It's My Party: How CA Food Blogger and Lifestyle Expert Whitney Bond Styles A Holiday Event
It’s that time of year again! Holiday party planning and recipe tinkering are in full swing. Whether you’re planning a gathering with friends, an after-work soirée, or the traditional family get-together, you may be struggling to decide what to serve, how to impress, and all the details in-between. Luckily, California food blogger Whitney Bond is an expert when it comes to recipe planning. No space? No problem! Feeding a crowd? Don’t stress! Tight budget? Easy-peasy! No matter the kind of party you’re gearing up for, she’s got ideas for every occasion and menus to match. By following Whitney’s wisdom, your party is sure to be a success.
Even if you’re short on space, you can still throw a holiday party to impress. Whitney suggests picking menu items that can roast in the oven simultaneously, saving you space and time! If you’re looking for elegance, she recommends giving your holiday dinner a southern spin with Blackened Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Cajun Potatoes, and Slow Cooker Creamed Corn.
"The beef tenderloin and cajun potatoes can roast together in the oven at the same time, while the creamed corn cooks in a slow cooker on the countertop."
Tie it with a bow by pairing the meal with Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This menu serves up to 12 people, so even if you’re short on seating space, you won’t have a shortage of food!
TINY KITCHEN?
“"A great tip to remember is to purchase a half pound of meat per person. If serving 12 people, purchase a 6 pound beef tenderloin. The beef tenderloin and potatoes can be seasoned ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop them in the oven before guests arrive, then sit down and enjoy a glass of Louis Martini Cabernet!”
Whitney's Wisdom
Once guests start to arrive, any household can turn to chaos in minutes, especially if you’re hosting 15+ people. Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen stressing over burning rolls or the main course that still isn’t cooked, while the sound of guests’ stomachs hungrily echo through the household. Simple recipes that can be made ahead of time will not only reduce your chances of getting a headache before the final “hurrah,” but you’ll also be able to enjoy your own party. What a concept!
Whitney’s suggested menu is a crowd pleaser. To start, she recommends prepping something guests can snack on the moment they arrive, like this recipe for Tomato Basil Bruschetta which only takes 10 minutes to prep! Or go with a charcuterie board, which can be stored in the fridge 4-6 hours before the party.
“Bonus points if you form the cheese and charcuterie into a Christmas tree, star, or wreath shape!”
EXPECTING A CROWD?
For the main course, Whitney’s Slow Cooker Beef Ragu is sure to be a hit.
“Made with a 2-pound beef chuck roast, this recipe serves 6. You can easily toss 3 or 4 roasts in a couple of slow cookers to feed 18-24 people.”
Meanwhile, Creamy Cheesy Polenta can be made ahead of time and kept warm in another slow cooker until guests arrive. Round out the meal with a salad tossed together beforehand, but serve the dressing on the side so it doesn’t get soggy.
“A simple green salad or caprese salad with fresh sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and a balsamic drizzle both pair well with beef ragu.”
And, of course, no holiday meal is complete without the perfect bottle of wine to top it off. Serving Louis Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will compliment the flavors in this menu superbly- consider it a gift to your taste buds and your wallet.
“The perfect mid-priced cabernet for a crowd!”
“If you don’t have 4 or 5 slow cookers on hand, ask to borrow a friend’s, coworker’s or neighbor’s. Before I amassed my collection of a dozen slow cookers, this was what I always did for holiday parties!”
Not every holiday party menu has to be traditional. When you’re trying to plan a party for kids, why not turn the meal into an activity and put them to work! Whitney’s top choice? A taco bar! Make no mistake, these won’t be your average tacos. Whitney’s recipes really level it up with meat flavors beyond the traditional, impressing even the adult guests.
You’ll need three slow cookers for this menu:
Beef Barbacoa
Pineapple Sriracha Tri Tip
Smoked Chipotle Brisket
Then, it’s really all about presentation! Set up a station with all the classic toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese...you know the drill. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil so they stay warm. Finish the ensemble by making a dip bar with green chili white queso, salsa, guacamole, and a bowl of tortilla chips.
LOTS OF KIDS?
If you’re “ballin’ on a budget,” as Whitney says, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the chance to spread some holiday cheer. Split the cost by asking your guests to bring a little something too. And what better way to collaborate than by creating an Instagram-worthy cheese board? Ask everyone to bring their favorite cheese and all you have to do is provide the crackers and wine! Whitney recommends Louis Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, for its elegance and affordability. Get cash back by using this Ibotta offer.
Or, to broaden the selections, why not throw an appetizer party? Everyone brings a bite, ensuring you’ll have plenty to go around. There’s no shortage of possibilities in the apps department when you’re low on cash. Just look at these adorable Tiny Taco Beef Tarts, which are easy to make and easy on your wallet. When working with a tight budget, Whitney’s top picks are these Bacon Wrapped Dates or these delectable Cranberry Brie Ham Sliders, which use just 4 ingredients! Same goes for these Flaky Beef-Stuffed Pinwheels.
