Holiday Entertaining Guide - the Easiest Holiday Party Ever

Holiday Entertaining Guide - the easiest holiday party ever. 

Nathan Michael and Julia Flowers were fans of each other long before their meet-cute moment.

As prolific and talented Instagrammers with a knack for creating gorgeous tableaus, they were intrigued by each other’s senses of style — so when Nathan hosted a creative meet-up and they finally connected on IRL, it seemed like fate. One date and several street tacos later, they were inseparable.

Luckily for us, this pair has made food a centerpiece of their joint creative endeavors, including this incredible family-style holiday spread. Their tips and dishes are perfect for easygoing evenings with friends during this fast-paced season, but you can just as easily adapt them to your formal Thanksgiving or holiday bash. 

When it comes to hosting for the holidays, my wife, Julia, and I love comfort foods with a touch of decadence. That’s why Snake River Farms always fits the bill. The season already has enough decisions waiting to be made, so when it comes to hosting dinner, we stick to what we know will be great: American Wagyu. 

Selecting Your Menu:

As you brainstorm your menu, remember there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. After all, most people are drawn to classic comfort foods for a reason…there is something pleasurable in the ordinary. But, if you’re like me, it always feels nice to take a few of those seasonal staples and tip them over the edge. You can leave your “Top Chef” apron in the closet, because all you need is a few small tweaks to impress any guest!

Want to take your steak game to new peaks? Try topping SRF’s Bone-In NY Strip with our wild mushroom cream sauce. Instead of traditional mashed potatoes, whip in our garlic miso butter for an umami crowd pleaser. Bored of doing oven roasted brussels sprouts? Mix together our refreshingly simple Brussel Sprout Apple Salad for a bright & fruity touch.

Whatever route you decide to go. Here are a few tips for creating an enjoyable for your guests. 

Welcome Everyone with a Drink:

When visiting someone’s home, it’s always nice to be welcomed with a glass in hand. It helps cut the edge and immediately sets a celebratory tone. Whether a pre-made cocktail or glass of wine, keeping the first drink simple allows you to greet guests without feeling the pressure to bartend the first hour. A favorite cocktail of mine during the winter season is this apple brandy, raisin mouth-feel cocktail. 

Raisin the Roof Cocktail

When it comes to hosting for the Holidays, my wife Julia and I love comfort foods with a touch of decadence. That’s why Snake River Farms always fits the bill. The season already has enough decisions waiting to be made, so when it comes to hosting dinner, we stick to what we know will be great: American Wagyu.

Hosting doesn’t have to be a chore, so we put together some of our favorite tips / recipes for entertaining during the holidays...

Welcome Everyone with a Drink.

Rich, raisin-like vermouth and dry artichoke-based Cynar mingle in this apple brandy cocktail.

Tools: Mixing Glass, Barspoon, Strainer
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Maraschino Cherry

Ingredients

• 1.25 ounce of Apple Brandy
• 1 ounce of Punt E Mes or other Sweet Vermouth
• .75 ounce of Cynar
• 2 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass. Add ice, stir for 20 seconds, and strain into a coupe. Garnish.

Mix and Match: Tableware

I’m a firm believer you don’t need a special set of tableware to pull out once or twice a year for events. Eclectic can feel beautiful too. Whatever pieces you decide to use, incorporating some seasonal florals, candles, and freshly pressed table linens can easily set the tone for a special meal. Personally, I love mixing Richard Brendon’s glassware & tableware alongside Atelier Saucier’s table linens and Floral Society’s tapered candles. 

Playlists are your Friend: 

One of the things that can easily make or break a mood with guests is the choice of music. Looking for good conversation? Try staying away from Nickelback. Want a relaxing mood? No need to slip in Skrillex. Whatever vibe you're hoping to achieve, just make sure you have a playlist selected beforehand. No one enjoys a host that’s always slipping away to their phone to manage the jukebox.

The Full Spread

Bone-In NY Strip 
Impress your holiday guests with Snake River Farms' Black Label® Bone-In NY Strip Steaks, seasoned to perfection and cooked to juicy tenderness. This fail-proof recipe involves a quick sear in a hot skillet followed by a stint in the oven. Paired with a luxurious Wild Mushroom Cream Steak Sauce, featuring a mix of mushrooms in a buttery garlic concoction, these steaks promise a festive, decadent celebration served family-style. > Shop Now

Sausage Stuffed Apples with Fried Sage
When it comes to hosting for the Holidays, my wife Julia and I love comfort foods with a touch of decadence. That’s why Snake River Farms always fits the bill. The season already has enough decisions waiting to be made, so when it comes to hosting dinner, we stick to what we know will be great: American Wagyu. > Learn More

Brussels Sprout Apple Salad 

Ingredients

• 1 pound brussels sprouts trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 large apple cut into matchsticks or thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Marcona almonds toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup pecorino cheese grated
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon shallot, finely diced
• 1 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoon maple syrup
• 6 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. In a small bowl whisk together all the dressing ingredients and set aside.
2. In a serving bowl add the thinly sliced sprouts, apple, pecorino, and almonds.
3. Toss to combine and check for seasoning.

Honey-Glazed Carrots with Pistachios and Pomegranate 

Ingredients 

• 2 pounds petite carrots or full-size carrots peeled and cut into three-inch sticks
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon pistachios roasted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On the baking sheet place carrots in a single layer and toss with honey, olive oil, thyme sprigs, and salt and pepper until well coated. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the carrots, until fork tender.
2. In a serving dish place carrots and top with chopped pistachios and pomegranate. It can be served warm or room temp.

Miso Butter Mashed Potatoes 

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and quartered.
• 1 whole head of garlic
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons of butter at room temperature
• 1.5 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice the top of the garlic to expose the cloves and drizzle with oil. Wrap the head in foil and roast on a baking sheet for 45 to 60 minutes until cloves are softened.
2. Once the garlic has cooled add to a bowl with the softened butter and miso and mix until smooth. Set aside
3. In a large pot add the peeled and cut potatoes and cover with water an inch above the potatoes. Season the water with a tablespoon of kosher salt and boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling reduces to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender. Remove from heat, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. In a small saucepan warm the cream. Mash potatoes with a potato masher until desired consistency and stir in the warmed cream and miso garlic butter until smooth. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed.

Post Dinner Desserts & Drinks: 

Fact: After a big meal, I have roughly 10 minutes to get caffeine into my bloodstream or I’ll be stealing your blanket and napping on your couch. It’s not a pretty sight. So, I like to be prepared when hosting for others. Some fresh brew alongside dessert goes a long way. It keeps your guests energized and conversation flowing. 

Clean as you Go:

This might be the “neat freak” side of me, but the biggest game changer I’ve found along the way is tidying up as you go. It’s much easier to throw a few dishes in the dishwasher to keep the room feeling decorated and light than picking up a mountain of leftovers and dirty plates at the end.