Taste of Home's Holiday Essentials

Our staffers are no strangers to hosting the season's biggest celebrations. These go-to, tried-and-true tools and tips make their gatherings go off without a glitch.

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SARAH FARMER EXECUTIVE CULINARY DIRECTOR

Sensational Side Dishes. Sarah's approach to side dishes? Diversify and beautify! Include some favorite fixings that you know guests will dive into immediately, but offer a few appealing healthier options, too. Sarah always makes a wild-card side dish she thinks will be new to everyone, just to spice things up a bit. Balance the flavors, textures, temperatures and colors of foods (and serving vessels) for an appetizing suite of sides.