boats, glassware etc.? Set the table before the day, check out spacing, chair allowance, centerpieces etc. I once went to a Christmas party where the host didn’t have all her utensils quite organized, and I will never forget the vision of one guest eating their soup with a serving spoon ‌ not pretty. 4) Don’t be too proud – ask for help! Peeling, chopping and other prep that you can get done in advance will help you easily coast through. Can you freeze something? Then do! If you have extra idle hands put them to use.
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5) Remember to leave space in your fridge for wines, beer, mixes etc. Cramming that fridge on the day with dishes stacked on top of one another while you duct tape the door closed is not going to work. 6) Admit it; Christmas dinner for kids is boring, especially those under five. Be ready with fun pre-packaged snacks, easy drinks like tetra packs or cans of juice and an alternate dessert if you are only serving Christmas pudding. Storebought cupcakes will do just fine! 7) Brine that bird â&#x20AC;&#x201C; plop him in your biggest bucket, fill with cold water to cover, add a cup of Kosher Salt, 1.5 cups brown sugar, a handful of black peppercorns, some garlic cloves and anything else you think would taste good. Leave the turkey in the brine for one hour per pound. This produces incredibly sumptuous, moist, and delectably seasoned meat, worthy of every compliment you get! 8) Best mashed potatoes? Stir in some cream cheese. Chef Judith Stewartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mashed potatoes are rich, creamy and velvety â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a total crowd pleaser. 9) Invest in a $40 hot plate. It keeps at least two dishes warm when all your elements are occupied and it is so worth it. 10) Relax! Carve out a 20-minute break and sit down, have a glass of wine and regroup. You will be way more productive in a collected state of mind than when you are flapping around in a panic! Merry Christmas Everyone! Email Jennifer Bowles at islanddish@columnist.com.
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