How to Create a Hassle-Free Holiday

Holiday gatherings are happy occasions full of friends, family, food, and festivities. But, when you’re the host, your holiday is likely filled with cooking, a cleaning frenzy, and drowning in holiday decor, all before the first guest arrives. That can sometimes mean a lot more hassle than happiness.

The holidays don’t have to be this way! Orange Beach Concierge has tips to help you take the frenzy out of your festivities and create a hassle-free holiday.

Preparing a Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, you don’t have to cook it at all! If you want to avoid the stress of standing over a holiday stove, let Chef David Pan and the Orange Beach Concierge team prepare a magical holiday meal. Our annual Thanksgiving Catering-to-Go menu is designed to turn your holiday into a fine-dining event that’s full of flair and flavor (but completely absent of fuss).

This Thanksgiving, our Catering-to-Go menu is packed with traditional favorites that can serve up to 12 guests. You can choose from our Brined and Roasted Bone-In Turkey or a Whole Roasted Tenderloin to create your culinary centerpiece. Compliment your main course with savory sides like Sweet Potato Smash, Traditional Herb Dressing, Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, and Fresh Cranberry Relish. Finally, finish off your feast with a decadent dessert of French Silk or Pumpkin Pie!

It’s completely a-la-carte, allowing you to control how much – or how little – you want to hand off. Simply place your order for Thanksgiving and pick it up at The Pantry at The Wharf for a stress-free holiday experience. Orders must be received by noon on Friday, Nov. 17. Call 251-228-6729 to order.

A happy holiday meal deserves a terrific table, and creating one is easier than you think. Enjoy these tips for creating a table that’s fresh, festive, and functional:

Keep it small. When it comes to table decor, less is more. Small and short centerpieces are great for holiday meals because they don’t interfere with conversation across the table or take up space that should be reserved for food. Small but festive pumpkins are always a welcome classic to any Thanksgiving table décor.

Choose the classics. When in doubt, classic pieces like neutral linen napkins and simple fine china are a spectacular (and easy) way to make the holidays special. They also complement any table decor, taking some of the stress out of creating your holiday style.

Picture Emily Post. For easy table etiquette, channel your inner Emily Post. To get started, remember the three basic rules of table setting: only use utensils your guests will actually need; place utensils in their order of use from the outside in; and place forks to the left side of your plate but knives and spoons to the right. For more detailed information, view Emily’s guide to table settings.

Decorate the day before. Don’t spend your precious pre-guest hours trying to throw your table together! Decorating the day before gives you plenty of time to arrange your table and helps avoid any last-minute mishaps.

You don’t have to handle the holidays alone! Don’t be afraid to ask for help with anything from prep to cleanup and beyond. Getting your guests involved makes them feel like part of the fun and helps you dial back the festive frenzy.

And, of course, you can also call us at Orange Beach Concierge! Contact us today to put the happy back in your holiday season!