West Newsmagazine 11-1-23

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By LAURA SAGGAR
The flip of the calendar to November
means the holiday season is finally here.
It’s hard to believe that in just a few weeks
friends and family will be gathering together
to give thanks and show gratitude for their
blessings this year, along with making new
memories. While it might seem early, now
is the time to start planning, especially if
you’re the host. One way to reduce the stress
of party planning is to have the meal catered
by a local restaurant. The sooner an order is
placed, the better.
Most restaurants that cater will have a special
holiday menu available on their website,
or just call them and ask. Dalie’s Smokehouse
in Valley Park offers a holiday catering
menu with main course, side dish and
dessert options. Lauren Martin, manager of
Dalie’s, said when calling a restaurant to ask
about catering, it’s good to have a rough head
count ahead of time, and to know how many
of those in the party are children. Caterers
know how big to make servings depending
on the party size, so they can help take the
guesswork out of how much food is needed
to order.
“Kids don’t eat as much as adults, so that
goes into how many people we need to feed,”
Martin said.
A main course is key for the holidays and
usually consists of a type of meat, whether
it’s ham, turkey or brisket. Martin recommends
having two to three side dishes as well,
and cautions that less is more.
“Any more than two or three sides gives
November 1, 2023
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
Food Fabulous Food
Lightening the load this holiday season
Charcuterie from Dalie’s Smokehouse
MOOD, from previous
people too many options,” Martin said. “It’s
easier for people to have less options when
they have to decide on what they eat. Also,
they don’t eat a lot if they are going to a lot of
holiday parties on the same day.”
Having a couple catered sides is an option
to have in addition to traditional family sides
that only grandma can make.
Some restaurants will deliver and set up
the dinner, while others will want the host to
pick up the food. Ask the restaurant to find
out what their policy is. Martin said Dalie’s
catering service for parties of over 15 people
includes delivery and set up for an 18% fee
and includes disposable plates,
utensils and napkins.
Martin said most customers tip
the delivery driver, and it’s usually
an additional 15-20%.
To keep the food nice and hot
for guests, Martin recommends
keeping food in an oven set to 225
degrees fahrenheit.
“Low and slow is what we tell
people when it comes to keeping
food warm or reheating,” Martin
said. “Everything we use is oven
safe. (Hosts) can put a pan of
water in the bottom of the oven to
help keep the food from drying out. We suggest
reheating the food slowly so it doesn’t
overcook.”
Martin said to try to set up a delivery time
close to the time you are going to eat to help
keep the food hot.
Be sure to ask restaurants about their
kitchen if one of the guests has a food allergy.
Also don’t forget about the vegetarians or
vegans on the guest list. Martin said Dalie’s
has a pulled jackfruit option for vegans, so
be sure to ask.
“You don’t want them to be left out,”
Martin said.
Earn bonus points as a guest and bring an
appetizer to share. Martin said charcuterie
boards are still a big hit for any kind of gathering.
“Catering makes the holiday dinner so
much easier when you’re hosting a big party,”
Martin said. “It means less dishes and clean
up, which means more time with your guests
because all the work is done.”
bers, scout troops or neighbors. Plan a
meal or simply hot beverages and dessert.
And tune up your voices to sing in your
own neighborhood or at more public place
like a nearby senior living community. The
St. Louis Carolers Association (stlchristmascarols.org)
will provide everything you
need including song lists and collection
cans with QR codes for online donations.
With plans in place and preparations
underway, even the hosts can have a wonderful
time.
Oh, and one more thing to set the mood
for that party – remember to smile, laugh
and hug your friends and family.
I PLAN THE PERFECT HOLIDAY I 35
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