Why Glitzy Centerpiece Entrées Still Matter

It's the holidays, and that means one thing: chaos.

But there is one aspect of the holidays you can control–the food. Enter the argument for a glitzy, over-the-top main dish. A big, juicy show-stealing centerpiece that practically shouts, "It's the holidays!"

Yes, you could throw together a low-key meal and call it a day (and if that's your jam, might we suggest our one-pot mac and cheese?) But what about the drama? The "Wow!" factor? Everyone's eyes lighting up when you approach the table with a gorgeous roast!

A holiday centerpiece isn't just a dish, it's a moment. It's the pièce de résistance, as the French say (and they know glitz). A centerpiece dish reminds everyone why you're going all out. It's not about showing off (though, hey, there can be plenty of that when carving a luscious leg of lamb), it’s because special, celebratory meals bring people together.

No matter whether it’s a giant turkey, a glistening spicy-sweet ham or a show-stopping side of salmon, a glam centerpiece isn't just about feeding guests, it's about creating memories. And for that, we'll consider a few extra hours in the kitchen more than worth it.

PICKING ONE HIGH-EFFORT THING? CHOOSE THE CENTERPIECE

If you're going to go big on a single thing during the holidays, consider putting the effort into the centerpiece. A show-stopping main dish turns even the most low-key of celebrations into something special. There's no rule for what you offer, just that it looks and tastes like something out of the ordinary. For example, a slow-braised osso buco that falls apart with a touch of your fork, a golden turkey breast or stuffed acorn squash halves for the plant-based crowd.

In other words, a five-star dish isn't solely about feeding people, it's about setting a vibe. Simple sides are more than fine when there's a lovely main dish at the center of the table.

THEY PUT THE "SPECIAL" IN SPECIAL OCCASION

A holiday meal isn’t just about food–it’s a memory in the making. And a main dish that feels epic sets the tone. It’s the difference between an average Tuesday night meal and a night to remember. A gorgeous stuffed rib of beef or impossibly glossy glazed ham tells your guests that they were worth the extra effort.

IT CAN BE EASIER THAN YOU THINK

If you're thinking that a centerpiece needs to involve days of work, we're here with culinary relief: Plenty of show-stopping mains are more about oven time than prep time. A perfectly roasted chicken or a hands-off pot roast that goes straight from the oven to the table look special without requiring tons of work. The point is: Recipes with a big visual payoff don’t have to mean big stress–sometimes all you need is a good pan (we humbly offer our own) and a little salt and pepper.

OVEN-TO-TABLE JUST FEELS FESTIVE

Arriving at the table with a beautiful main dish plucked straight from the oven sets a particularly cozy, festive vibe. If you’re looking for inspo, our favorite oven-to-table dishes include lasagna, enchiladas and brisket.

DELICIOUS DISHES CREATE MEMORIES AND TRADITION

Grandma’s chiles rellenos didn’t magically appear out of thin air; she spent hours making them for you. Now it's your turn to provide the edible nostalgia. No matching sweaters or forced group photos required, just an iconic main dish and people with whom you want to create memories.

So this year, go big on that centerpiece. Though the food coma will fade, the bragging rights will last forever.