Use this celebrity chef's plan for hosting a fool-proof holiday party this year

Paid for by Walmart

I love cooking, but as the holidays approach — even though I’m a professional celebrity chef — I’m always looking for some shortcuts in the kitchen. I want to spend my time being festive and experiencing joy with my family and friends, not hours around the stove.

One of my favorite things to do around the holidays is host cocktail parties with interactive elements, such as a gingerbread house-making kit to bring out the kid in us all. The key to throwing an effortless party is prep and presentation, and below are my secrets to hosting an extravagant and magical holiday party that can be thrown together in a flash (but won’t look like it).

Secret 1: Have libations ready to flow

As soon as your guests enter, it's a great idea to have beverages waiting for them. You can keep it really simple by arranging an ice bucket of mixed beers or canned cocktails decked out in festive editions, such as Bud Light's Ugly Sweater Variety Pack for people to grab and go. Not only are the flavors amazing — I mean, who knew Sugar Plum could be bottled?! — the cans are colorful and cheery, so they add to decor without you having to do anything! Pro tip: Keep a permanent marker nearby so people can customize (aka not lose) their cans.

So, now that you've got your bubbly covered, why stop with one drink when you can have two on the menu? Warm people up with an offering of Abuelita's hot chocolate. It is delicious and frothy, which will remind your guests of the hot cocoa grandma used to make. The best part is that the mix is so easy to use. You can make it into an experience with different add-ins, like marshmallows, whipped cream, flavored syrups, candy canes and — to make spirits bright — Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Secret 2: A charcuterie plate is always impressive (and simple)

As people settle into socializing or decorating their gingerbread houses, a gorgeous charcuterie plate is perfect for nibbling and noshing. Charcuterie boards are awesome, because they are simply an assortment of meats, cheeses, nuts and fruit of your choosing, and there is no wrong way to make one.

And the true star of a board is the cheese! I like to slice up a couple of interesting varieties, such as Cracker Cut 4 Cheese Tray and Whole Pepper Jack Cheese. Then I'll artfully arrange Columbus Salami Trio and Deli Pepperoni into rosettes to make it look much fancier than mere deli meat. Pop on a Marketside Smoked Burnt Ends Dip, spread out some Carr's Table Water Crackers, plop on some grapes and you'll have a feast for the eyes and belly that was created in mere minutes. A nice, salty bowl of olives or nuts makes a fine accompaniment (bonus points for me if I see someone snap a picture of all my hard work).

Inevitably, holiday parties always last longer than they are supposed to, and people will get a hankering for something heavier. So, before guests even arrive, I like to prep these pizza rolls to pop in the oven for when the hunger pangs strikes. The pull-apart rolls, full of ooey, gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni, are sure to sop up all the holiday cheer.

Secret 3: Prep for a savory meal ahead of time

Here's a quick and delicious recipe to help you enjoy a stress-free time.

Party Pizza Rolls

• 1 dozen yeasty rolls

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup mayo

• ½ package Deli pepperoni slices

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

• 1/3 cup butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese

• Flaky salt

• Fresh basil

Pre-party prep:

1. Mix together tomato sauce and mayonnaise in a small bowl.

2. Keeping the rolls connected in one piece, slice horizontally.

3. Spread tomato-mayonnaise mixture on one side of the rolls.

4. Sprinkle cheese on top of sauce.

5. Layer pepperoni inside, sprinkle the rest of the cheese and cover with top layer of rolls.

6. Mix together butter and garlic powder. Brush over the top of the rolls.

7. Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and salt.

8. Keep uncovered in the fridge for up to two hours.

15 minutes before you are ready to eat:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Bake for eight-to-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Let sit for two-to-three minutes.

3. Place on a platter and serve with a side of ranch (an ode to my Californian roots) or extra sauce.

4. Use sprigs of basil to garnish for a fancy touch.

Secret 4: Elevate store-bought desserts

The key to making everyone think you are an otherworldly host is to keep pulling food out of your party hat. As I grab the cellophane for people to wrap up their cute, little gingerbread houses, I also quickly arrange a plate of delicious pre-made desserts like, no big deal, guys! Tossing on some sliced strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, I’ve now made store-bought look homemade-fresh, while satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.

Impress your guests by adding your personal touch to Walmart’s Thumbprint Chocolate Cookies, Decadent Italian Creme Cake or Apple Pie with Cinnamon.

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From Walmart:

Walmart makes it easy for you to craft all your holiday meals. Whether you’re in charge of making appetizers, entrees or desserts, you’ll find all the tools and fresh ingredients needed to make your family’s favorite dish. To get your holiday meal prep started, visit walmart.com.

This article was paid for by Walmart and created by Yahoo Creative Studios. The Yahoo Life editorial staff did not participate in the creation of this content.