People are coming! People are coming!

Do those words strike fear in your soul?

Don’t fret. Plan!

Holiday time, while joyous, brings an enormous amount of stress. Especially if YOU are the host.

That’s why planning ahead is so important.

1. Plan a menu now, taking into account who is coming, their dietary needs and preferences, and the time you’ll have to commit to cooking.
2. Appetizers are important. I like to offer little bacon and cheddar sliders or lobster flatbread to satisfy appetites while I’m finishing up the main course. Nothing worse than grumpy, waiting guests. Plus, if for some reason a guest doesn’t dig the turkey you’re cooking there are other options to fill them up if needed.
3. Grill or broil a few steaks to have on hand. Why? See #2. There may be guests who are too shy to share their taste preferences with you. You won’t know until you see them fake-nibbling off a virtually empty plate at dinnertime. If no one partakes of the gorgeous steaks, they WILL be eaten. Think of the bazillion mealtimes ahead with overnight guests.

What are YOUR favorite plan-ahead strategies to reduce stress during the holidays?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Looking for inspiration for your fabulous Labor Day BBQ?

Look no further.

People magazine has a sweet slideshow of amazing spreads for your perusing pleasure.

Behold the finger-licking goodness of the Cali Lettuce-Wrap Burger (above), made with lean ground beef and no bun!

Then, feast your eyes upon an Herb-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin, Apple Cider BBQ Ribs and Bacon BBQ Oysters. Yes, oysters! With bacon!

There are gorgeous desserts and fruity drinks, plus decadent sides you can make to create one awesome barbecue.

Or . . . you can just look at the purty pictures and drool.

Either way, check out these masterpieces here. And have a happy, happy Labor Day!

Photo courtesy of Raymond Hom via People.com. 

It’s almost Labor Day. And somewhere it’s written that one must eat beef on Labor Day weekend.

Hey, I don’t write the rules, I just enforce them.

So, why not treat yourself to a gorgeous, grilled steak on your day of rest?

Click here to see a fantastic marinade recipe and get other great ideas for your weekend lineup.

Then, come back here and share with us how it went! Happy eating!

Photo courtesy of AllRecipes.com.