Hosting Hacks for the Holiday Party Season
Ready to sleigh holiday hosting without spending the whole day chained to the stove? We’ve gathered some helpful hacks to make your holiday meal planning a little bit merrier. From festive refreshments to celebration-worthy sweets, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered with crowd-pleasing cuisine that doesn't compromise on flavour, but saves you precious hours of prep. So, whether you're hosting for the first time or fiftieth time, spend less time in the kitchen and more time on what matters most – joining the party!
Batch Beverages
No need to tip your bartender – a big batch cocktail prepped in advance is the perfect self-serve solution to keep you mingling instead of mixing. And what better way to get into the spirit of the season than with this twist on a traditional Cosmo! Tart cranberries, zesty lime, herbaceous rosemary, and some edible glitter for some extra festive flair, it’s a little naughty and a little nice, just like Santa’s list! Plus, you can easily turn it into a zero-proof punch for sober celebrations!
Seafood Platters
Nothing catches the eyes of your party guests quite like a showstopping seafood spread. Safeway’s Seafood Dept is swimming with fresh, quality, ready-to-serve options to put together the sea-cuterie spread of the season. Our party picks: Compliments Smoked Salmon, Fresh Oysters, and Compliments 31/40 shrimp per lb. Just quickly sear your shrimp before serving everything alongside your favourite sauces and you’re sure to satisfy any a-fish-ionado. Check our flyer for current holiday seafood specials!
Easy Appetizers
Finger foods are always a fan-favourite, and we’ve got aisles and aisles of easy-to-prep apps from Compliments and Panache. From one-bite wonders to dippable delights, these snacks are perfect to share while circulating the room instead of running around the kitchen. Don’t miss these hosting heroes: Compliments Pretzel-Crusted Honey Harissa Chicken Bites (serve with a homemade tangy honey mustard dip), Panache Breaded Butterfly Shrimp with (serve with a classic cocktail sauce), and Panache Blooming Onion Pearls (serve with a fiery spicy mayo). Just add friends, festive drinks, and a healthy appetite.
Pork Tenderloin Roast Stuffed with Apples & Caramelized Onions
Prefer a seated dinner party over a grazing-style gathering? No problem! This easy-to-prepare pork tenderloin from our Meat Dept. offers a fuss-free solution to a traditional roast dinner that tastes just like you’ve been basting since breakfast. Stuffed with apples and caramelized onions, and smothered in Brown Sugar Bourbon Seasoning, it's ready to cook so you carve out more time to sit around the dinner table rather than setting it. Plus, the irresistible aromas that will fill your home are sure to get all your guests into the festive feasting mood.
Simple Sides
Speaking of dinner parties, everyone knows the secret to a successful holiday feast is rooted in its side dishes. But that doesn’t mean you need to dig out every pot and pan in the kitchen to create a spud-tacular spread. These colourful rosemary-seasoned roasted veggies in a maple glaze are equal parts cozy and crowd-pleasing. And the best part is, you can make them in less than 20 minutes! That leaves plenty of time to toast the season instead of tending the oven.
Ready-made Desserts
Save the baking marathon for another day and pick up some ready-to-serve desserts from Panache that deliver festive vibes without taking up valuable oven space. Get lost in luscious Spanish-inspired Basque-style Mini Cheesecake, available with a zesty hint of orange or elegant espresso – no mixing bowls and baking pans required. And it’s not the holiday season without a bit of chocolate bark on your plate. Panache's Butter Cookie and Toasted Marshmallow Flavour Milk Chocolate Bark is perfect to put out on a platter of sweet treats. But be sure to save some for Santa – it also goes great with a glass of milk!