Day 4 of 12 Days of Holiday #HostfulHacks: Menu Planning for Formal Gatherings with Festive, Fancy & Frugal

Welcome to Day 4 of our 12 Days of Holiday #HostfulHacks! If you’re joining us for the first time, be sure to read this post first.

Now, let’s dive into Day 4 with Festive, Fancy & Frugal!

Who is Festive, Fancy & Frugal?

Brittnie is a party planning preschool teacher and momma of two littles. She shares joy by creating festive decor and fun for every day and holiday moments.

Brittnie is a self-proclaimed chocolate chip cookie connoisseur. She is also committed to helping you create festive, fancy & frugal moments for you and your family, hence the name of her blog, Festive, Fancy & Frugal.

Day 4 – Holiday #HostfulHack: Menu Planning for Formal Gatherings

When we think of formal gatherings, we think of an opportunity for guests to gather around the table to enjoy a meal together. Whether you serve the meal course-by-course, pass it around family-style or set it up as a buffet, formal gatherings tend to feature a coordinating menu of recipes with enough servings for each guest to enjoy at the same time. With that, it is important to incorporate dishes that are easy to prepare, that accommodate an array of diets and palates, and that leave guests feeling satisfied.

Festive, Fancy & Frugal’s Menu Planning for Formal Gatherings #HostfulHacks

The dazzling Christmas season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a festive and formal dinner to fully embrace the holiday spirit. Time is so incredibly precious, and I hope today’s #HostfulHacks help you create formal gatherings that run smoothly and joyfully with these tried-and-true make-ahead menu planning tips. -Brittnie

-Prepare the formal dinner menu in advance. Incorporating an appetizer, main course, a few sides, and dessert are fabulous additions to your gathering.

-When creating your menu, remember that store-bought and restaurant meals are just as perfect as homemade when in a pinch! A fresh garnish and nice platter can instantly transform these dishes for a formal aesthetic.

-The night before your gathering, set your platters out at the table with sticky notes attached to each platter stating what food item goes where. Switch out the sticky notes for the foods before guests arrive.

-If you choose to make some of your courses, make desserts and appetizers ahead of time the night before your gathering.

-Crock pot meals are a perfect and simple main course option for the holidays! A roast conveniently cooks throughout the day and is a scrumptious formal main course to consider.