Easter is one of my favorite holidays – I’ve always kind of thought that it doesn’t get enough press.
I have this thing for pastels in church, fresh flowers on the table, the vinegar smell (yes, for real) of dyeing eggs, eating yummy food until nap time, all the starburst jelly beans, and just sharing life with family and friends.
Living far from home is hard sometimes – the holidays just don’t feel right without family! But it’s not always feasible to travel with a busy schedule and limited time off.
For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of spending the day with sweet friends. Some old, some new. But because I’m not a cook, I’ve always been hesitant to host. Holidays seem so special – what if I invite people over and mess it up!
The truth is though, it’s not about a perfect meal or a spotless home. So here are my tips for swallowing that perfectionist anxiety.
- Prepare as much as possible the day before so that you can be relaxed and actually enjoy the day! I try to make a couple casserole side dishes (don’t need to go too crazy), prep the meat, and clean my place the day before. So on Easter (insert any other holiday), I can come home from church, preheat the oven, change clothes, pop the food in and just relax with friends. This year, I made cranberry/apple and sweet potato dishes. Both are easily modifiable for gluten/dairy free needs. NOTE: I like to cook all my food at once so it comes out at the same time. However, this means it takes longer for each dish to cook. I recommend adding 15-30 mins cook time to your recipes if you are using this technique.
- Put out an appetizer. It can be as simple as cheese and crackers! Here’s the thing, it looks classy, it’s tasty, and now you don’t have to be stressed about guests starving as the food inevitably takes longer to cook! My cheese board essentials: yummy jam – this time an orange, fig; mild cheddar, smoked gouda, and goat cheese paired with my favorite, very dark chocolate. Nut-Thins were my gluten free cracker option.
- This one is so easy, guys. Fresh flowers! So simple, but will add so much beauty and festivity to your table. If you can convince your man to bring the blooms, then even better!
- Have some tea and decaf coffee ready for the after-lunch-slump. This way, you can put the food away, get a head start on dishes, and ensure guests continue the festivities. Cause let’s be real, everyone is now ready for a nap.
Hosting for the holidays doesn’t have to be a big “to do.” A little effort goes a long way. So be brave – open your home (no matter the size!). Fellowship makes life sweeter, and food helps too!
nolkins 
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