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Home » Family » Holiday Fun for Families » How to Impress Dinner Guests — When You Can’t Cook

October 19, 2016 · Updated January 22, 2018 · 79 Comments

How to Impress Dinner Guests — When You Can’t Cook

Holiday Fun for Families

Inside: How to impress dinner guests…even if you’re not the world’s greatest chef!

People often tell me that I’m lucky I married a man who can cook.

Prepare a wow-worthy holiday spread that is sure to impress dinner guests...even if you can't cook! 5 pro chef tips to make a memorable meal!

My response?

It wasn’t luck! The first time my husband-to-be prepared me a home-cooked meal, I knew he was the one and I couldn’t let him get away! Otherwise I’d still be living on frozen chicken breasts and broccoli like I did in my college days…

How to Impress Dinner Guests at the Holidays…When you Can’t Cook!

Though I mostly stay out of his way while he works his magic in the kitchen, I have learned a few tricks from watching my husband. Today I’m sharing tips on how to prepare a gourmet meal that will wow your holiday guests…even if you’re culinarily-challenged like me!

Find products to make your job easier

Save-A-Lot stores recently debuted America’s Choice Creations®, a top-quality line of easy-to-make foods from salmon to burgers to brownies. So they’ve got you covered from starters to dessert!

Prepare a wow-worthy holiday spread that is sure to impress dinner guests...even if you can't cook! 5 pro chef tips to make a memorable meal!

Honey Bourbon Salmon filets are the perfect go-to dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. They’re pre-seasoned so you know that the flavors are on-point.

Seafood can be intimidating for an amateur chef, but my husband developed a foolproof method for cooking perfect salmon — every single time. Seriously, I’ve tried it and it works! (And if I can do it, anyone can).

Prepare a wow-worthy holiday spread that is sure to impress dinner guests...even if you can't cook! 5 pro chef tips to make a memorable meal!

Start the night with the perfect bites!

Giving your guests something to nibble on as soon as they walk in the door automatically puts you in their good graces! Who doesn’t love appetizers ready and waiting when they arrive?

Toss some Cheddar & Caramel Gourmet Popcorn in your favorite party bowl for an awesome appetizer that’s ready in seconds. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Prepare a wow-worthy holiday spread that is sure to impress dinner guests...even if you can't cook! 5 pro chef tips to make a memorable meal!

Break out the fine china!

It’s ok to take a few shortcuts in your dinner prep — like easy-peasy heat and serve Bacon Macaroni and Cheese from America’s Choice Creations. (Find it in the freezer section at Save-A-Lot).

If you present the finished dish in your own gorgeous serving ware, no one will ever be the wiser! Let them think that you’ve been over the stove all day crafting the perfect cheese sauce — this decadent Bacon Mac & Cheese will sure taste like you did!

Grab a garnish!

You’d be surprised how a little dash of green takes any dish from “blah” to brilliant! All you have to do is chop a little parsley, cilantro, green onion, or whatever you have on hand and sprinkle artfully on top or around the plate.

Double up on dessert!

If I’ve learned anything from my husband, it is that you always feed your guests dessert. Two desserts actually! Whenever we have company, my husband almost always makes two sweet treats — talk about wow factor! Not only will your guests not expect such a fabulous finish to the meal, but two options will allow you to please just about everyone.

With America’s Choice Creations, dessert is easy and affordable — you could even serve three! Peanut Butter Fudge Trifle Brownie (the name alone sold me!), Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies, and the forever classic Chocolate Chip Cookies will have your guests talking long after the night is over!

Enter to win a Save-A-Lot Gift Card for Your Holiday Shopping!

Enter to win a $25 Save-A-Lot gift card with the easy entry giveaway below! Also, be sure to check out our second $25 gift card giveaway on Instagram!

Simply comment with the America’s Choice Creation(s) that you’d most love to try and how you’d use them in your holiday spread…and you’re entered! (There are also bonus entries to earn more chances)!

Giveaway closed – thank you to all who entered!

CLICK HERE to Find the Save-A-Lot Location nearest you and start saving today!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Save-A-Lot. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Stacey is the creator of The Soccer Mom Blog, a Houston Texas mom blog that focuses on positive living for women and families. She loves to share real food recipes, money-saving tips, parenting encouragement, kids activities, DIY tutorials, home hacks, fitness, and so much more! To get to know Stacey even better, click here.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Keri justice says

    October 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    I would use the cheesecake with assorted fruit toppings.

    Reply
  2. Lula Ruger says

    October 19, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    I would like to try tha salmon and i would serve it as an appetizer

    Reply
  3. Cori L says

    October 19, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    I would have cheesecake with chocolate and bananas.

    Reply
  4. Cori L says

    October 19, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    I would use chocolate and bananas in a cheesecake.

    Reply
  5. MaryAnn says

    October 19, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    Peanut butter fudge trifle brownie sounds amazing.

    Reply
  6. Teresa Kunberger says

    October 20, 2016 at 5:59 am

    Totally the cheesecake! Family loves it!

    Reply
  7. David says

    October 20, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    I am most interested in trying their bacon and cheese macaroni.

