extra food that doesn’t compliment what is being served.  If you are a foodie, this will make sense.  If you are not a foodie, trust us!!!!!!

If you still want to bring something, you could try a bottle of wine, but don’t expect the host/hostess to serve it that day. 

 

Second, think no oven.

The worst thing a host can hear is, “The dish I brought needs to bake for an hour.”  For all that is holy, please don’t do this.   That oven is TOO BUSY!  Of course, unless the host requests it.

Bring slow cooker mashed potatoes, bread, cranberry relish, crudité (vegetable platter), cold or room temperature appetizer, wine, ice, butter, or a dessert.  There are lots of options here. 

If you need to bring something warm, bring it cooked already and in a carrier that keeps it toasty…like THIS.

 

Finally, help!!

This may be the best thing you can bring to someone’s home…WORKING HANDS!

The rule, if you don’t cook it, you clean it up,  can be great to keep in mind.  Just because you are going to someone else’s home, doesn’t mean you can’t help.  Try to chip in where you can. 

Ask what you can do.  And if the host is too busy, ask a best friend or spouse.  They will give you the 411.  (Does anyone say that anymore?)

Look for ways to help while trying to stay out of the way.

Again, let the host lead.  There is a different look you’ll receive between a frustrated person staring at everyone sitting on the couch watching football…..a little help here and someone who wants their dishes washed a certain way…..back off. 

What do you like to bring to a holiday meal?

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