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Greeting guests with a drink and an appetizer is the perfect way to kick off a holiday meal but keep it simple. Think ready-made starters like hummus, charcuterie, cheese platters and pre-cut fruit. Whip up big batch cocktails ahead of time, or just stick to wine and beer.
Slow cookers come in handy for keeping side dishes warm and freeing up valuable stove space; you can also serve warm dips or even apple cider out of them. Don’t forget your cooler can also keep your sides and even your bird warm. If you have a warming drawer, now is the perfect time to put it to good use to keep dishes at the perfect serving temperature.
Say goodbye to plating in the kitchen and set up a buffet so guests can serve themselves. Make even more room at your table by using multi-height serving platters. Avoid an overcrowded refrigerator by using Ziploc™ bags instead of mixing bowls and plates. Bonus, when you’re done there is less to wash!
An unstuffed, fully defrosted bird should cook for about 15 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven. If you’re cooking a frozen turkey, it will take at least 50 percent longer.
Our chart below provides a starting point for the number of people and dishes.
# OF APPETIZERS
# OF SALADS
# OF STARCHY SIDES
# OF VEGGIE SIDES
# OF DESSERTS
# OF BOTTLES OF WINE
Now that you are ready for holiday meal preparations with these handy tips, don’t forget the easiest way to a delicious dinner is great appliances.
Check out Sears Hometown Store for wall ovens, ranges, refrigerators, freezers and more that will have your guests raving about your culinary skills.
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