Festive Holiday Menu in Five Minutes

It's amazing what character and depth a caramelized or toasted garnish adds to a dish. For the best results, try presenting unexpected combinations and contrasting flavors.

Add sweet, caramelized onions to crisp-tender green beans or sprinkle crunchy, candied nuts atop a fresh salad or pumpkin pie to impress your guests. Smoked sea salt sprinkled over toasted almonds make a fantastic addition to a cheese plate. To add a delightfully homespun complexity of flavor to nearly any dish, simply drizzle it with a bit of browned butter.

Making drinks for guests does not require a hassle on your part. Instead of feeling like you need to offer several elaborate drinks or a full bar, make one or two signature cocktails for your holiday meal. A few minutes before serving drinks, mix 3/4 cup pomegranate juice and 1 sliced orange in a large pitcher. Pour chilled sparkling wine into the fruit mixture for a holiday-worthy cocktail.

If your guest list includes children and those who don't imbibe, try making a unique non-alcoholic mocktail using pear nectar and sparkling water. For a classic vibe, make sangria with all the traditional ingredients, substituting cranberry juice for the red wine. The options are endless and will make you look like a fantastically imaginative host!

Switch classically sweet flavors for savory ones, and vice versa. Instead of marshmallow and yam casserole, serve chipotle-seasoned or thyme-infused sweet potatoes with a spicy-tangy cranberry chutney. Add beet sorbet to the menu for a unique amuse bouché. Because most people have a set idea of which foods they expect at a holiday dinner, this method adds the element of surprise to the menu without disappointing those anticipating traditional ingredients.

Consider quick mix-ins to make traditional recipes unique. Sautéed shallots tossed with oven roasted potatoes, or finely diced, quickly browned mushrooms stirred into wine sauce or pan gravy elevates a humble dish into something memorable and charming. Even chopped pecans stirred into fruit relish and a few fresh cranberries added to ice cubes are welcome additions to make the dinner special with very little effort.

Add pizzazz to any dessert with homemade whipped cream. It takes less than five minutes to whip up, it tastes incredibly rich, and you can customize flavors according to personal tastes. Aromatic spices, specialty sugars, flavored liqueurs, and chopped chocolate can all make a special impression when added to your own luxurious dessert garnish.

Experiment with coffee to make a deliciously show stopping finish to your meal. Time is at a premium when you're hosting a meal, but a pot of coffee takes less than five minutes to prepare and brew. Add Cognac and heavy cream to the brew, or mix black coffee with equal parts steamed milk for a Parisian take on the brew.

If your guest list is more conservative, place steaming cups of coffee on saucers, each set with a single cinnamon stick and a demitasse spoon coated in chocolate. Serve the coffee with a tray including cream, sugar, and a small pot of homemade whipped cream for a deluxe topping. Include a small basket of specialty tea bags and a pot of hot water on the table.