Photos by L.G. Patterson

When it comes to planning the holiday family or friend event menu and executing it, I live for it! I absolutely love cooking large, healthy seasonal meals for my guests. Here’s a list of helpful tips that I use in my commercial kitchen with Happy Food Catering or at home for cooking your holiday meal event, along with mental health tips to help you stay calm and joyful throughout the process.

PLAN YOUR MENU IN ADVANCE
Choose dishes that can be prepped ahead and that cater to everyone’s dietary needs, from gluten-free, keto, dairy-free or vegan dishes so that you can make items that abide by all guidelines. So you only have to make each dish one way.
Mental Health Tip: Planning ahead and prioritizing inclusivity reduces stress, creates a sense of control and boosts your connection with them. Try to enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.

BUY IN BULK FOR SPECIALTY HEALTH FOOD ITEMS
When planning a holiday meal for friends or family, consider buying in bulk, especially for specialty healthfood items like gluten-free flour, dairy alternatives or organic produce. Some online options are nuts.com for nuts, spices, supplements, herbs, coconut sugar and dried fruits or Frontier Co-op for herbs and spices.
Mental Health Tip: Having all your ingredients ahead of time reduces last-minute stress and decision fatigue. Purchasing larger quantities not only saves money but also ensures you have enough on hand for meal prep, avoiding any last-minute grocery runs

PREP AHEAD OF TIME
Chop veggies, break down meats, marinate proteins, and prepare sauces a day or two before the event to save time and reduce stress.
Mental Health Tip: Break your prep into smaller tasks over several days to avoid last-minute panic. Take breaks in between for some deep breathing, journaling, or a short walk.

COOK WHAT YOU KNOW
Stick to tried-and-true recipes, especially for the main dishes, for better quality and time management. Or, make sure you practice new recipes a couple of times before making them for the big day.
Mental Health Tip:
Familiar dishes provide comfort and confidence, but new meals may be appreciated for dietary restrictions. Trust yourself!

MAKE A COOKING TIMELINE
Break down your cooking schedule into tasks that can be completed in the days leading up to the event. Allow yourself 10-20 minutes of extra time between items for unforeseen clean-up or adjustments. On the day of, create a timeline for oven, stovetop, and small equipment use. Prioritize dishes based on cooking times, plan for oven-sharing by grouping items that cook at the same temperature, and consider equipment like blenders or hand mixers that may need to be cleaned between uses. Don’t forget to factor in cooling times for items like cakes before adding frosting to avoid melting.
Mental Health Tip:
Having a schedule helps relieve mental clutter and reduces anxiety. Having a list to cross off also releases serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Follow your timeline loosely to allow for flexibility without stress.

BATCH COOK
Prepare dishes that can serve larger groups easily, such as casseroles, stews, or large roasts that can be sliced or shared with everyone.
Mental Health Tip:
Simplifying your cooking with larger batch dishes lightens the workload and allows more time to relax and connect with loved ones.

SET THE TABLE EARLY
Get your table ready the night before or a few hours early, so you don’t have to worry about it last-minute. For a more casual event, use festive compostable, recyclable, or paper utensils, napkins, servingware, or plates for easy cleanup.
Mental Health Tip:
Setting the table early takes one more thing off your plate and gives you space to focus on your well-being and be present with your guests.

SERVE FAMILY STYLE
Instead of plating individually, let guests serve themselves from platters and bowls at the table. This saves time and creates a communal, cozy vibe.
Mental Health Tip:
Family-style serving fosters a sense of community and removes the pressure of perfection. It’s about connection, not perfection.

DON’T FORGET DRINKS & APPETIZERS
Make sure to have drinks, appetizers, and snacks ready for guests to enjoy while they wait for the main meal. If appropriate for your event, these are great items to delegate to guests that want to contribute.
Mental Health Tip:
Having easy appetizers ready allows you to focus on finishing the meal without feeling rushed. If you make them days prior, it also gives you time to breathe and relax.

HAVE LEFTOVER CONTAINERS
Be prepared with containers to send leftovers home with guests or freeze them for yourself to have prepared lunches or dinners!
Mental Health Tip:
Leftovers not only reduce waste but also give you a break from cooking in the days following the event, which can help you recharge.

ENJOY THE PROCESS
Take time to enjoy the process of cooking and being with loved ones. Holiday meals are as much about connection as they are about the food!
Mental Health Tip:
Focus on mindfulness during the process. Take deep breaths, and remember to enjoy the present moment, rather than stressing about the outcome.

Kimber Dean is the founder of Happiness Drinks and the author of Happy Food and Happy Baking and Desserts. She is trained in both culinary arts and personal nutrition.