Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 18, 2013 Holiday menu planning for first-time hosts Novice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates. Whether hosting family, friends, or a combination of both, first-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening. Since dinner is such a big part of holi- day gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky for first-time hosts. When planning the menu, consider the following tips. Get a head count. Though other factors will influence what to serve, the size of the guest list may ultimately dic- tate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to five people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the other hand, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force one to prepare multiple entrees, which means more time in the kitchen juggling the various cooking duties and less time with guests. Once it’s clear how many guests will attend the gathering, it will be easier to choose a main course that suits the size of the guest list. Decide the type of party. This decision will also influ- ence the menu. A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees. A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway. For example, whereas a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu will be. Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite dish or side dish, while the hosts take care of the main course. Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or medical con- ditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of the guests, and try to cater to each guest’s needs. Some guests might be on a gluten-free diet while others may need to limit their sodium intake. You might not be able to meet everyone’s demands. Hosts who cannot provide an appropriate snack should let guests know and give those guests the option of bringing their own snack. Include traditional holiday fare. People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah, or holiday cookies and eggnog at Christmas parties. When planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of these traditional items, and ask guests for suggestions. Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years. Don’t overdo it. First-time hosts want to ensure every- one gets enough to eat, so it is easy to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive, and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts don’t have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare. Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their meals. Hosting a holiday dinner for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but there are various steps first-timers can take when preparing their menus to come off looking like seasoned pros.