Planning a Holiday Party?

OK, the holidays are here....Hurray...FOOD...COOKIES>>>and MORE...

Remember that there are people out there that have food allergies even
if they don't tell you.
Here are some ways to make food-allergic company feel welcome.

1) Communicate: Ask each guest whether or not they have any special dietary needs or requests. This allows people to bring up their concerns without feeling awkward. This will also relax the atmosphere at your party.

2) Be Sensitive: As you plan the party and during the event, check in with your guests from time to time. If you are doing buffet style allow the special diet folks to go first to avoid cross contamination especially with Gluten-free items.

3) Understand Contamination: This deals with Gluten-free mostly, but also with others like peanuts. Be aware of hidden ingredients and how foods can become cross-contaminated during meal prep. Talk with your food allergic guests about their concerns. Chances are that they will be most appreciative and grateful for your concern.

4) Label Ingredients: Inform your company about your menu and the foods you are serving. Share the ingredients or provide the recipes so that people can pick and choose what they can or cannot eat.

5) Encourage Potluck: Why not. This saves you time and allows people to bring at least one dish they know they can eat. They can also share the recipe so that others can decide if they are able to enjoy each dish.

6) Offer Options: If you are not sure who's coming, play it safe. Provide alternatives that don't have common allergens(dairy, soy, shellfish, gluten, nuts or eggs). Avoid dishes with multiple items like casseroles.

If this is too much trouble for you then go ahead and alienate your friends and don't invite them. Just kidding.....

Everyone has the right to have a good time at a party and the more comfortable people feel and the less awkward or out of place you make them feel will lend to a great holiday party.

Have a Great Holiday and a Happy New Year.....