The holidays aren't just about the food — they're about laughter, traditions and making special memories. Gatherings provide dedicated time with loved ones to share stories, play games, and enjoy delicious meals, creating long-lasting, treasured moments.

Whether you're hosting a big family dinner or a cozy get-together with friends, Land O'Lakes^® Butter and Cheese can be your go-to for helping create delicious dishes and unforgettable experiences. With the help of Food Network champ, cookbook author and viral recipe creator Mackenzie Smith of @grilledcheesesocial, Land O'Lakes is sharing practical tips to bring people together during holiday gatherings and inspire home cooks and bakers to spend more time at the table:

1. Plan a Family Recipe Swap

Bringing a dish to a holiday gathering is more than just sharing food — it's sharing a piece of yourself. Whether it's a family recipe or a festive favorite, it can spark conversations and create connections around the table. As a fun twist, ask guests to bring a favorite holiday recipe card to exchange. This gives everyone a new dish to try next year and is a heartfelt way to share meaningful traditions.

2. Bake and Make Ahead So You Can Be More Present

Plan for more togetherness by prepping baked goods in advance. Make cookie dough or pie crusts early, freeze them, and pull them out when you're ready to bake. Smith explains, "While I love being in the kitchen, this step makes it less of a chore and allows for more time for visiting with loved ones." And instead of juggling multiple pots and pans, you can also roast veggies, proteins, and even stuffing on sheet pans. This saves you time and makes cleanup a breeze. Get inspired with more ideas by visiting landolakes.com.

3. Create a DIY Hot Cocoa and Coffee Bar

Set up a cozy welcome station with mugs, coffee, cocoa mix, whipped cream, marshmallows and fun toppings like crushed peppermint or caramel drizzle. Add a few festive extras like cinnamon sticks or flavored syrups for a gourmet touch.

4. Host a Butter Cookie Decorating Station

Turn dessert into a family tradition! Bake classic butter cookies ahead of time, then set up a simple decorating station with bowls of buttercream frosting, royal icing, sprinkles and candy toppers. "It's interactive, fun and keeps kids of all ages laughing together and occupied," Smith says. "And when it comes to buttercream frosting, Land O'Lakes^® Butter is the secret to that rich, creamy texture everyone loves."

5. Set Up a Game or Story Corner

Create a collaborative space featuring classic board or card games, vintage photographs or holiday books for kids and adults alike. It's another great way to promote face-to-face, social interaction that keeps the energy warm while you finish up in the kitchen. Set up a backdrop with gaming props and costumes for guests to capture memories.

6. Leave a Lasting Impression

Make your holiday gathering extra memorable by sending guests home with more than just leftovers! Let guests curate a simple takeaway gift before hitting the road. Smith suggests mason jars of homemade spice blends, sachets filled with festive scents, or rolls of compound butter made with Land O'Lakes^® Butter and herbs. Set out simple packaging like parchment paper, twine and gift tags so everyone can personalize their creations and bring home a little piece of the celebration.

The holidays move fast but remember to slow down and savor what matters most: good food and great company. With a little planning and a few creative ideas, you'll spend less time stressing and more time laughing, sharing stories and making memories that last long after the season ends.