If you’re hosting a meal this holiday season, do your guests a favor and make it a heart-healthier one.

Try these tips:

• Start with healthy appetizers, such as whole-grain crackers, cut vegetables, hummus, low-fat dressings or unsalted nuts.
• Cut or eliminate salt from your recipes, flavoring with other seasonings instead. Make your own gravy, using low-sodium broth.
• Make mashed potatoes with low-sodium chicken broth, roasted garlic and fat-free evaporated milk.
• Use whole-wheat bread crumbs, onions and celery, dried fruit and less butter for healthier stuffing.
• Bake your own desserts to avoid trans fats.