Monday was Thanksgiving here in Canada and I spent the day with friends, just hanging out, enjoying the surprisingly good weather and, of course, eating. I usually get a little worried when attending potluck type events because of my dairy free food restrictions. However, I’m not the only one in this group of friends with food restrictions, so coordinating everything was a little easier than normal.
But, as we all know, Thanksgiving is just the beginning. There are still a lot of food-centric holiday parties to come over the next few months and they won’t all be as easy as this one. Holiday food can be a little hard to navigate with food restrictions and allergies. But, I’ve learned that there are a few things people on both sides of the spectrum can do to ensure that events involving food go smoothly for everyone. So today, I wanted to talk about dealing with dietary restrictions during the holiday season, while sharing some eats from Monday’s Thanksgiving celebration.
1. Explain your restrictions (Guest)
Since not everyone will know what foods you can and cannot eat, sharing your restrictions is always a good idea. When I first started eating dairy free, I was a little nervous about doing this because I felt like I was imposing on my host. But, then I thought about it from the host’s point of view. I definitely wouldn’t find it a problem to provide some alternatives for friends with food restrictions, so I shouldn’t automatically assume others would have a problem doing the same for me. You never know until you ask right?
some pre-lunch fruit
2. Bring a dish (Guest)
The best way to ensure you don’t eat something you can’t, is to carry a dish yourself. Not, only will you be sure that there’s at least one thing at the party that you can safely eat, but your host will probably thank you as well. Hosting an event is definitely stressful enough for them, without having to try to make something totally out of their comfort zone and have it taste good. So, it’s probably a good idea to just walk with something.
Appetizers: Lentil Mushroom Walnut Balls via Oh She Glows
3. Eat before you go (Guest)
If all else fails, eat before you go out. The holidays should be about having fun with friends and family more than anything else. So if there’s no way to ensure that you’ll find food at the event that meets your needs, just grab something before you go. That way you won’t have to worry for days on end about what you’ll eat when you get there. And, you won’t end up starving when it turns out that there’s nothing suitable.
Roasted Veggies with Rosemary
4. Be accommodating, within reason (Host)
If you don’t want to put the time and energy into figuring out every little thing everyone can and can’t eat that’s totally understandable. But, providing some alternatives, at least for some of the more popular food restrictions and allergies, might be a good idea. I’d recommend having some veggie only dishes for vegetarians and vegans and some nut and gluten free stuff for the more popular allergies. There’s no need to go all out, but coverings the basics can’t hurt right?
because I forgot to snap a pic of the actual lunch on Monday
5. Explain what’s in the food (Host)
When I eat food that I haven’t cooked myself, my first question is always “What’s in this?”. But, asking that question over and over can get old pretty fast, especially when in a new situations or with new people. A really easy way to avoid this discomfort in your guests is to explain exactly what went into making each dish so they can determine what they can and cannot eat. It doesn’t take a lot of time and goes a long way to avoid guests getting ill from eating something they shouldn’t have.
Vegan apple pie by @deanna.bakes & these vegan pumpkin spice baked donuts
What about you?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions?
- How do you deal with them at holiday parties or regular events involving food?
Share in the comments below!
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This article was originally posted in December 2014
I always try to eat before I go or bring a dish with me. If I am hosting I try my hardest to accommodate all types of food allergies especially if I know beforehand!
Annmarie recently posted…Foodie Friday: Holiday Dinner Traditions
I always just make all my own food for my mom and I. And explaining is so frustrating! Some people will never understand even years later. Saying, “o, just whip the flour off”…hahahaha no, that won’t work 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 12/26/14
Good post! I think the best thing to do is be polite but just decline if you don’t want something. You can always offer to bring a dish, but you don’t always have to give so much of an explanation. If I don’t want a cookie, etc. I just say no thank you. It should really be about spending time with people! 🙂
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…12/26: Friday’s Favorite Things
Great recommendations, and they are all so simple to implement. I know I included bringing your own dish in a post I did on avoiding holiday party pitfalls. Help is always appreciated and like you said, you know there will be at least one thing there you can eat.
Amber recently posted…10+ Most Useful Kitchen Gadgets For Whole Food Cooking
I always eat before I go, or don’t stay too too long, with the plan to just eat when I get home. Or the host knows my issues and tries to accommodate for me, but I never rely on that because I never want someone to go out of their way to try and satisfy me, because I am satisfied just by being at the party and socializing! 🙂
GiGi Eats recently posted…Taylor Swift Baked Us Cookies
Because I’m vegan, I never assume that there will be food I can eat unless the host tells me so. I always bring at least on dish, that I know my husband and I can eat.
Debbie recently posted…Blogging on a (Time) Budget: 5 Tips to Help You Succeed
One of my friends is vegan so with this particular group, I always know I’m safe. But usually, I ask before attending, especially since I’m always switching up my diet!
Great tips! I’ve know a lot of people that will bring a dish that is safe for them to eat or just an entire goodie bag. Also, eating prior to the festivities is key, they you won’t be tempted for an item that won’t set well. 🙂
Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…DIY Paw Art
These are great tips! I definitely prepare before a get together by either eating before or bringing something so the host doesn’t have to be concerned about making something special just for me.
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy recently posted…Gluten Free Halloween Inspired Recipe Round-Up