Italians are known for their lively family gatherings, especially during the holidays. To help you host your own memorable get-together, we turned to an expert: Chef Nunzio Patruno, owner of Nunzio Restaurant + Bar. Here he shares his top five tips for welcoming and entertaining a crowd, including those special out-of-town guests.

Nunzio’s five tips for stress-free holiday hosting

The holidays are an exciting time, creating many opportunities to visit with friends and family you have not seen in a while. In that excitement, we may find ourselves overwhelmed by attending to guests rather than enjoying the moment. So, good organization and keeping it simple go a long way. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Design a menu, keeping your guests in mind.

Do not make all of the must-have dishes and a whole lot of new dishes. Include vegetarian and gluten-free options. Keep to the rule of three dishes per course (appetizers, pasta, meat or fish and desserts). You can have two traditional holiday favorites and one new dish. 

2. Once you have your menu, ensure you have enough platters, trays and serving utensils for each dish, including chaffing dishes.

Disposable plateware is excellent, as there are some nice-looking brands on the market you can purchase without breaking the bank and while keeping you away from the sink. 

3. I recommend dishes that are easy to assemble and are large enough for big groups, such as roasted peppers, mozzarella caprese and grilled vegetables.

Baked pastas like lasagna and baked ziti are perfect to warm and serve. Roasts like pork loin, turkey and pot roasts are a great pick. They are full of flavor and make great au jus. Sides are easy – again, keep it simple.

4. Pies and tarts are delicious options for dessert.

Add a fresh fruit salad (toss with minced fresh mint and a splash of Sambuca) and some ice cream.

5. Consider congestion.

Organize the dining area into stations so there is no congestion in one area. Separate food stations from the beverage station. Make sure each station is set up for easy self-serve so you can mix and mingle with guests.