    Reply
  8. C.Miller says

    October 20, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    With a hungry toddler at home….I’d DEFINITELY go for the pizza!!!

    Reply
  9. Donna L says

    October 20, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    I would like to try the New York Style cheesecake and serve it for dessert

    Reply
  10. Shannon says

    October 20, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    The Bacon Mac and Cheese looks really good

    Reply
  11. Amanda Hewitt says

    October 20, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    You do have an awesome teacher! Great post!

    Reply
    • Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says

      October 20, 2016 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks Amanda!! 😉

      Reply
  12. Steve Weber says

    October 20, 2016 at 4:46 pm

    I would get the cheesecake for sure. everyone loves it.

    Reply
  13. cutesiehaven says

    October 20, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    Yum, salmon is a good option. I like making desserts cause it’s so much easier for me, lol. Or trying an easy Crock-Pot meal so I can do all the work well ahead of time and focus during the holiday visits.

    Reply
  14. Melissa says

    October 20, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    I’d use the cheesecake and have a cheesecake bar at my holiday party guests can dress up their cheesecake with any toppings they please!

    Reply
  15. Allie says

    October 20, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    I would love to try the salmon and use it as an appetizer!

    Reply
  16. Holly Mitkowski says

    October 20, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    Definitely the cheesecake!!!

    Reply
  17. marilynnawara says

    October 20, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    I would use the cheese cake with various fruit toppings

    Reply
  18. slehan says

    October 20, 2016 at 8:00 pm

    I’d like to make the Honey Bourbon Salmon as the main dish.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

    Reply
  19. slehan says

    October 20, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    subscribe email: slehan at excite dot com

    Reply
  20. Pat Hodges says

    October 20, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    I would definitely try the cheesecake, everybody likes cheesecake

    Reply
  21. Sandy H says

    October 20, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    The cheesecake with chocolate.

    Reply
  22. violet taylor says

    October 21, 2016 at 9:52 am

    the honey bourbon salmon because here in the pnw its sort of a requirement to have a salmon recipee!

    Reply
  23. Chrissy says

    October 21, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    Definitely the bacon macaroni and cheese! By far my favoritest meal ever!! 🙂

    Reply
  24. Aaron says

    October 23, 2016 at 1:05 am

    I would most like to try the New York Style Cheesecake. I would use it for a holiday dessert, and maybe for a late-night snack for the host.

    Reply
  25. itsmede says

    October 23, 2016 at 6:30 am

    I would try the cheesecake and put different toppings or berries on top!

    Reply
  26. farmermomwife says

    October 23, 2016 at 10:20 am

    New York Cheesecake, yum! I would serve it with different toppings.

    Reply
  27. laura johnston says

    October 23, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    New York Style Cheesecake – I would dip each slice in chocolate and decorate them as Christmas trees.

    Reply
  28. Kristie says

    October 23, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    I think I would like to try the Peanut Butter Fudge Trifle Brownie. I would use it for dessert at my family Christmas party. I would serve it with ice cream. Delicious! The New York Cheesecake looks great! I would eat that all myself during November. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    Reply
  29. Courtney S. says

    October 23, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    I’d love to try the crab cakes. I love them in general and they’d make a cool, unconventional additional to my holiday spread!

    Reply
  30. Crystal Gregg says

    October 23, 2016 at 11:01 pm

    I’m actually vegan so I would use the gc to buy healthy ingredients to make my own meals 🙂 I actually love to cook!

    Reply
  31. Tracie Cooper says

    October 24, 2016 at 10:25 am

    I would love to try the cheesecake and serve it for Christmas Eve dessert!

    Reply
  32. Sonya Jackson says

    October 24, 2016 at 11:54 am

    I love your blog, and I will definitely be trying the salmon as a main course. It sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      Aww thanks Sonya! 🙂

      Reply
  33. April P says

    October 24, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    I would get the Lasagna! It looks like it would be a great family meal when I’m exhausted from guests and decorating, but want something that impresses our family! I could add tomato cheese bread and be proud of the meal!

    Reply
  34. Nancy Loring says

    October 24, 2016 at 7:01 pm

    I would be getting some granny smith apples to make homemade applesauce which we always have for holiday meals. Plus granny smiths are my favorite kind of apples.

    Reply
  35. allyson tice says

    October 24, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    i want to use the bacon macaroni and cheese for christmas eve dinner!!

    Reply
  36. Carla Spencer says

    October 24, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    Cheescake for sure!

    Reply
  37. rebecca day says

    October 25, 2016 at 12:29 am

    Peanut butter fudge trifle brownie sounds good

    Reply
  38. Heather E says

    October 25, 2016 at 12:40 am

    I would serve the Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies.

    Reply
  39. Brandi Gates says

    October 25, 2016 at 6:45 am

    I have been wanting to try the Bacon Mac and cheese.

    Reply
  40. Heather D says

    October 25, 2016 at 10:59 am

    The Bacon Macaroni and Cheese looks good. I would serve it to my family.

    Reply
  41. Kendall W. says

    October 25, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    I would love to try the bacon macaroni and cheese. I would add a bag of peas in to help the kids get some veggies in their system!

