Gathering with friends and family can be the best part of the holiday season. But, when guests arrive with unexpected dietary restrictions or allergies, your party can quickly feel stressful. Here are some ways to stay organized and offer a menu that everyone can enjoy!
Plan ahead
Give yourself a little time to plan your gathering to limit stress and enjoy your time with friends and family the day of the event. Simple things like planning your menu, connecting with guests about special diet needs, and prepping whatever you can ahead are all helpful.
- Ask guests when you invite them about any dietary restrictions so that you have time to plan your menu.
- Review the ingredient lists for your favorite recipes and holiday foods to check for allergens or sensitivities.
- Allow time to explore products and ingredients in grocery stores that align with restrictions—products like Swanson Vegetable Broth and Campbell’s Condensed Gluten-Free Soups can make cooking for special diets more convenient.
- Search online for popular recipes that align with the dietary restrictions.
- Share your menu ahead of time. Plan to offer two side dishes and a main dish that aligns with guests’ restrictions.
- Ask your guests to bring their favorite side dish or dessert to share.
- Do a trial run of recipes you plan to make with ingredient substitutions. For example, if you are planning to make a gluten-free stuffing, vegetarian dish, or dairy-free dessert, try a small batch before the big day!
- Be prepared to share the recipes, guests may want to make them at home.
Slow Cooker Vegetable & Butternut Squash Soup
This vegetable & butternut squash soup, made with Swanson Vegetable broth, is rich, velvety, and delicious. It’s a simple starter that your guests will enjoy, including those following a vegetarian plan.
Day of the event
The day of the event should be fun and stress-free, especially if you plan ahead. Here are some tips to help it go even more smoothly and to make everyone feel included:
- Serve foods buffet-style with separate serving utensils so guests have control of what they add to their plates. Offer sauces, dressings, dips, and toppings on the side.
- Mark any dishes that meet the dietary restrictions your guests shared prior to the event. For example, label recipes that are gluten free, vegetarian, dairy free, or lower in sodium.
- Save winning recipes for next year and note any substitutions you made.
We hope these tips help you navigate food restrictions. Planning ahead to accommodate guests with special dietary needs is key to hosting a stress-free gathering. For more recipe inspiration, check out our article on common dietary restrictions and recipes everyone is sure to love.