Giveaway Results: $100 Visa Gift Card from Scott’s Common Sense

My favorite holiday party to host is a tree trimming party because it accomplishes two things at once–fun with friends and family, and getting the tree decorated. This party is best if the guest list is small. It’s especially fun if everyone shares something about their favorite ornament with your guests.

When entertaining, try to incorporate more tables wherever you can. Bring them in from other rooms and drape in a holiday themed or metallic tablecloth for a festive look. You can never have enough places to set things down on when entertaining!

Thanks for the giveaway

My tip is a simple one – Preparation and Involvement. Make lists and follow them. And get your whole family involved, give them small tasks to keep them busy while you go about doing the real work. That way, it’s a collaborative effort that everyone can rejoice in!

my favorite holiday season entertaining event is a cookie exchange with other moms-that way you get to bring home a variety of batches of cookies for your family without all the work and mess, you get new recipes and you have a great night of cookie tasting with your friends!

When entertaining I always keep it simple!! Pot luck is a huge hit in our house! Every year there are favorites that are brought and then a mix of new dishes! It’s exciting to see what everyone brings!! Thanks for the opportunity!!!

Some nice holiday music always makes the party more festive! Try cheery tunes at the beginning of the party and switch to some classical music (still holiday-themed, of course) during dinner to set the mood.

My favorite holiday tip is to host a cookie swap…but exchange only a half-dozen (six) cookies! That way, none of your guests are overwhelmed baking a bazillion cookies, and you’ve got a manageable (read: non-guilt-inducing) amount of swapped cookies to keep at home during the holidays. It’s fast and easy to freeze baked cookies, so you can host the cookie swap early before the season gets too busy.

My entertaining tip would have to be asking guests to bring their favorite finger foods and recipe so that others will know how it’s made in case they want to make it. I have found that others don’t mind if you ask them to bring something. In fact they are usually thrilled that you asked!!!

My best tip: do as much of the cooking in the days ahead as you can. It will make you more relaxed and more able to enjoy the party. Having the food taken care of already will let you spend time with your guests instead of getting food ready.

The day before your holiday party, put out all the serving dishes with their serving utensils. Label what goes in each dish with an index card or scraps of paper. That way other people can help you get food from the cooking dish to the serving dish.

My favorite holiday party is a Cookie party. Depending on the size of the group, you bring your favorite homemade holiday cookies to the party. However many dozen (or 1/2 dozen depending on the party set up) you bring to the party, you get to leave with same amount in an assortment of other people’s cookies! Usually, I’ve found that many guests will include a copy of the recipe with their packaged dozens for an extra treat.

i have a party to honor all my friends neighbors and families– the hioliays are about sharing and thats what we do with geat food, fun and friends

If kids are going to be coming to a mostly adult party, I like to make sure that there is a room that is totally kid-friendly so that they have a place they can escape to and the parents can relax and enjoy themselves.

Ok..this might flip some people out. But…every year at Christmas (we do ours the first Saturday night of Dec) we host an Open House.
We decorate all over our house for the holidays. Our kids love doing this. We have a family soup recipe that we make (it’s tradition for us). We also make a huge pot of chili for those that might not like Turnip Green soup and Jalepeno cornbread. Then something easy for desserts.
People from our church are free to come and fellowship “all over” our house.
This is a huge success every year. People just want to feel loved and welcomed in your home.

We tend to put way too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect and have the perfect house. That’s not important. It’s important to gather with people and share fun and food.

This year…..JUST DO IT!

I love to make cookies and treats for everyone. We don’t normally host so we’re always feeling a bit indebted to the people whose house we’re invading. Oreo truffles are my favorite since nobody feels guilty eating one….

PLAN, PLAN PLAN ahead! Make your lists, check them twice and ask for HELP!

Ask everyone coming to bring their favorite dish. Make sure you divide them up so that you don’t end up with all desserts or side items. Plus make sure they kids have lots of fun things to do..like holiday themed crafts, coloring pages,etc. Above all, don’t stress too much!

I love getting together with a group of friends and each family preparing a different course for dinner!!!

