HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING GUIDE- the Easiest Holiday Party Ever
Nathan Michael and Julia Flowers were fans of each other long before their meet-cute moment.
As prolific and talented Instagrammers with a knack for creating gorgeous tableaus, they were intrigued by each other’s senses of style — so when Nathan hosted a creative meet-up and they finally connected IRL, it seemed like fate. One date and several street tacos later, they were inseparable.
Luckily for us, this pair has made food a centerpiece of their joint creative endeavors, including this incredible family-style holiday spread. Their tips and dishes are perfect for easygoing evenings with friends during this fast-paced season, but you can just as easily adapt them to your formal Thanksgiving or holiday bash.
When it comes to hosting for the holidays, my wife, Julia, and I love comfort foods with a touch of decadence. That’s why Snake River Farms always fits the bill. The season already has enough decisions waiting to be made, so when it comes to hosting dinner, we stick to what we know will be great: American Wagyu.
Selecting Your Menu:
As you brainstorm your menu, remember: there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. After all, most people are drawn to classic comfort foods for a reason…there is something pleasurable in the ordinary. But, if you’re like me, it always feels nice to take a few of those seasonal staples and tip them over the edge. You can leave your “Top Chef” apron in the closet, because all you need is a few small tweaks to impress any guest!
Want to take your steak game to new peaks? Try topping SRF’s Bone-In NY Strip with our wild mushroom cream sauce. Instead of traditional mashed potatoes, whip in our garlic miso butter for an umami crowd pleaser. Bored of doing oven roasted brussels sprouts? Mix together our refreshingly simple Brussel Sprout Apple Salad for a bright & fruity touch.
Whatever route you decide to go, here are a few tips for creating an enjoyable evening for your guests
Welcome Everyone with a Drink:
When visiting someone’s home, it’s always nice to be welcomed with a glass in hand. It helps cut the edge and immediately sets a celebratory tone. Whether a pre-made cocktail or glass of wine, keeping the first drink simple allows you to greet guests without feeling the pressure to bartend the first hour. A favorite cocktail of mine during the winter season is this apple brandy, raisin mouth-feel cocktail.
RAISIN THE ROOF COCKTAIL >>
Mix and Match: Tableware
I’m a firm believer you don’t need a special set of tableware to pull out once or twice a year for events. Eclectic can feel beautiful too. Whatever pieces you decide to use, incorporating some seasonal florals, candles, and freshly pressed table linens can easily set the tone for a special meal. Personally, I love mixing Richard Brendon’s glassware & tableware alongside Atelier Saucier’s table linens and Floral Society’s tapered candles.
Playlists Are Your Friend:
One of the things that can easily make or break a mood with guests is the choice of music. Looking for good conversation? Try staying away from Nickelback. Want a relaxing mood? No need to slip in Skrillex. Whatever vibe you're hoping to achieve, just make sure you have a playlist selected beforehand. No one enjoys a host that’s always slipping away to their phone to manage the jukebox.
THE FULL SPREAD
BONE-IN NY STRIP
Impress your holiday guests with Snake River Farms' Black Label™ Bone-In NY Strip Steaks, seasoned to perfection and cooked to juicy tenderness. This fail-proof recipe involves a quick sear in a hot skillet followed by a stint in the oven. Paired with a luxurious Wild Mushroom Cream Steak Sauce, featuring a mix of mushrooms in a buttery garlic concoction, these steaks promise a festive, decadent celebration served family-style.
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WILD MUSHROOM CREAM STEAK SAUCE
This Wild Mushroom Cream Steak Sauce is a decadent blend of mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic, combined with chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This luxurious sauce adds velvety richness and savory depth to elevate your holiday dining experience.
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Post Dinner Dessert & Drinks:
Fact: After a big meal, I have roughly 10 minutes to get caffeine into my bloodstream or I’ll be stealing your blanket and napping on your couch. It’s not a pretty sight. So, I like to be prepared when hosting for others. Some fresh brew alongside dessert goes a long way. It keeps your guests energized and conversation flowing.
Clean As You Go:
This might be the “neat freak” side of me, but the biggest game changer I’ve found along the way is tidying up as you go. It’s much easier to throw a few dishes in the dishwasher to keep the room feeling decorated and lite versus picking up a mountain of leftovers and dirty plates at the end.
