Planning Ahead: Stress-Free Holiday Dinners for Families
The holiday season is fast approaching, and while it’s a time for celebration, connection, and joy, it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Between shopping, decorating, family gatherings, and year-end events, it can feel like you barely have time to catch your breath—let alone plan a big holiday meal. But the good news is, with a little preparation and some smart meal planning, you can enjoy stress-free holiday dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.
At Dinner on the Table, we believe the holiday season should be about enjoying time with loved ones—not fretting over elaborate meals. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or simply want to make your weeknight meals easier during the holiday rush, here are some tips to help you plan, reduce stress, and make the most of your festive celebrations.
Make-Ahead Meals are Your Best Friend
One of the easiest ways to take the pressure off during the holidays is to prepare make-ahead meals. Dishes like casseroles, slow-cooked roasts, or hearty lasagnas are ideal for making a day or two before your gathering. That way, when the day arrives, all you need to do is pop your dish in the oven to warm it up while you focus on spending time with family and friends.
Make-ahead meals are also great for smaller weeknight dinners during the busy holiday season. You can prepare meals in larger batches and enjoy them over a couple of nights—perfect for those evenings when holiday errands and commitments leave you short on time.
Pro Tip: You can also freeze make-ahead meals for even more convenience. Make a couple of large dishes in November and store them in the freezer, so you’re ready for unexpected guests or hectic holiday schedules.
Keep It Simple, Yet Impressive
The holidays don’t have to mean hours of complicated recipes or gourmet feasts. Some of the most loved meals are simple, comforting, and easy to prepare. Focus on a few key dishes that are easy to cook but still have that “wow” factor. Roasted meats, simple pasta dishes, or a beautifully baked quiche can impress without requiring a full day in the kitchen.
Consider meals that require minimal hands-on cooking. For example, a roast chicken or a baked salmon only needs some seasoning and oven time, giving you the freedom to focus on other preparations (or simply enjoy a glass of wine while it cooks). Pair these with simple yet flavourful sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a holiday-worthy meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Outsource Where You Can
Sometimes, the best way to reduce stress is to accept a little help. Whether that’s ordering pre-made meals for your big holiday feast or letting someone else handle the side dishes, there’s no shame in outsourcing part of your holiday meal prep. After all, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not being tied to the stove all day!
At Dinner on the Table, we offer a range of pre-cooked meals that are perfect for the holiday season. From comforting mains to delicious side dishes, our meals take the guesswork out of dinner planning and allow you to focus on what matters—enjoying time with your family. Plus, they’re delivered straight to your door, making your holiday prep even easier. And, if you’re looking for a beautiful, family Christmas feast, without the stress, consider outsourcing Christmas dinner.
Plan Your Menu in Advance
One of the easiest ways to reduce holiday meal stress is to plan your menu ahead of time. Whether you're hosting a large family dinner or just making a festive meal for your household, having a plan can save you from last-minute scrambling.
Start by thinking about how many people you’ll be serving and what kind of meal you want to prepare. Do you want a formal sit-down dinner or a more relaxed buffet-style meal? Once you know the basics, you can start planning out dishes and making your shopping list.
When it comes to planning, don’t forget to factor in dietary preferences or restrictions. Having a couple of vegetarian or gluten-free options ensures that everyone at your table can enjoy the meal without feeling left out.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to delegate! Ask guests to bring a dish or help with specific parts of the meal, like setting the table or pouring drinks.
Don't Forget About Leftovers!
One of the best parts of holiday meals? The leftovers! When you plan your holiday menu, think about dishes that will still taste great the next day. Roasts, stews, and hearty salads often make excellent leftovers, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labour even after the holiday is over.
You can also get creative with leftovers—turn roast chicken into a delicious sandwich or salad, or repurpose vegetables into a hearty soup for the following day.
Enjoy a Stress-Less Holiday Season
The holidays are a time to relax, connect with loved ones, and celebrate the joy of the season. By planning ahead, keeping things simple, and making use of Dinner on the Table’s pre-cooked meal delivery service, you can take the stress out of holiday dinners and focus on what matters most: spending quality time with family and friends.
Let us help make your holiday meals easier and more enjoyable this year. Explore our holiday meal options and see how we can deliver delicious, nutritious dinners straight to your door—so you can celebrate without the stress.
With a little preparation and some help from Dinner on the Table, you can enjoy a stress-less holiday season filled with delicious, hearty meals and plenty of time to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Happy holidays from our family to yours!