http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/2008/11/chef-gordon-ram.htmlAt Epicurious we get pretty excited about the holiday party season. We love all the family and friends, the buffet tables full of savory and sweet goodies, the wine, the Champagne. Does all this leave you more stressed than enthused? What are you going to make? What drinks will you serve? And how can you possibly get it all done on time? Relax. There's a host of helpful tools out there, many of which can be found on Epicurious.
When it comes to great holiday parties, everyone knows that spending time with loved ones is the priority, but food and drink come a close second in level of importance. To help you plan a fabulous meal and select the perfect wine, we spoke to two experts in the field and created a menu-planning guide. For food advice we consulted chef, cookbook author, and television star Gordon Ramsay, who revealed five essential tips for menu-planning success and shared the recipe for one of his all-time favorite dinner party desserts, Chocolate Fondant. For wine pairing expertise, we spoke to sommelier Daniel Johnnes, who helped demystify the often-intimidating prospect of choosing and serving wine.
For more on party planning, check out our entertaining section, which includes a cocktail party primer, Ted Allen's modern Thanksgiving, a tree-trimming party plan, Christmas with Nigella Lawson, and table-setting ideas.
