The art of organization, preparation, and celebration

By: Chef Kendra

Time waits for no one and before we know it September 15 will be here bringing the High Holidays with it. Our homes will be overflowing with observation and celebrations, family and friends, food and love. As we know, it’s the leadup to an event—the organization, the preparation—that truly dictates the outcome. Whether hosting two or 50, the rules of the game are the same: stay calm, stay ahead. And one way to start and stay organized is to create lists.

While it may be common sense, a simple reminder on why and how to create lists may make all the difference in your holiday experience. We ask that you not only take what you need from the next few pages, but to also participate! Send us your tips on holiday preparation so that we can share with the Prairie Street community.

Menu Planning Considerations

In addition to preparing customary, traditional, and observant focused foods, a guest list is almost as important as the menu itself. As a host and hostess, considering the needs and likes of our guests is true hospitality. Seeing the names of your guests in writing in front of you helps trigger the following prompts…

Family Favorites

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Are there any traditional or family recipes that must be included?

Consider Others

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Are there any very strong likes or dislikes that need to be considered?

Special Diets

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Are there any special dietary needs or allergies that must be accommodated?

Pro Tips

from NAOMI ROSS

Recycle & reuse ideas. I have a folder of holiday menus from the past 20 years. They’re meaningful and they provide inspiration.

Pace yourself. If a few dishes are more involved, let the rest of the menu be simple. Only try one new thing at a time.

Enjoy the process. I think we have to appreciate where we are in our lives and be honest about what we can and cannot achieve without feeling guilty. As I'm getting older, I'm getting less judgmental.

Cooking instructor, cookbook author, and Prairie Street goodwill ambassador, Naomi Ross, shares some of her tips for entertaining. Read more from our conversation with Naomi in “A Sweet New Year with Naomi Ross” and pick up her new cookbook, The Giving Table, for delicious recipes and entertaining inspiration.

Simplify, simplify, simplify. There are always shortcuts to be found. I recently started doing a lot more overnight (low and slow) cooking in my oven, everything in one pan, and hands-off.

Lists are your friends! Make your menus first and then work backwards. Know your shopping list, what can be freezed, when things need to be reheated, etc, etc. I don't start cooking before I do all of that.