For even more help sticking to your budget, check out this Ibotta offer on beef roast!
NO MONEY?
"This is great for a come-and-go party because the food stays warm and guests are able to make their plate whenever they arrive!”
Whitney's Wisdom
“When thinking about other affordable appetizers to serve at your holiday party, think ‘less ingredients’! The less ingredients you have to purchase to make the recipe, the more affordable it is.”
Whitney's Wisdom
As the holidays creep closer, your schedule (and everyone else’s) is probably getting pretty full. Switch it up by throwing a more informal brunch party- your guests will thank you.
“Friday and Saturday evenings get booked up quickly around the holiday season, so instead of throwing your holiday party at night, host a fun holiday brunch party on a Saturday or Sunday morning!"
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good brunch? And with this option, as the host, it means you don’t have to stay up until the midnight hour wrapping up leftovers or cleaning a mountain of dishes. For the menu, Whitney recommends providing both sweet and savory options, like Mediterranean Vegetable Frittata and Maple Cranberry Walnut Monkey Bread. For the meat-eaters in the group, try this incredible Brunch Beef Strata. Bonus: it can be prepared the night before and cooked in the morning! If you don’t want to do a sit-down style breakfast, Whitney is also a big advocate for an epic brunch bar.
“A bagel bar is so much fun! Serve an assortment of bagels with different flavored cream cheeses and toppings such as lox, sliced turkey or ham, tomato slices, spinach, cucumber, capers, onions and avocado. For a sweet breakfast bar, make a donut bar with plain glazed or cake donuts and a variety of toppings, such as chocolate sauce, candy, cereal, cookie crumbs and sprinkles."
Though, truly, the best part about this kind of party? Mimosas! Whitney’s got the know-how to help you set up your very own above-par mimosa bar featuring J Cuvee 20 Sparkling Wine. With so many events happening this time of year, this will make your party the one to remember.
BUSY CALENDAR?
“For a healthier option, set up a yogurt parfait bar with various flavors of yogurt, granola and fall & winter fruits. No matter which option you choose, your holiday brunch party is guaranteed to be a hit!”
Whitney's Wisdom
Whitney's Wisdom
For more tips from Whitney, visit whitneybond.com
For more beef-inspired holiday dishes, visit beefitswhatsfordinner.com
And for more exquisite wine selections, visit louismartini.com
“If you don’t have 4 or 5 slow cookers on hand, ask to borrow a friend’s, coworker’s or neighbor’s. Before I amassed my collection of a dozen slow cookers, this was what I always did for holiday parties!”
Whitney's Wisdom
"This is great for a come-and-go party because the food stays warm and guests are able to make their plate whenever they arrive!”
Whitney's Wisdom
“When thinking about other affordable appetizers to serve at your holiday party, think ‘less ingredients’! The less ingredients you have to purchase to make the recipe, the more affordable it is.”
Whitney's Wisdom
“For a healthier option, set up a yogurt parfait bar with various flavors of yogurt, granola and fall & winter fruits. No matter which option you choose, your holiday brunch party is guaranteed to be a hit!”
Whitney's Wisdom
As the holidays creep closer, your schedule (and everyone else’s) is probably getting pretty full. Switch it up by throwing a more informal brunch party- your guests will thank you.
“Friday and Saturday evenings get booked up quickly around the holiday season, so instead of throwing your holiday party at night, host a fun holiday brunch party on a Saturday or Sunday morning!"
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good brunch? And with this option, as the host, it means you don’t have to stay up until the midnight hour wrapping up leftovers or cleaning a mountain of dishes. For the menu, Whitney recommends providing both sweet and savory options, like Mediterranean Vegetable Frittata and Maple Cranberry Walnut Monkey Bread. For the meat-eaters in the group, try this incredible Brunch Beef Strata. Bonus: it can be prepared the night before and cooked in the morning!
If you don’t want to do a sit-down style breakfast, Whitney is also a big advocate for an epic brunch bar.
“A bagel bar is so much fun! Serve an assortment of bagels with different flavored cream cheeses and toppings such as lox, sliced turkey or ham, tomato slices, spinach, cucumber, capers, onions and avocado. For a sweet breakfast bar, make a donut bar with plain glazed or cake donuts and a variety of toppings, such as chocolate sauce, candy, cereal, cookie crumbs and sprinkles."
Though, truly, the best part about this kind of party? Mimosas! Whitney’s got the know-how to help you set up your very own above-par mimosa bar featuring J Cuvee 20 Sparkling Wine. With so many events happening this time of year, this will make your party the one to remember.
Get CASH BACK on your new holiday menu by using this exclusive Ibotta offer from Louis M. Martini.
And use this Ibotta offer to bring down the cost of your essential beef menu items.
Get CASH BACK on your new holiday menu by using this exclusive Ibotta offer from Louis M. Martini.
And use this Ibotta offer to bring down the cost of your essential beef menu items.