To make holiday entertaining more memorable for your family and guests, UNCLE BEN'S®, the number one rice brand in America, has teamed with Celebrity Event Designer Preston Bailey and Dietitian, Chef, Author and Teacher Michele M. Powers, R.D. to bring you the UNCLE BEN'S® Family Holiday Entertaining Guide. The guide is filled with delicious holiday recipes perfect for an intimate gathering or a large crowd. From helpful hints to tips on how to throw a holiday party for charity, consider it one-stop shopping for planning the ultimate holiday party.

Preston's Holiday Entertaining Tips

  1. This holiday season, update traditional side salads by adding peanuts, dried cranberries and UNCLE BEN'S® Long Grain & Wild rice. A little flavor and crunch goes a long way.

  2. During the holidays, you can find produce in amazing rich colors - such as pomegranates, cranberries, clementines, purple artichokes and figs. Filling different sized clear glass vases with monochromatic produce is a fun way to update the traditional cornucopia.

  3. You never know when an additional guest may show up, so make sure you plan for extra food.

  4. Instead of a traditional holiday themed party, throw a Winter White party by substituting traditional holiday décor with a snow covered forest.

  5. Holiday gatherings tend to be larger than 10 people, so having a seating plan can avoid an awkward moment. Simple place cards that match your décor work best.

  6. The holidays are a time for giving, so consider hosting a dinner party for a good cause. After enjoying a wonderful meal, engage in a charitable group activity - wrap holiday gifts for needy children, collect and box gently used winter clothes for homeless shelter, or head out to volunteer at a local soup kitchen.

  7. In lieu of hostess gifts like wine or flowers, ask guests to bring $5 to the party to donate to charity. This holiday season, I'm asking guests to bring a donation for Feeding America™. All you need is a festive bowl to collect donations, and a simple card printed with information about your charity of choice.