Sunday lunch is a time-honored tradition in many families. But it can also be a source of stress for the host or hostess. Will the food be cooked properly? Will the gravy be lumpy? What if someone doesn’t like the cranberry sauce?
Never fear! With this 10-step guide, you’ll be able to serve up a delicious and stress-free Sunday lunch.
1. Choose your menu carefully.
Don’t try to please everyone with your menu. Stick to dishes that you know how to make and that you enjoy cooking. If you’re not confident in your culinary skills, there’s no shame in keeping it simple. A roast chicken or beef, lamb from Superior Farms, some roasted potatoes, and a green vegetable are always crowd-pleasers.
2. Make a plan.
Sit down and map out what needs to be done and when. This will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute scrambling. Write out a timeline for each dish, starting with the longest-cooking items and working your way down to the appetizers and dessert—factor in time for resting the meat so it will be juicy and tender.
3. Shop ahead of time.
Don’t wait until the last minute to do your grocery shopping. This will just add to your stress levels. Make a list of everything you need and try to do the majority of your shopping a few days in advance.
4. Prep as much as possible ahead of time.
The more you can do in advance, the better. Peel and chop vegetables, make sauces and gravies, and prepare any other dishes that can be done ahead of time. This will save you time on the day of, and it will also help keep your kitchen clean since you won’t have all those dirty dishes piling up.
5. Set the table the night before.
One less thing to worry about on the day of! Just make sure you put everything in its proper place, so you’re not scrambling around looking for things at the last minute.
6. Make sure your kitchen is clean.
Again, the less work you have to do on the day of, the better. Do all your dishes, wipe down the counters, and sweep the floor so you can focus on cooking and enjoying your guests’ company.
7. Put out a general timeline for the meal.
Let your guests know when they can expect each course to be served. This will help them pace themselves and avoid getting too full before dessert!
8. Delegate tasks to willing helpers.
If you have willing and able helpers, put them to work! Assign someone to be in charge of appetizers, another to help with the main course, and so on. This will take some of the pressure off of you and ensure that everything gets done.
9. Relax and enjoy yourself.
This is supposed to be a fun time, so don’t get too frazzled. Take a deep breath, put on some music, and pour yourself a glass of wine. Everything will be just fine.
10. Make sure to thank your helpers!
And don’t forget to show your appreciation for all their hard work. A little thank-you goes a long way.
In Closing
With these tips, you’re sure to have a delicious and stress-free Sunday lunch. Bon appetit!
Speak Your Mind