Try swapping out pre-dinner champagne or cocktails for spicy mulled wine, hot buttered rum, or a hot toddy.
Turkey Steak Leg of lamb Pork tenderloin
For vegetarians, throw on some super-savory and satisfying miso mushroom kabobs. Swap the soup course for another warm appetizer, like crispy bacon-wrapped dates, loaded polenta bites, or gooey baked brie with cranberry compote and pecans, served with crusty bread. For example, make dressings and sauces, clean and chop veggies, and assemble casseroles, then store them tightly wrapped in the fridge (minus any crispy toppings). They’ll be ready to pop in the oven a few hours before the meal. That way, you can spend more time celebrating with loved ones. You can rent tall space heaters from an event company or buy a few top-rated space heaters if you plan on hosting a few outdoor events. Depending on your level of investment and the amount of space you have, another fantastic option is a portable outdoor fire pit. Guests can sit around the fire for a pre-dinner cocktail or post-meal coffee and dessert. S’mores, anyone? Setting this up ahead of time will prevent your guests from bothering you with additional requests if they start to get chilly. Providing pillows or extra cushioning to make the outdoor furniture even more comfortable will encourage guests to linger around the table post-meal.
