Karl Lohnes: Ideas to Make Your Vacation Entertaining This Year Easy

These handy helper tools will minimize your efforts and maximize the time spent enjoying your guests.

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I am excited to host guests at my home this holiday season. But after a few years of not entertaining at all, I feel like I’ll need all the help I can get to regain my “vacation host with the most” status.

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I searched for and discovered some new hosting helpers who help me in the kitchen and allow guests to help themselves at the party. If you’re also excited to open your doors to friends and family this holiday season, enjoy these helpful helper tools. They will minimize your efforts and maximize the time spent enjoying your guests. Let the parties begin!

Create the perfect cocktail with the push of a button.  Bartesian Capsule-Based Cocktail Machine, $ 499, Walmart.ca
Create the perfect cocktail with the push of a button. Bartesian Capsule-Based Cocktail Machine, $ 499, Walmart.ca

Self-service bar

Setting up and maintaining the bar during a busy holiday gathering is something I generally rely on a hired bartender for or, for small groups, appointing a friend to help. With a number of small parties scheduled, I’m looking forward to trying the Bartesian capsule-based cocktail machine ($ 499, www.walmart.ca).

This trusted party helper uses capsules that have all ingredients pre-measured (no more juices, bitters, simple syrups, etc.) to create the perfect mixologist-approved cocktail. Simply add your favorite whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, or tequila into the attached glass bottles and Bartesia will be your bartender for the night! You can even choose the strength of your drink (make mine double). Now all you have to worry about is keeping the ice cube cool and listening to the Christmas tunes.

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Get a little help in the kitchen when preparing Christmas dinners.  Meal delivery kits, starting at $ 11 per serving, HelloFresh.ca
Get a little help in the kitchen when preparing Christmas dinners. Meal delivery kits, starting at $ 11 per serving, HelloFresh.ca

Gastronomic help

I am an avid baker and cook, which is why I prefer to prepare my own food for dinners and entertainments. But when things get busy, as they inevitably will this season, I appreciate a little help, and that’s where HelloFresh comes in.

The food kit box comes with ingredients that have been purchased, minced, measured and ready for you to cook a delicious meal. It’s like having a kitchen helper at home during the party. The kits are also great for novice chefs, as the recipes have detailed instructions, increasing confidence.

And for those who are too busy to buy groceries before a party or who don’t like to cook, eliminate queuing or feeling too tired to enjoy their guests when they arrive. For as little as $ 11 per serving, you can wow your guests with your culinary skills and everyone can enjoy a fresh home cooked meal.

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Barista on call

This year, I’m going to set up a self-service coffee station for guests who want to “cheer me up.” Perfect for a Christmas brunch and for guests who are about to return home from an evening out, rich and flavorful coffee is always appreciated. For ease of operation (and a quality cup of Java), the recyclable capsules and the Nespresso machine will be at my station.

Their limited-edition Christmas coffee collection is the festive, forest-inspired result of a collaboration with Colombian fashion designer Joanna Ortiz. With seasonal flavors such as berries (notes of ripe berries), almond (sweet notes of walnut and vanilla), and black coffee (notes of spicy and woody), there are many flavor experiences to enhance your cup of coffee or latte. Just set up seasonal capsules and cups and let your guests make their own holiday drink with ease.

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Keep food fresh during the holidays.  FoodSaver VS2100, $ 200, CanadianTire.ca
Keep food fresh during the holidays. FoodSaver VS2100, $ 200, CanadianTire.ca

Wrap the food

Preparing as many Christmas dishes as possible before a party means less time in the kitchen when guests arrive. Keeping food fresh for a day or two is often a concern, especially when the refrigerator is full and there is hardly any room to store prepared foods.

One help is FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer ($ 200, www.canadiantire.ca). Keeps food fresh in the fridge or freezer for up to five times longer than normal storage methods. It also prevents the freezer from burning out, and the vacuum sealing means there are no bulky containers, so you also have more storage space. Do you have leftovers from Friday evening? Use your FoodSaver to keep them fresh for your next gathering on Sunday … as long as the guest list is different, no one will know.

Do you have a decorating dilemma or want to give your opinion? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes.

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Reference-montrealgazette.com

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