My tip would have to be to remember the spirit of the season and try not to get all wrapped up in the material aspect of it. When planning a party, remember that your real friends won’t care about the napkins, etc. They just want to have fun. With you!

I am a list maker! I constantly make them. They are helpful for us, my husband can see what I have done and what needs to be done!

I also encourage making things ahead of time! I have four kids and have learned this through the years!

Thanks!

Make as much ahead as possible! Your family/guests are there to be. with. you! I have to remind myself that it’s not about the food (though it seems like it is). It’s about the people!

I think my best tip is to be prepared as possible (make my list), but expect things to not go according to plan. And when they don’t, it’s okay. My husband is really good about keeping this perspective, and it really helps me to enjoy the holidays more!

My tips are don’t go overboard, prepare as much as you can before hand & ask others to help.

My holiday entertaining tip is to be aware of your family member’s food allergies. We have a niece who is highly allergic to peanuts and all tree-nuts. As a host, we want ALL of our guest to feel welcome and safe. Even though this may mean we can not make a few dishes, it is worth it to have everyone together having a stress-free meal.

When entertaining try to keep it simple and remember that spending time with your guests is more important that color coordinating your table.

Christine
dazed1821@aol.com

My favorite holiday tips: I decorate early for any holiday. When it comes to the meal I always plan plenty of side dishes that can be served cold and I prepare those the day ahead. Therefore on the holiday the only preparation I need to finish are the food items that need to be served hot. Now everyone can eat and socialize with each other – including me – therefore, I don’t feel left out of the fun.

I love hosting or attending a cookie exchange. It’s fun baking and decorating at home and then sharing them with friends!
Cindy
Orlando, FL

Soup! For many holiday get togethers I serve soup fixed in the slow cooker along with finger food type sides such as cereal mixes, mini sandwiches, and relish trays. The prep is easy, the soup simmers in the slow cooker all day, so there is no need to worry aboiut dishes getting cold or drying out when some of the company is running late. The soups and sides can be left out on the counter for guests to nibble on later in the day after the main meal and I don’t have to stay in the kitchen all day.

I love to invite a few girls from the neighborhood over to make mini gingerbread houses with my 3 girls. It’s great to slow down and take time with the girls, find out what’s going on in all of their lives – and to give their parents a few house to catch up on what they need to!

Decorate your plates with attractive garnishes like orange or lemon wedges or slices, fresh herb sprigs, edible flowers, or radish roses.

Before entertaining comes the cleaning, cooking, etc! My best tip is that I enlist my family to help! The holidays can become so stressful and even competitive at times so I try to avoid the race and strive for simplicity. Whether it be cooking, cleaning, or decorating that is needed, I get everyone involved. My two year olds love to “help” and I put them to work in small ways. It does take a little longer to do most things but the pride they take in assisting me and the funny moments are wonderful holiday memories much more pleasing than a perfectly decorated cookie.

My favorite tip is to get as much shopping done as possible before Thanksgiving. Then I have time to enjoy wrapping gifts, making treats, looking at lights and enjoying traditions with family and friends.

We do a huge Christmas Eve dinner every year for both sides of our family. Everyone brings a dish and we set up one huge long table. Then we exchange gifts but don’t open them – too many people and noone see what the other got. My best tip for entertaining of this size is to keep it simple – like not opening the gifts and adding to the fray!

My holiday entertaining tip is plan and keep a list. Do as much as you can before the day of the party. Try to prepare meals that can be made ahead of time and heated right before the party.

Make the event a pot luck. That way everyone helps out, and you don’t have to worry about doing everything as the hostess. Makes the holidays a little easier and more pleasant.

make a plan — I decide what I want to do and then pare it down to what I can do and still be happy, (or in other words not go crazy).

make it a pot luck…not so much planning on your part and everyone feels as if they have contributed

My in laws come up to our house for Christmas so that is really the only entertaining I do. But I try to have the house decorated nice and I have a stocking hung up for each person.

