I don’t want to frighten anyone, but it is already fall. Perhaps this means nothing to you, but if you have plans to entertain your friends and family for the upcoming holidays, you need to know that Thanksgiving is about one month away, and once you have reached Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Kwanzaa are right there breathing on your neck.

So now is the time to start connecting with your family, decide who is hosting and make plans for the best holiday season you’ve had in a long time. In that spirit I am here to help you get your entertaining in gear for what can be easy, spectacular, fun-filled times with the ones you love.

Comfort Food With A Twist. What I am about to say may not be popular, but here goes: I am tired of turkey, stuffing, and greens. I love food and just want to scream because for the next three months it seems like the meals are on continual repeat.

I know we all have our favorites -- I have a weak spot for mac’n cheese -- but I am left craving some new twists on these old favorites. Instead of a turkey, or even alongside it, surprise your guests with a roasted duck or lamb chops. Instead of mustards or collards, switch to kale, which is in the greens family but has an incredibly unique flavor.

Even for my old favorite of macaroni and cheese, a change in cheese choices like going from cheddar to white cheddar and blue cheese mixes or using pimento cheese can add a new flavor to an old classic.

Make It Beautiful. For me, nothing compliments a delicious meal more than a beautiful table. Plate settings can be made from any host of things, but creating a special seat for guests that may include candies or a small favor can truly make a meal memorable.

I hate to wash dishes after a large delicious meal with family and friends. I would rather bond and laugh, so I totally understand the use of disposable utensils, plates and cups. What I can suggest is using the nicer clear plastic plates and cups, which don’t cost much more but can complement the table you are trying to create.

Take your utensils, decorative paper napkins and wrap them with coordinating ribbon. Even try creating small festive centerpieces to put on your buffet tables, counters, in bathrooms or on the dining table itself. I promise your family and friends will appreciate your efforts and enjoy the décor.

Play Take Away. Nothing can make a meal more memorable than saving something for later. Nothing ruins that for me more than having to scrap together a way to transport it home.

Think ahead and provide your guests with take-home containers. They can be bought in bulk, make for easy distribution and will prevent you from having to eat all that leftover food on your own.

Name one time you didn’t have too much food after a holiday meal. Now how many times have you wanted some of grandma’s mac’n cheese the next day but it was a casualty of makeshift take-home containers and never made it to your fridge? Trust me your guests will love you!

Celebrate your Legacy. To me the best part of this entire season is the time I have to connect with family. Nothing is more special than time spent laughing and paying remembrance to the past and sharing what may be going on now.

One thing I think is truly important is spending time talking to relatives who have been around the longest. They know everything, and opportunities to learn where you came from can become fewer and fewer as they age.

I encourage you to invite friends and family to bring together photos and spend time teaching each other about your family. Pull out your video camera and capture stories so they can be shared for years to come. Celebrating your family heritage can create an unbreakable bond.
 

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