Nigella Lawson's Top 5 Holiday Entertaining Tips

The British cookbook queen stops by our offices to talk all things holiday entertaining.

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Nigella Lawson has no shortage of opinions when it comes to entertaining.

At least that's what we found out when the British TV personality and author stopped by the Epicurious offices last week, armed with copy of her new cookbook Simply Nigella.

"You're not striving for perfection," says Lawson. "You're not a restaurant. You're not having an ambassadorial reception."

(Note: If you actually are having ambassadorial receptions, you may as well stop reading right here.)

Instead of trying to be perfect, Lawson argues, focus on making things easy—both for yourself and for your guests. Choose make-ahead dishes, create a welcoming atmosphere, and set out lots of "picky bits."

Yes, "picky bits." Don't worry, the video above explains all.