With so much going on when you’re hosting a holiday dinner, it’s helpful to cut down on the last-minute scrambling by serving made-ahead side dishes.

Delicious options like twice-baked potatoes you just pop in the oven and steak butters to enhance the flavor of just about anything – from those steaks you have on hand to mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms you simply heat in the oven.

Creamed corn that just requires heating up is also a great option that just about everybody loves. Don’t labor over EVERY side dish AND the main entree. Save your energy for the showstoppers!

Delicious AND easy is the way to go to keep stress at a minimum. Don’t let the food get you worked up. Remember, Aunt Susie will be there with her advice about your love life. Again.

THAT will be quite enough stress, thank you.

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

One more day and it’s time to feast!

Is your turkey thawing?

Are your side dishes prepped?

Dishes sparkling?

Serving utensils locked and loaded?

Napkins clean and folded?

It’s time to set the alarm and put that turkey in in the morning!

Did you go with a Chateaubriand this year? Prime rib roast?

As I mentioned, I’m serving a traditional turkey with a side of spiral ham – among other things.

My hubby always requests macaroni and cheese so that’s on the menu, too. Oh, and cranberry sauce for my dad, mashed potatoes for me, mushrooms for Mom, and more bread than a freightliner could hold for my boys. They can put away some bread.

The one thing we ALL have on the menu? Thankfulness.

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

The centerpiece of a great fall harvest party? The food!

Dishes that warm the soul and the palate are what celebrating the fall harvest is all about!

Here are some of my favorite foodie ideas to usher in the season:

1. Start with tantalizing appetizers. How about some applewood bacon and cheddar sliders? Or offer tasty basil pesto gorgonzola kisses, three cheese arancini, herb citrus scallops and lobster flatbread.

2. Whole Smoked Turkey. This is the main event. Delicious and showstoppingly beautiful, the aroma alone will have your guests drooling.

3. Sides with a twist. Try mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms, carrots with maple glaze or lobster mac and cheese.

4. Finish up strong. Desserts that hail the season are winners like hand-dipped chocolate macaroons, spiced apple streusel tartlets or cognac pumpkin cake!

With a menu like this, no one will forget THIS fall harvest, for sure!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.