The guests are coming! The guests are coming!

Overnight guests = lotsa cooking.

And it’s not just the holiday meal we have to prepare for, it’s multiple breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, appetizers, desserts – it’s non-stop eating!

I KNOW it’s not just my family.

So I like to try to be kind to myself and get a game plan ahead of time.

My go-to dinners? Burgers (always easy and always a hit) and Bake & Serve meals like the Roast Chicken with Apple and Tart Cherry you see above.

So tasty – and you just pop them in the oven! Voila! Gourmet!

Check out other tasty Bake & Serve ideas here like Beef Wellington and Chicken Cordon Bleu.

And have a merrier holiday without all the stress!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

This hilarious poster was done for something called Australia Day in, obviously, Australia.

And aside from the U.S., Australia with its “barbie” culture is at the top of the list of greatest BBQ spots.

I can’t help but feel patriotic every time I put a great piece of meat on my grill, too. I feel like I’m doing my country proud as well when I grill up something divine.

My love for the Aussies just grew exponentially.

But they still can’t beat Kansas City, all of Texas, Memphis, etc., etc., etc. for the top prize. Sorry, mates. 🙂

Photo courtesy of CreativeRoots.org.

It’s time to be festive, right?

So why spend time this holiday season squabbling with cousin Mabel over that $11 she still owes you from 1974?

While that luscious roast is in the oven, here are my top 10 holiday entertaining tips to pass the time with the fam INSTEAD of arguing:

1. Drink wine.
2. Talk about how big the kids are getting.
3. Brag about the 92 Billy got in Home Ec (I believe they call it “Skills For Living” now. :))
4. Drink more wine.
5. Discuss the menu so anticipation can build.
6. Avoid the topic of politics at all costs.
7. Lay out your plans to make 2014 “YOUR YEAR.”
8. Drink some more.
9. Brag about your kids again (no one will remember – see #1, 4 & 8).
10. Be sure to tell your loved ones how happy you are that you are together!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.