    Reply
  42. Austin Baroudi says

    October 25, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    I’d love to try the Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies and I’d just lay them out as a snack!

    Reply
  43. megan tilley says

    October 25, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    I would love to try the peanut butter truffle brownie it just looks so delicious!

    Reply
  44. Gabrielly says

    October 25, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    I would have cheesecake with bananas and chocolate.

    Reply
  45. KJ Skib says

    October 25, 2016 at 5:07 pm

    I think it would be the cheesecake. Yum!

    Reply
  46. LeAnn H says

    October 25, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    I will have the cheesecake and fruit for dessert.

    Reply
  47. Angela Sims says

    October 25, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    I would get the cheesecake! I love cheesecake!

    Reply
  48. jennifer horn says

    October 26, 2016 at 8:05 am

    I’d serve the cheesecake with toppings on the side. It would make a great dessert for our holiday meals.

    Reply
  49. Jayedee Dewitt says

    October 26, 2016 at 8:16 am

    The new york cheesecake looks wonerful! I’d “dress it up” with fresh berries to serve yo my holiday guests!

    Reply
  50. jjohnson46 says

    October 26, 2016 at 8:20 am

    I’d love to try the PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE TRUFFLE BROWNIE! I’m always in charge of desserts, so this would be perfect!

    Reply
  51. Mary Beth Elderton says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:35 am

    The Cheddar & Caramel Gourmet Popcorn would be great for filling bowls of munchies while dinner is getting ready. I would also love the Mac and Cheese with bacon as an easy side—who doesn’t love mac and cheese?

    Reply
  52. Katie Bellamy says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:38 am

    I wouldn’t mind that cheesecake! 🙂

    Reply
  53. Connie Tilman says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:46 am

    Cheesecake! I love cheesecake!

    Reply
  54. amweeks says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:57 am

    I’d love to try the TEN LAYER 3 MEAT LASAGNA! We have guests coming into town for the week of Thanksgiving. This would be nice to serve them the day or two before the holiday!

    Reply
  55. shelly peterson says

    October 26, 2016 at 10:42 am

    I would love to try the New York style cheesecake for dessert.

    Reply
  56. Donna Cheatle says

    October 26, 2016 at 11:47 am

    I’d love to add the New York Style Cheesecake to our holiday menu! Maybe add pumpkin spice flavored whipped cream on top?

    Reply
  57. stephanie barmann says

    October 26, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    I have always wanted to try to make a NY style cheese cake so I would probably go with that!

    Reply
  58. Brandy Williams says

    October 26, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    I would love any kind of cheesecake!!

    Reply
  59. Crystal Rose says

    October 26, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    I would try the bacon mac & cheese as a side dish.

    Reply
  60. Ryan Spencer says

    October 26, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    I would use the Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert for parties because we’ve tried it and absolutely love it!

    Reply
  61. cyndi br says

    October 26, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    I would use the brownie and sprinkle crushed graham cracker on it

    Reply
  62. Nancy says

    October 26, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    I’d use their Crab Cakes for holiday appetizers.

    Reply
  63. Jerry Marquardt says

    October 26, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    I love the Pepperoni Pizza the most. I know my whole family loves it!

    Reply
  64. Yona Williams says

    October 26, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    I love cookies, and the Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies sound really good.

    Reply
  65. June S. says

    October 26, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    That cheesecake of theirs sounds wonderful and would be perfect for our family gatherings this year.

    Reply
  66. KENNETH OHL says

    October 26, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    I would love the cheesecake for sure

    Reply
  67. elizabeth miller says

    October 26, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    I’d love the America’s Choice Crabcakes….actually I am torn between those and the cheesecake.

    Reply
  68. sherry fowler says

    October 26, 2016 at 7:03 pm

    I would choose cheesecake!!! my family bleeds cheesecake lol!

    Reply
  69. John Joseph says

    October 26, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    i would use the honey burbon salomon as main dish and pour pineapple juice on it and have fruit as a side along with their brownies for dessert! It all looks so good

    Reply
  70. Angelica Cassandra Dimeo says

    October 26, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    I would choose the cheecake and make topping for it

    Reply
  71. Julie says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    I would love to try the cheese and bacon macaroni…

    Reply
  72. Jessica says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    I would love to try the America’s Choice brownies. I always make a tray of brownies bites and cookies for holiday get togethers.

    Reply
  73. holly lawson says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    I would use the Chocolate Chip Cookies – I would dip them in milk and layer them with whipped cream. Then I would put it in the fridge and serve it for dessert

    Reply
  74. Leah Shumack says

    October 26, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    I would get the Lasagna! It’s one of our favorite meals to go to during the winter months!

    Reply
  75. Meaghan says

    October 26, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    The salmon looks lovely!

    Reply
  76. Jennifer L says

    October 26, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    i would bring the bacon mac and cheese to my holiday dinner with Mom and Dad, sounds yummy!

    Reply
  77. Leela says

    October 26, 2016 at 11:08 pm

    Bacon and cheddar beef patties.

    Reply

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