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How to Make Holiday Entertaining Easy, Delicious, and Truly Memorable

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 18:10 GMT by KUTV

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How to Make Holiday Entertaining Easy, Delicious, and Truly Memorable
– A concise guide distilled from KUTV’s Fresh Living feature “Make Holiday Entertaining Entertaining, Delicious, and Easy”

When the holiday season rolls around, the promise of a well‑planned celebration is almost as tempting as the food itself. KUTV’s Fresh Living feature tackles the perennial holiday dilemma: how to host a party that feels special, is visually striking, and—most importantly—doesn’t eat up all your time or budget. The article is organized into three main pillars—planning, execution, and post‑party bliss—each of which is enriched with recipe links, décor ideas, and practical “life‑hacks” that keep the stress low and the smiles high.

1. The Foundation: Planning with Purpose

a. Set a Realistic Budget

The article opens by encouraging hosts to establish a clear budget early. It suggests allocating the majority of funds to the meal (about 60–70 %) and the remaining to décor, drinks, and a small “party buffer” for unexpected expenses. The Fresh Living website links to a downloadable budget spreadsheet that’s been used by the show's chefs to plan a holiday spread that never breaks the bank.

b. Build a Guest‑Friendly Menu

One of the standout pieces of advice is to design a menu that can be served either plated or family‑style. The article’s embedded recipes—such as “One‑Pot Chicken Alfredo,” “Cranberry‑Glazed Ham,” and “Garlic‑Roasted Brussels Sprouts”—all share a common theme: minimal prep, quick cook times, and scalable portions. For dessert, the “Classic Pumpkin Pie” recipe is highlighted as a crowd‑pleaser that can be pre‑baked and simply reheated.

c. Time‑Slicing the Prep Work

To keep the holiday from turning into a marathon, Fresh Living recommends a prep timeline that spans the week leading up to the event. The article details a “Day‑Before‑Day” plan: pre‑slice vegetables, marinate proteins, and pre‑bake desserts. The link to the “Holiday Entertaining Checklist” from KUTV’s cooking portal turns the article’s suggestions into an actionable schedule, complete with time stamps for each task.

2. Execution: From Kitchen to Table

a. Visual Appeal with Simple Décor

The article points out that décor sets the mood more than elaborate centerpieces. A few key visual cues—like using fresh greenery, fairy lights, and a color palette that matches the season—can transform a modest dining room into a holiday haven. Fresh Living offers a curated link to “DIY Holiday Décor Ideas,” featuring inexpensive wreaths and table runner designs that can be assembled in under an hour.

b. Drink Station Hacks

Staying hydrated during a holiday crowd can be a logistical nightmare. The article suggests a “self‑serve beverage bar” stocked with sparkling water, a pre‑made punch, and a “build‑your‑own” cocktail station. Links to “Holiday Drink Recipes” include both alcoholic and non‑alcoholic options, such as a peppermint hot chocolate or a cranberry margarita mix that guests can enjoy on their own.

c. Table Settings and Flow

The Fresh Living team emphasizes the importance of clear pathways for guests to mingle, eat, and replenish. The article advises placing low‑profile side dishes on the floor or a side table to keep the central dining area free for the main course. A linked infographic on “Table Flow During Holiday Parties” offers a visual diagram that shows optimal placement of seating, serving dishes, and drinks.

d. Engaging the Crowd

Beyond food and drink, the article notes that “party games” or simple conversation starters can help guests feel at ease. The KUTV site hosts a “Holiday Game Guide” featuring classic games like “Name That Carol” and “Holiday Bingo” that can be printed on the spot and played while guests enjoy the spread.

3. The Afterglow: Clean‑Up and Take‑Away

a. Efficient Clean‑Up Tips

The article’s “After‑Party Checklist” underscores the need to keep the clean‑up quick. By using disposable napkins, a single serving of sauce, and a set of “easy‑wash” utensils, hosts can finish their evening with minimal scrubbing. Fresh Living’s linked “Post‑Party Cleanup Hacks” provides a step‑by‑step routine that can be completed in under 30 minutes.

b. Thoughtful Leftovers

Leftover management is not only eco‑friendly but also a great way to extend the holiday fun. The article suggests creating “take‑away platters” with small bowls of leftovers for guests to take home. The recipe portal offers a “Leftover Recipe Remix” page that demonstrates how to transform yesterday’s roast into a tasty sandwich or soup.

4. Where to Dive Deeper

Throughout the article, Fresh Living strategically places links to deepen the reader’s experience:

Each of these resources is carefully chosen to complement the article’s core message: that holiday entertaining can be delightful, manageable, and memorable—even for the most time‑constrained host.

Bottom Line

The KUTV Fresh Living feature delivers a clear, concise playbook that turns holiday entertaining from a daunting chore into a well‑executed celebration. By setting a realistic budget, selecting “time‑slice” recipes, and investing in simple décor and game ideas, hosts can enjoy the festivities rather than scramble to keep up. The article’s integrated links to recipes, checklists, and décor tutorials turn passive reading into an interactive planning experience. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a first‑time celebrant, the guide offers practical, accessible solutions that will keep your guests raving long after the last cookie is gone.