SHIFTING ROOTS

home, garden, food, and prairie lifestyle

  • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Features
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Gardening
    • How to Start a Garden: Especially if you’re in Zone 3 or Zone 2
    • Seed Starting
    • Vegetable Gardening
    • Perennials
    • Cut Flowers
    • Small Space Gardening
  • Recipes
    • Canning
    • Preserving
    • Prairie Fruits Cookbook
    • The Best Pumpkin Recipes
    • How to Make a Tempting Christmas Cookie Tray (Plus Recipes!)
  • Popular Posts
  • E-Books
    • Pretty & Practical Garden Planner
    • Cut Flowers Made Simple
    • Constant Colour Perennial Garden
    • Small Garden, Big Harvest
    • Growing Roots Online Gardening Course
    • Frost Proof Flower Garden
    • Bouquets Made Beautiful
    • Savvy Seed Saving Annual Cut flowers
    • Prairie Fruits Cookbook
    • Online Gardening Consultations
  • Seasons
    • Christmas

How to Cook a Big Christmas Dinner When Your Kitchen is Depressingly Small

October 30, 2019

It’s your turn to host Christmas dinner for a large crowd and suddenly you realize how small your postage stamp sized kitchen really is. And how little counter space you have. And how much you curse the fact that your countertop depth is 5 inches less than standard, forcing you to have a bar sink as your main sink. (Just me on that last one?) Seriously, how are you going to host this huge holiday meal?!

Don’t call the whole thing off. I have a depressingly small kitchen with a laughable amount of counter space, and I’ve still been able to host parties with up to 30 people. Here’s the strategies I use to make our small house work when it’s time to cook a meal for the holidays.

Once you’re done reading these strategies for hosting a large meal in a small space, head over to this post about making the rest of your small house or apartment work for a large party.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase something. Thanks for supporting Shifting Roots! You can read more about it in my Privacy Policy.

Plan the Meal Around the Appliances Everything Will be Cooked in

In order to create a Christmas dinner menu that won’t leave you tearing your hair out and yelling at those you love, you need to allocate each dish to a different cooking appliance. For example, meat in the oven, potatoes boiling on the stove, dressing in the slow cooker, something else in the instant pot, and a couple fresh salad or vegetable items that you made the night before waiting in the fridge.

Don’t have one of these appliances or need an extra? Borrow from friends or hit up the thrift stores and garage sale pages. I’ve included links if you’re in the market to purchase.

Also, slow cookers and instant pots don’t need to take up precious counter space. You can easily plug them in and set them on the floor in an out of the way location. (We have to do this out of desperation, but it works and allows me more space to chop vegetables, mix food, etc.)

Think of Your Table as an Extra Counter Space

As long as you use cutting boards to protect the surface, there’s no reason you can’t use your table as an extra prep space.

Prepare Vegetables In Advance

Chopping and cleaning vegetables is one of the biggest time sucks in preparing a meal for a large crowd. Thankfully, vegetables can be chopped and stored in the fridge a day or two before, so all you have to do the day of is take them out and use them.

Even potatoes can be peeled the day before and left in a pot of water. Or if you’re making baked potatoes, you can poke the holes in them and wrap them in tinfoil, so all you have to do the day of is tuck them around the roast in the oven.

Salads can be completely chopped and ready to go–just leave the dressing to the side so lettuces and other tender greens don’t wilt.

The more tasks you can do ahead of time, the more time you’ll have on Christmas day to relax and actually enjoy your company!

Wash Dishes as You Go

When space is at a premium, precious real estate can not be taken up with dirty dishes. Immediately wash the dishes from one food item as soon as you’re done with it. If you have help, designate that person the dishwasher and their only job is to wash and put away every dish as it is used.

When company comes and they ask if there’s anything they can do? Send them to the sink, and don’t feel bad about it.

Consider Paper Plates

Paper plates are not the most environmentally friendly option, but if you have no help and no dishwasher, they will save your sanity. Look for compostable options like this one, to minimize the waste.

Make it a Potluck

You don’t have to do it all. If you simply can’t make a giant meal for everyone, make the main course, one side dish and supply the drinks. Everyone else can contribute a salad, dessert, vegetable side, and the like.

Make sure that you know what everyone is bringing so you don’t end up with 5 pies and no salad.

Sample Menu

So let’s pull this all together. How do you properly plan out a holiday meal for a large crowd so you don’t lose your mind? Here’s what I’d do. . .

One Week Before. . .

  • Confirm menu
  • Purchase non-perishables, like pop, alcohol, baking supplies (like flour, sugar, etc.) and large freezer items like the turkey.
  • Order any parts of the menu that you will not be making yourself, or confirm with guests what they’re bringing if it’s a potluck.
  • Ask to borrow any crock pots, instant pots, or other large serving dishes you might not own or not have space for.

Two Days Before. . .

  • Make dessert and store in the freezer. You can warm it in the oven after the meat comes out.
  • Purchase the rest of your groceries.
  • Pick up any items you are borrowing.
  • Figure out how long the meat needs to defrost and cook. If you’ve never cooked a large turkey before, you might be surprised at how long it takes to both defrost and cook. Depending on the size of your meat, you might need to set it out today.

The Day Before. . .

  • Chop and prep all vegetable dishes.
  • Assemble casserole dishes and salads so they are ready to go.
  • Rearrange your furniture for the party (if needed). I chat more about what works for our small home in this post.
  • Set out drink station
  • Defrost meat

The Morning of. . .

  • Start slow cooker items.
  • Take the dessert out of the freezer to defrost.
  • Get yourself ready for the party. You won’t have time once you start preparing dinner. One exception–don’t put your outfit on until 30 minutes before everyone is scheduled to show up. Aprons are great, but I find I always get a bit sweaty running around the house all day and it’s nice to change into a fresh outfit.
  • Set an alarm on your phone for what time you need to put the meat in the oven–or any other alarms so you don’t miss the window for time-sensitive stuff.

The Afternoon of. . .

  • Start cooking!
  • Work backwards, starting with the items that take the most time, and ending with the items that need to be served fresh (like salads) or need to be fried.
  • Ask for help! Once your guests start arriving, don’t be ashamed to put them to work.

I hope you’ve found this post helpful and its inspired you to cook Christmas or another holiday meal for a large crowd. Your small, depressing kitchen and lack of counter space doesn’t have to stop you!!

Have any tips to share about how you make hosting a large meal work in a small space?

Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

www.shiftingroots.com

1 Comment
Filed Under: Christmas Tagged: Christmas, entertaining, meal

How to Host a Party in a Small Space

October 24, 2019

Do you want to host the party of your dreams, but find your space lacking?  Never fear!  This past weekend we hosted a party for 26 in a 1050 sqft house with our space and sanity intact.  Here’s how you can do it too.  

I have general tips at the beginning of the post, and Christmas-specific ones at the end.

[Read more…]
Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

www.shiftingroots.com

6 Comments
Filed Under: 1929 house, Simple & Easy, Small Space Living Tagged: birthday party, Christmas, christmas party, entertaining, good times, hosting, minimalism, move furniture, party, party zones, small space

How to Make Easy and Simple Charcuterie

October 19, 2018

Have you ever looked at those beautiful images of charcuterie boards on Pinterest or Instagram and wished that somehow you could put one together?  But you felt so overwhelmed.  How do I pick the meats?  What about the cheeses?  How do I make it look pretty?  What about keeping costs down?

Every wondered how to make a simple and easy charcuterie board? I'll show you how to combine meats, cheese, fruit, and jam into a lovely platter that's perfect for a Christmas party, New Year's, Thanksgiving, or anytime! It's so simple anyone can do it. #charcuterie #appetizer

You’re in luck.

I’ve assembled an easy guide to make your perfect charcuterie board, including some options for my friends who don’t eat pork.

Don’t be intimidated.  If you’ve made a meat and cheese sandwich or set out a plate of cheese and crackers, you can do this.

P.S.- It’s pronounced char-koot-air-ree.  You’re welcome. 😉

This post contains affiliate links.  If you purchase anything, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.  Thanks for your support!

Entertaining this holiday season? Create a simple and easy charcuterie board using a variety of meats and cheeses. I'll show you how to make a cheese board that looks beautiful and tastes delicious. It's the easiest appetizer you'll make this Christmas; perfect for beginners. #charcuterie #cheeseboard #meatandcheeseboard #entertaining #appetizer #holiday #christmas #diy #easy #simple #recipe #beginner #tutorial #partyfood

[Read more…]

Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

www.shiftingroots.com

21 Comments
Filed Under: Christmas, DIY, Entertaining, Recipes, Simple & Easy Tagged: charcuterie, cheese board, Christmas, entertaining, holidays, meat and cheese, party

Garden Fresh Tomato Tart with Phyllo Pastry and Boursin Cheese

October 1, 2018

Do you ever see an image on a food magazine and can’t get it out of your head?  About two or three years ago, I saw a beautiful rainbow-coloured tomato tart on the cover of a magazine.  Was it Martha Stewart?  Real Simple?  Another food magazine?  I have no idea.  But that photo stuck with me and I’ve been waiting to create my own version for awhile.

[Read more…]
Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

www.shiftingroots.com

2 Comments
Filed Under: Entertaining, Recipes, Simple & Easy, Vegetables Tagged: appetizer, Autumn, easy, entertaining, Holiday, recipe, tart, tomato

Canada Day Celebration with Province by Province Menu Ideas

June 23, 2017

Canada’s 150th birthday is fast approaching! If there’s any year to throw a Canada Day celebration for your friends and family–this is the year.

Planning the perfect backyard Canada Day celebration doesn’t have to be hard.  I’ve come up with a couple of easy and fun ideas to make your party a success.

Canada Day Celebration
Homemade Tim Hortons iced coffee and poutine. . . could anything be more Canadian?

[Read more…]

Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

www.shiftingroots.com

11 Comments
Filed Under: Entertaining, Outdoor Life Tagged: Backyard, Canada Day, canada day party, easy, entertaining, party, Saskatchewan

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Grow roots with us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

P.S. First time gardener? You'll want to download the quick start gardening guide below!

Recent Posts

  • Protected: 5 Easy Ways to Increase Pollination in Your Vegetable Garden
  • Bloom Times: What Cut Flowers Grow When in Zone 3
  • The Best Vegetables & Flowers to Start with Winter Sowing
  • 21 Cut Flowers to Grow in Part Shade
  • The Best Grow Lights for Seedlings (from Budget to Bougie)

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Connect with Shifting Roots On. . .

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Find What You’re Looking For. . .

Privacy Policy

I love seeing the world through this loving boy’ I love seeing the world through this loving boy’s eyes.  Honestly, I’ve been so sick that I wasn’t really in the mood to “do Valentines Day” but there was this sweet little voice going on about how excited he was for today and how much he loves his family and I just couldn’t resist.  So whether you’re on your own, part of a couple, or in the thick of life-with-littles craziness, Happy Valentines Day!

#valentinesday2020 #mylittlevalentine #boymomlife #lifewithlittles
How do you pass a cold -28 day? By planning your How do you pass a cold -28 day?  By planning your garden, of course!  Today in my stories I’ll be going through the steps I take to start planning everything out.  I’m curious, do you start planning now or wait until the last minute?

P.S.  want your own copy of this planner?  This is the newly updated paid version and it’s on sale by itself from now until Sunday for only $5.  If you’re from Canada, use the code CANADA to make $5 USD be closer to $5 CAD.  Head over to the link in my bio to get yours.

#gardenplanning #gardenplanner #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #organizedlife #organizedliving #wintergardening
Curious about growing lettuce indoors? My experim Curious about growing lettuce indoors?  My experiment is a success so far, although it’s still going to be awhile before I’m eating another salad off of them.

Okay, so maybe a little rant today.  I think sometimes in the gardening space we’re guilty of making things seem easier than they are.  Myself included.  This lettuce project is a case in point.

Was it easy?  Yes.  But will it provide me with endless salads all winter long? Nope.  Or at least not at this scale.  I’m going to estimate that I’d need at least 15 plants this size, especially since it’s winter and everything just grows slower.  And I’m the only person in my family who really eats salad.

In conclusion, this is a fun project to pass the winter, and not a truly sustainable source of lettuce.

Thoughts?

#growinglettuce #eatwhatyougrow #growwhatyoueat #wintergardening #indoorgardening #plantproject #sustainablefood #gardenersofinstagram #gardenerslife #northerngardening
Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing ex Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing exactly what to start when.  Every two weeks, I'll be posting these handy guides so you have enough time to order your seeds and be ready to plant when it's time for your area.  To find out when these veggies, herbs, and flowers need to be started where you live. . . ⁠
⁠
1. Search out your area's last frost date.  There are plenty of calculators on the Internet.⁠
⁠
2. Count backwards 8 weeks from that date.⁠
⁠
3. Start these seeds when that date hits.⁠
⁠
If you follow me because we're in similar zones--don't panic, it's not time yet!! I won't be starting my 10 week seeds for another two weeks, and even that is slightly on the early side. (I'm starting everything a bit early so I can hopefully plant it out before baby gets here--I won't be physically able to do it after.) I like posting the info early for followers in warmer zones and so you can save it and still have time to order/buy seeds & supplies.⁠
⁠
Which one of these are you most excited to start?⁠
⁠
#seedstarting #seedlings #homegardener #northerngardener #homesteading #urbandhomesteading #homesteadingskills #gardenlife #gardenlifestyle #startingseeds
Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing the whole seed packet in hopes that a few of these little luffa babies will provide me with zero waste sponges that I can use for home cleaning, and as an exfoliant in home made beauty products.

The catch?

These plants are notoriously hard to grow, especially when you live somewhere cold with a really cold growing season—and if they get a hint of frost on them they turn to mush and all my hard work is ruined.

Gulp.

But gardeners are born optimists, so I’m giving it a shot—because you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

P.S. if you’re trying luffa in zone 3 like me, just basically ignore all the directions on the seed packet.  Start them immediately (two weeks ago would have been ideal) and follow along because I’ll show you exactly what to do and when.  I’ll be popping these under a grow light once the sun goes down.

#luffagourd #luffa #loofah #seedlings #seedstarting #northerngardening #northerngardener #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #mygardenthismonth #gardenlife #canadiangardening
This weekend I took a big leap of faith. I came t This weekend I took a big leap of faith.  I came to New York to meet with other content creators/business owners to dig deep into what we do and create a strategy around our messaging.  I don’t even know how to properly describe what all went down, but is was incredibly life changing and I really feel connected to this tribe of women who are committed to playing to win and being the people our businesses need us to be.  I’m so excited to share what I’ve planned for my business with you in the coming months.

#playtowin #gardenblogger #businessowner #wahmlife
Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant? I Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant?  I think the Sansevera or Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue comes close.  Sure, it might be the vanilla of the plant-loving world, but it is so good for so many situations!⁠
⁠
It can handle you forgetting to water it, low light, or bright light.  It is somewhat forgiving if you are an over-waterer. ⁠
⁠
I’ve had this one for 2 or 3 years now and I keep getting rewarded with more spikes.⁠
⁠
Plant lovers, is there another houseplant you think would be perfect for beginners?⁠
⁠
#crazyplantlady #houseplantsofig #houseplantsofinstagram #snakeplant #houseplantlove
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Theme Design By Studio Mommy · Copyright © 2021

Copyright © 2021 · Beyond Madison Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in