Dining Out

Well…..the damned virus has reared its ugly head to new levels as we write this and all of the powers that be have asked us to stay put for all of our holiday dinners. Even small gatherings at home are being discouraged, which really put the damper on our original plans to get together with friends that we have been “socially distance” socializing with over the last few months.

We have patronized our restaurant advertisers and other establishments in the area on a regular basis after the ban was lifted as they are diligent in following the pandemic protocols, however, eating Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at a restaurant doesn’t appeal to either of us. I will never forget the year I went home to Wyoming for Thanksgiving and my parents decided we would go out for dinner…I was devastated! No left overs, the stuffing wasn’t as good as Mom’s, and let’s not even discuss the gravy. Needless to say, the only holiday meal we ever partook at a restaurant

…Literally

after that was Easter Brunch…. hard to mess that up and the bottomless mimosas made up for any shortcomings.

Back to the situation at hand. Like the majority of you, we like traditions so it is important that no matter how you decide to pull together dinner this year, please be sure to include as many of your family/friends traditions as possible. I am going to miss the gorgeous table that my friend Catherine sets so I’m getting out the good dishes and setting the table for the two of us like we are having special guests. Am substituting the turkey with a couple of chubby Cornish game hens and making the sides we grew up with. You get the idea. Neither of us is in tune with the whole Zoom concept but those of you who have a good handle on it, might want to consider bringing your family and friends together for a virtual dinner.

We also thought that it might be fun to pull together a version of the “Progressive Dinner”. For those of you unfamiliar with this mid 90’s fad, during a progressive

…for Christmas Dinner!

dinner, one person hosts drinks and appetizers at their home and then the group transitions to someone else’s house for the first course, like soup or salad. When it’s time for the main course, the group progresses to the next house and the night finishes with dessert at the last person’s home. Keep in mind that this concept only works if you live in close proximity of the participants and the number in the households are the same. Pulling this together using the basic premise of this concept and the drop off meal concept is going to take some planning, but here is what we envision:

Step One: Plan Your Menu Plan the menu just like you would if you were all getting together at the same place and decide who is going to make what. Our thinking is that each household should prepare their own main course - and mashed potatoes - so those who want to have the joy of carving that bird/ roast/ham/goose at the table can do so.

Step Two: Deliver the Goods Set up a time line for the drop off of the contributions. Ideally, the drop offs/pickups would take place in tandem. This means one participant will have to drop off and pick up at all locations while the rest would have one less than the one before. I know, I know, it sounds complicated but here is a basic example based on 4 households participating: Bob, Carol, Ted and Alice. 12 Noon – Bob drops off his signature drink concoction and green bean casserole to Carol, Ted and Alice and picks up their contributions. 12:15 – Carol drops off her signature appetizers to Ted and Alice and picks up their contributions. 12:30 – Ted drops off the roasted Brussel sprouts and sweet potato casserole to Alice and picks up her signature dessert.

Alice has it made since she doesn’t have to go anywhere but she still got to see everyone for a few minutes during the exchange. If you have someone in your group who is Covid sensitive this is a good way to include them in the day.

Now……if you like this concept but aren’t that high on preparing any actual food, there are lots of fantastic restaurants and bakeries offering holiday fare that will fill the bill - many of which will also provide you with a “signature” drink as well. You just have to place your order and pick it up curbside or have it delivered.

No matter how you plan to dine during the holidays, all you can do is make the best of a bad situation and soldier on. Let’s look forward to the New Year with positive expectations.