Montclair Magazine Holiday 2022 | Page 34

entertaining

Hosting the Holidays

Domestic diva Martha Stewart shares tips to make your celebration a success WRITTEN BY MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE STAFF

Preparing for the holidays is , all too often , an overwhelming experience , and hosts and hostesses can use all the help they can get . And who better to offer that help than hospitality queen Martha Stewart ? Stewart , who grew up in Nutley , shares her best tips for celebrating the holidays stress-free with Montclair Magazine .

• Trying to get everything done at the last minute with guests knocking at your door sparks serious stress . Instead , pace yourself . Think about what you can prepare in advance and make a checklist of all the ingredients you need . When it comes time to shop ( ideally a few days before the big event ), avoid the evening weekday rush and weekend crowds . The day of your gathering , set the table in the morning so that unforeseen events — a late meeting , a last minute stop at the wine cellar — don ’ t slow things down . Right before your guests arrive , dim the lights , light some candles , and pour yourself a glass of wine .
• Set up an inviting and convenient bar cart , and include a signature cocktail .
• Serve buffet style when hosting a big gathering . It is the most practical way to entertain , and setting a beautiful and impressive buffet is easier than you think . Bundle your flatware — fork , knife and spoon — in individual napkins ; that way , each guest can pick up a bundle and take it with them to their chair . Set

“ A LITTLE ORGANIZATION WILL GUARANTEE SUCCESS .” MARTHA STEWART

up your buffet table a couple nights in advance of Thanksgiving . Label the placement of each dish with a post-it note so you won ’ t forgot anything that should go on the buffet , and you ensure your table layout is ready in advance .
• Add must-haves to your kitchen gadget collection . A micro-plane zester , balloon whisk , stainless steel measuring cups and spoons , potato masher , and garlic press make food prep so much faster and easier for both Thanksgiving feasts and everyday dinners .
• Cut back on last-minute grocery trips and stock up on baking ingredients early . Be sure you have the basics you ’ ll need most often : butter , flour , granulated and brown sugars , baking powder and soda , yeast , and vanilla extract .
• Have a simple cookie dough in your repertoire . With the arrival of each holiday , you can make new treats by changing the mix-ins , using ingredients such as zest , dried cherries , spices , or white chocolate and macadamia nuts .
• Start wrapping presents early , but add ribbons , bows , and tags later . Don ’ t forget to label gifts with sticky notes so you don ’ t forget who gets what . Unadorned boxes are stackable and , as aresult , will be easy to store and transport . ■
COURTESY OF MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA
32 HOLIDAY 2022 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE