How To Crush Holiday Hosting Like Marcela Valladolid

If you’re going to ask just one person for advice on how to ace holiday entertaining, it should be Marcela Valladolid.

“I take the holidays very seriously,” said the chef, author and HexClad Ambassador. Growing up in Tijuana, she said, holidays were a super-formal affair in terms of clothing, but the food was more laid-back. “The men were in suits and the women were in dresses with heels and tights, but the food was just tamales and plenty to drink.”

After decades in the United States, Valladolid takes the celebration of American holidays to a new level, typically hosting both Thanksgiving and Christmas at her home each year. Here are her six top holiday entertaining tips, designed to guide you through the festivities with style, delight and–most importantly–a modicum of relaxation.

TAKE FULL CONTROL

For Valladolid, taking the holidays seriously begins with a text to her family in early October to let them know she will host both Thanksgiving and Christmas. “I’ve deviated from this advice in the past,” she said, “but that was about trying to make people more comfortable. I don’t like when people bring me food. The most I can handle is a salad or a dessert. Don’t even bring me wine; I got that covered!" Ideally, don't bring the chef anything edible or potable, "because I’ve thought about it for the last six months.”

So what’s the takeaway for cooks wanting to channel their inner Valladolid? To ensure maximum success, it’s best to handle everything from start to finish. This includes setting guest expectations. Let folks know what to wear and what time to show up. And if you do want to delegate, follow Valladolid’s lead and ask guests to bring dessert.

FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS

Cook recipes that are in your repertoire, said Valladolid. “People would prefer a yummy roast chicken to a Beef Wellington that is overcooked with soggy dough or meat that isn’t cooked properly. People just want a good meal.” (Consider this your excuse to stick with family favorites instead of trying out that intricate new recipe you just saw on TikTok.)

DON’T BE ASHAMED TO PRACTICE

If you want to try a recipe that’s newer to you or more of a showstopper than your average Sunday dinner, Valladolid insists upon practicing. “I cook for a living and I will 100 percent practice my food,” she said. Her tip? Invite your neighbors or friends over for a “dry run” about a month in advance. (Nothing says “It's the holidays” like a practice feast!)

TOSS TRADITION OUT THE WINDOW

Even if you grew up eating turkey for Christmas dinner, that doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. “I’ve even served lasagna!” recalled Valladolid. “For Christmas last year, I did a massive lasagna that took [my husband] and me two days to make. Our guests were literally like, 'This is the best lasagna we’ve ever had.' It was such a great conversation starter and such a great moment. Not a single person at that table was saying, ‘This isn’t Christmas.'”

TIMING MATTERS

No one wants to see a harried cook running around finishing dishes last-minute, and you definitely want to enjoy the party. So, opt for make-ahead dishes when you can, said Valladolid, and avoid anything that has to be cooked and sent to the table within a very specific timeframe. Choose something like a roast that isn’t texture-dependent, she said. “Roasts are amazing here, as is a big turkey, but make sure you time it right. Pull it out 30 minutes before you’re going to serve it and give it proper time to rest." Why? 

"No one wants to carve a turkey that just came out of the oven and is 7,000 degrees like lava.” Fair point, Chef. 

YOUR VIBE MATTERS MOST

“Your vibe as the host sets the tone for the party. If you’re uncomfortable, if you’re being neurotic, if you’re yelling at the kids to get the hell out of the kitchen, people are going to feel nervous.” That’s why Valladolid’s tips focus on making the occasion enjoyable rather than on the Platonic Holiday Ideal: Leave the martyr complex behind and enjoy yourself so your guests do, too.

Valladolid’s advice makes it seem like the holidays might actually be doable, after all. So let’s take her lead: Pour yourselves a drink, don a svelte HexClad apron and greet guests with a glass of bubbly!