Tis the season to celebrate! The joy of holiday gatherings is upon us, and what better way to bring friends and family together than with a nourishing holiday potluck?

Potlucks are a fantastic way to get all the deliciousness and delight without doing all the work or breaking the budget. Here are my top tips for hosting a stress-free festive meal with a traditional whole-roasted turkey as the star of the show.

Step 1: Let the Pre-Party Preparations Begin!

Before the big date, ask your guests for their dietary preferences and restrictions to ensure a tasty (and safe) shindig. If you like, you can even prepare themed table cards for dishes to clearly label them for allergies and sensitivities.

Next, consider the ambiance and atmosphere. Do you need festive decorations? A tablecloth and tableware? A festive holiday playlist? Will you organize fun-filled activities? Considering these things ahead of time will avoid any last-minute, stress-filled errands.

Step 2: Choose the Perfect Turkey Recipe.

Now is the time to plan the main event and star protein: turkey! Selecting the perfect turkey recipe is a pivotal moment in your potluck planning. I’d go for a whole turkey as the main dish – that way you have white and dark meat for the best of both worlds (and maybe some leftovers).

Here are three fabulous whole turkey recipes that are easy to carve and beautiful to plate for a potluck:

• No-Nonsense Orange & Sage Roasted Turkey: Who doesn’t love a no-nonsense recipe? Plus, the scrumptious Orange and Sage Citrus Butter will help lock in juices for a wonderfully moist result.
• Lemon Dill Spatchcock Turkey: The spatchcock prep method saves you cooking time and results in a more evenly cooked turkey. If you are new to this method, check out these how-to steps for reference. Your guests will love this fresh lemony dill flavour combo.
• Apple Honey Glazed Turkey: In my opinion, an apple-glazed turkey screams holiday! Plus, there is something so satisfying about the flavour combination of sweet apple and honey with lean, protein-rich turkey.

Myth Busted: Turkey has a reputation for inducing post-meal sleepiness because it contains the amino acid Tryptophan. This is a myth! The small amount of tryptophan in turkey doesn’t have the same effect as doses found in supplements (like in a pill) has. If you’re sleepy after a big turkey dinner, it’s likely because you ate a large meal, had some alcohol, or are tired from the festivities of the day.

Step 3: Plan and delegate appetizers, sides, and dessert.

Collaborate with your guests to organize a mouthwatering menu. Delegate appetizers, side dishes (like veggies or grains) for a balanced plate, and desserts.

Appetizers: Suggest guests bring appetizers that aren’t too filling like veggie platters with bean-based dips (black bean, hummus). I love a fruit and cheese platter that can serve as an appetizer and dessert to minimize food waste. And this year, I’m planning to take this super flavourful Spiced Turkey with Hummus appetizer to holiday parties.

Sides: Offer suggestions for potluck-friendly sides, including various veggie-based dishes. Here are a few that stand up well, complement your roast turkey, and are easy for guests to make ahead:

• Buttery Mashed Potatoes
• Butternut Squash with Trimmings
• Classic Sage Stuffing
• Heirloom Carrots with Honey, Thyme, and Pine Nuts

Dessert: No holiday meal is complete without dessert. Chances are likely that your guests will have some family favourites to share. Offer a couple of options along with your fruit platter, plus tea and coffee to wind down the evening.

Step 4: Set Up a Beverage Station.

More people are looking for low- or no-alcohol beverages these days – and of course, it’s critical for designated drivers, so provide a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. I’m planning on pitchers of non-alcoholic sangria and fruit-infused water at my holiday gatherings this year.

Step 5: Savour and Celebrate!

Now that everything is planned and prepared, enjoy a buffet-style service to keep things simple. Keep food safety in mind, for example, serve hot foods hot, and cold foods cold. With any luck, you may have some holiday leftovers to transform into more tasty meals to come. Check out a complete turkey leftover recipe library for inspiration here.

There you have it, a healthy holiday potluck all mapped out in 5 steps, the perfect way to build lasting memories with friends and family. With the traditional roasted turkey as the centerpiece and a variety of delectable side dishes, you’ll create a holiday gathering to remember!

Happy Healthy Holidays,

Shannon