Holiday Dinner Shortcuts : Inspired by Hatfield®

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I feel like the holidays just sort of snuck up on us this year. And I know people always say that, but I really mean it this year. It literally seems like we were just doing back-t0-school and now suddenly we’re planning holiday dinners, getting holiday invites and making lists….etcetera, etcetera. This year, I’m busier than ever. My sister is getting married at the end of November and I’m having a minor sinus/nasal surgery in early December – so this year is all about the planning. It’s also going to be all about the shortcuts that help me have the kind of holidays that we like without compromising.

If you’re hosting or planning a holiday dinner – there’s several things you can do to make it easy, while still keeping it special. I’m happy to be sharing some of my time-saving tips and shortcuts tips for hosting a holiday dinner.

Invest in Versatile Dinnerware

I picked up this dinnerware that will be perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and beyond. It’s neutral and based on table decor, will go with everything. I have fine china, but it’s just not versatile. I also invested in these wood chargers that I use ALL the time. They help add texture and that something extra to your place setting.

Quality Shortcuts

Give yourself permission to take quality shortcuts. Sometimes we let the holidays stress us out … don’t. The right kind of shortcuts will save you time and energy. The first thing I always pick up is Hatfield® Ham.

Hatfield Ham products are the best, whether you’re new to cooking or a pro – not to mention they are family owned, ethically-raised, gluten-free and american-made. What I like is they make it easy to serve up an amazing holiday dinner. Not having a lot of guests, Hatfield Ham Products have you covered, big or small, now that they offer NEW, smaller-sized ham products (like 1/2 Pre-Sliced Pit Ham, 1/4 Pre-Sliced Ham). And they are pre-sliced…..talk about convenient. It does not get easier than this.

Some other shortcuts include pre-made appetizers and hors d’oevres. Many places will sell cheese platters, charcuterie platters, and crudite. Sometimes they can end up being a little pricier, but if it’s worth your time, it can be worth it.

Floral and Centerpieces

I purchased a faux centerpiece that I can reuse each year which saves so much time.

Any other fresh flowers that I buy I always get from the grocery store — if you find a grocery store with a quality floral section, buy your flowers here. I picked up hydrangea and mums recently that were $4.99 a bunch. They dress up the house and side tables for little to no cost.

Table Decor

Shortcuts don’t’ have to mean that you don’t make it look great. I have a burlap runner that I use throughout the holidays and dress it up with different napkins and place cards. A fun idea I came up with for this holiday season is to use these mini grape wreaths with fresh rosemary to create these pretty mini wreaths with tag. They turned out really nice, are simple to make and look like you put so much time and effort into them.

What kind of holiday entertaining shortcuts and tips do you have?

If you’re looking for Hatfield Hams to help make your holiday amazing, you can pick up these varieties: NEW 1/2 Pre-Sliced Pit Ham, NEW 1/4 Pre-Sliced Ham (With Natural Juices), NEW 1/4 Pre-Sliced Ham (With Water Added), Uncured Ham, 3lb. Classic Boneless Ham. I picked my 1/2 Pre-Slice Pit Ham up at Stop & Shop, but you can also find them at stores like Shoprite, Giant Carlisle, Weis, Landover and Price Chopper.