Food is at the heart of many holiday traditions. It could be the smell of a slow-roasting turkey, the warmth of baked cookies, or a family favorite passed down through generations—whatever gets you in the holiday spirit, meals during the holiday season bring people together. However, the joy of those moments can often be overshadowed by the stress of planning, shopping, and preparation. Simplified is here to take that burden off your shoulders, ensuring your holiday meals are well-planned, memorable, and stress-free.
How Simplified Can Help
Simplified offers a variety of services that make holiday meal planning a breeze. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, planning a Hanukkah meal, or organizing Christmas dinner, we have you covered.
- Grocery Shopping: The holiday season can turn even the most pleasant grocery store visit into a chaotic experience. With crowded aisles and long lines, who has time for that? Simplified can take care of your grocery shopping for you, ensuring you get everything you need without the hassle.
- Libations: Not sure what drinks to serve? Simplified has great suggestions for seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and wine pairings to match your meal. We’ll even pick up all the ingredients for you, from mulled wine spices to festive sparkling water. Need holiday season help with planning a wine and cheese pairing for your Christmas party? Consider it done.
- Catering: Cooking isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! This year, why not hand over the culinary reins to a professional caterer? Simplified can help you find the perfect caterer to match your holiday style—from a fully catered Thanksgiving feast to a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. We can handle the research, booking, and even the communication with the caterers so you can focus on enjoying the festivities.
- Restaurant Reservations: If cooking or hosting just doesn’t feel like the right fit this year, let Simplified help you book a fabulous restaurant for your holiday meal. We’ll find a cozy spot for your Thanksgiving dinner or a chic restaurant for your Christmas Eve celebration, taking care of all the details.
Out-of-the-Box Meal Planning Ideas
Simplified also offers creative ideas to make your holiday meals truly unique. For those who like to blend tradition with modern twists, we can help you plan non-traditional menus that still capture the holiday spirit.
- Custom Menus: This holiday season, why not spice things up with custom-designed menus? Simplified can create personalized holiday menus for each place setting, adding a special touch to your table. These printed menus can also include fun trivia about each dish or a backstory about a family recipe. Add some holiday decorations to match, and your guests will be talking about it for years to come.
- Family-Style Meals: Instead of the traditional plated meal, consider serving family-style dishes that encourage sharing and conversation. We can help plan a meal where everyone contributes, or Simplified can arrange the entire thing for you. This approach not only saves time but also makes the meal feel more interactive.
- Cooking Classes: Looking for a way to bring everyone together before the big day? Simplified can arrange for a private cooking class with a professional chef. This is a great way to bond with family or friends while learning how to prepare a special holiday dish. Imagine learning how to craft the perfect Hanukkah meal or master the art of holiday pies, with expert guidance.
Décor and Presentation
When it comes to holiday meals, it’s not just about what’s on the table—it’s also about how it looks. Simplified can elevate your meal presentation with simple but stunning décor ideas. Picture a Thanksgiving table with elegant autumn centerpieces or a Hanukkah spread complete with twinkling candles and indigo table linens. And of course, no Christmas gathering would be complete without a beautifully decorated Christmas tree to complement the ambiance.
We also offer ideas for thoughtful details like handwritten place cards, seasonal table settings, and festive garlands to make your meal feel extra special. You can even add personalized holiday menus, and we’ll handle the printing and setup. Simplified’s holiday to-do list services extend beyond the meal, ensuring that every aspect of your celebration is polished and perfect.
Host Gifts and More
Are you attending a holiday meal instead of hosting? Show your gratitude with a unique host gift. Simplified can find, wrap, and deliver the perfect token of appreciation. We’ll pick up a bottle of wine, a seasonal candle, or a beautifully crafted artisanal item– or give us details about your host and we will provide plenty of ideas to make them feel special.
Simplified is your go-to for making the holiday season stress-free. Our Holiday Services handle everything, including expert décor planning, meal preparation, and shopping. Thanksgiving or any other festive occasion, we’ll take care of the details so you can enjoy the celebrations. Ready to streamline your holiday plans? Contact us today for help with meal planning, to-do lists, and more!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.