When preparing a big holiday meal, what is your pet-peeve?!
Answers: I love to cook. Today, I am having 13 people over including myself. In order to create a memorable meal, it takes quite a bit of planning, timing, and hungry guests. Each year it seems I get someone that will bring some lame appetizer (potato chips or pestles) and or show up late. Wtf? The only thing I ask my guests to bring is an appetite. The problem with showing up late is obvious. The problem with a lame appetizer is I dump a ton of money (at least it is to me) on this meal. I practice cooking new dishes ahead of time to get it just right. Each appetizer takes around ten minutes to whip up, opening a bag of chips takes 2 seconds. New guests tend to fill up on the party store garbage long before the main meal is ready. Am I alone?
LOL! I agree with you, but in order to keep the peace accept the "gifts" with a smile, and hide them when their backs are turned. My pet-peeve is my mom standing in the kitchen watching everything I do and making comments like "why do you go through so much trouble making that yourself, you could just buy it pre-packaged" AARRGGG, pre-packaged crap you mean. I go through the time (lots of time) and trouble to make everything from scratch, to prepare and serve a holiday meal that was ALL my own creation and all she can say is why didn't you just buy it. Perhaps this is a cooks temperament, we want everything done just right and for everyone else to stay the hell out of the way!
Ur 100% right.
Dont serve so many appetizers. My biggest pet peeve is when no one offers to help clean up......I spend ALLL day cooking trying to make everything perfect....and no help on the clean up....;(
You're not alone. I hate all that junk snack crap too. Doesn't happen too often any more. Because...I tell my guests to bring their beverage of choice. Wine, beer, juice, etc...ahead of time. A polite guest should always ask "what can I bring" ahead of time. And a polite host should always be honest w/ a reply.
My biggest annoyance, is when sandwiches are prepared and of course the tomatoes soak through the entire meal, and are so soggy, no one would want to eat them.
I know I would feel guilty showing up without bringing something. Why don't you make a suggestion..like what you need?? Or Bring a bottle of wine. I know I don't like to go somewhere empty handed.
Too right , its absolutely horrible and a nightmare. All i can say is , if your passion for cooking or preparing is strong , who cares what everyone else does as long as your the host of the party most people will see it as ok to bring chips and things. For those people you invite why not put it nicely that this is a creative night and encourage them to bring creative dishes ?
I would suggest that guest bring wine or fresh bread. There are a ton of bakery's. Perhaps they can bring desert from like Marie Calenders or something. It seems you take a bit of pride in you dinner planning. Take just a little extra time to politely educate new comers to proper gift edicate.
Clean up is the worse.
If you don't want people to show up with potato chips (and you know they will), ask them to bring something specific that will compliment your appetizers or dessert, like strawberries for dipping into a great yogurt dip you're making. Or a pumpernickel round for your spinach dip.
You get the idea.
Some people hate showing up empty handed.
My pet peeve is when people show up 10 minutes before dinner and leave soon after...requesting leftovers. If you can't commit to spending time enjoying the company then don't bother coming.
But if you entertain quite frequently you should know the importance of a guest list and omit those people who do not appreciate the hard work you put into this. Precisely one reason why I don't entertain! Ungrateful guests! My pet peeve is in not planning early enough and becoming overwhelmed
tell them to bring a specific appetizer...... liike spinach dip , veggie platter/ dip..... say it like this...... Jenn is bringing the spinach dip , so i need you to bring the veggie platter, and call each guest and specify what you want brought...... tell them you have all the chips, pretzels and such bought......