'Tis the Season

A Holiday Entertaining Digital Issue

As we write this, we’re talking on zoom. The Food & Wine team is located around the country, and virtual meetings have been a necessity as we discussed how we wanted to cover holiday entertaining this year, the food and drink that make this time of year so special, and the people who bring it to life. We joined those calls from New York, Chicago, Connecticut, Alabama, and Indiana, and grinned at each other as this digital issue began to take shape.

But for all of the community we created via computer monitors, it’s nothing compared to when we got together in person to take photos, taste the food over sips of whisky and Champagne, and laugh together in person. It was a reminder of why entertaining is so important, even at times when it can feel difficult to pull off, when you may second-guess yourself after sending a text, email, or printed invitation to a holiday party. Is the reward worth the fuss and work of hosting?

We’re here to tell you unequivocally that it is, as we were reminded while creating this issue. And we want to share that reminder with you. The difference between a text and an in-person hug is immeasurable. Sitting with friends around a table and raising a glass together in person is essential to the human experience.

We talked to experts to help you decide the best way to entertain over the holiday season and experience that for yourself. Padma Lakshmi shared why entertaining is so important to her, along with tips for sparking lively conversations. A former caterer shares what he learned while producing dinner for 1,000 people that he uses when having a few friends over to his home. We fell in love with a rich whiskey cocktail, but made room for a Champagne tower as well. There’s plenty of cheese at our holiday table, both baked and arranged on charcuterie and cheese boards, and we learned why a fruit table is the natural accompaniment. But ultimately, we’re here to celebrate the human experience of eating and drinking together, and sharing in each other’s company.

So, invite over a few of your nearest and dearest and get that human connection for yourself. We promise, it’s worth it.

Sean Flynn, senior editorial director, and Chandra Ram, associate editorial director of food

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