It’s that time of year – when we look at calendars and either get excited or feel overwhelmed. Anna Watson Carl, people gatherer extraordinaire, walks us through the why of holiday gathering and how to take the pressure off of ourselves.

As a woman who loves a good dinner party, Anna tells us some of her past holiday mistakes and how she learned from them. As a trained chef, she gives us actual food ideas for both a sit down event or a mingle and snack kind of party. (See below for recipes.) If rosemary, garlic, fig sauce, and lemon curd sound like your kinds of holiday foods, you are going to love Anna’s recipes from her blog and cookbook, The Yellow Table.

Holiday gathering is meant to be fun. Whether you’re a host or a guest at an event, you will walk away from this conversation with both practical ideas and inspiration. It is the science and the art of holiday gathering.

Connect with Anna

Blog: https://www.theyellowtable.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annawatsoncarl/

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@annawatsoncarl

Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/The-Yellow-Table-Celebration-Gatherings/dp/1454917652

Listen to this episode

On iTunes or watch it here:

Mentioned on the show

Anna’s cookbook The Yellow Table: A Celebration of Everyday Gatherings: 110 Simple and Seasonal Recipes

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Dishes to Bring to a Party: 

Fall Quinoa Salad with Brussels Sprouts & Delicata Squash
Kale Salad with Winter Squash and Pine Nuts
Rosemary Shortbread Pecan Squares

Festive Holiday Menu:
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Rosemary Fig Butter

Crispy New Potatoes with Rosemary

Haricots Verts with Dijon Shallot Vinaigrette
Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Lemon Curd

Homemade Hostess Gifts: 

Spicy Rosemary Cocktail Nuts
Maple Pecan Granola

Some questions for reflection

What are your priorities this season?

How do you want your guests to feel after a gathering?

How do YOU want to feel this season?