Do as much as possible before the get together and enjoy spending time with everyone. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Only tip I have: ENJOY the party!!

my holiday entertaining tip is to make a placecard that can be taken home and used by guests, this year my placecards are going to be glitter houses (like the ones from 1950’s) and all my guest can use them for christmas decor after Thanksgiving it makes the holiday fun!

I like to make homemade gifts for each family to take home with them when they are leaving our house. Last year I made a hot chocolate recipe for each family and this year I plan on trying my hand at the Vanilla Tea that was shared by Amy last week. We also do a meal where we are at each family member’s house for a course of the meal. This is always a big hit with our family. This way there is not just one person who has to host the entire party and we get to see everyone’s Christmas trees.

For me, music really plays a big part in our holiday gatherings–we love to listen to music, play music, etc. You can’t go wrong with lots of good music.

Every year, we host a holiday brunch for friends. We always have a white elephant gift exchange, but last year, changed the exchange to be a Regift theme since money was tight for many people. It was so much more fun and creative and the gifts were far better than any other year, and it didn’t cost anyone a dime.

Bake cookies ahead and freeze them!

My holiday entertaining tip is to plan ahead, don’t wait till the last minute. And I love serving all sorts of homemade cookies/snacks before meals.

As much as I love to cook, I make as much as I can in advance and freeze it. This works especially well on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning when I want to enjoy my family, instead of being in the kitchen missing all the fun.

Plan, plan, plan and then be ready for the plan to fall apart! Or is that just me…

Relax,plan easy food and enjoy the company ,pot luck appetizer parties are fun easy and everyone gets involved

My favorite tip is to try and think of those who may not have anywhere to go for Christmas, perhaps an elderly relative from the extended side of the family, and invite them to your festivities. It’s a wonderful way to do good over the holidays and invigorate your party w/new faces.

Light candles about 15 minutes before guests are do to arrive. Prepare as much food as you can the day before, and buy extra ice!

Even though it is winter and usually a lot of snow in our area we utilize the grill to make the turkey. It doesn’t take any longer and it free’s up much needed oven space for other things.

I love hosting a homeless thanksgiving from time to time. It allows everyone to make their own family for the day.

Do as much before hand as possible, that way you can spend more time with the guests.

We have a go to list of what we like and try to stick with it. Whether it is food, decorations or activities, we have built a lot of memories and that makes things easier because we already know what to expect.

My best tip is to say yes when people ask if they can bring something for your party. I always like to contribute when I go to a party, so I think a lot of other people probably feel the same way. This way, there’s one less thing that you have to take care of yourself.

RELAX! Having 3 kids and 2 more on the way, I have to know that everything isn’t going to be “perfect” in my house. The most important thing is spending time with those that matter most!

I am not a great cook,,so this would help out me supplying my guests with something editable!!

split it up with a neighbor – one cleans their house to host and the other organizes the food and such. we do this for gingerbread house parties with the kids, and after the party we clean up after and relax while the kids run off their sugar highs.

Cookies freeze well! Make them ahead of time and it’s one less thing to worry about during the month of December.

Get the brie with cranberries, pecans and caramel from Wegmans. My favorite appetizer!:-)

Mine would be having a cookie swap to kick off the season and then having all those homeade cookies the rest of the christmas season and being able to use those to entertain with.

My favorite holiday entertaining would be a cookie exchange. There is nothing better than a girl’s night out that involves sweet treats too!

I use to spend hours cleaning my house the night before my parties..not anymore, I wait until the day after because my friends couldn’t care less how clean my house is. They come to my parties because we always have FUN! We play games, laugh, drink, eat, laugh some more, drink, exchange gifts, drink….

Keep some quick snacks on hand for easy entertaining. Dried apricots, almonds, dark chocolate, cheese, wine and you’re set.

Costco! It has great deals on champagne and appetizers in bulk!

Everyone loves a get together but don’t put all the responsibility on yourself. Plan a pot luck and ask others to bring a food or drink item. It will make the gathering enjoyable for all.

My tip is always have lots of food and snacks on hand ready to go! You just never know! Kbroderi@msn.com

My best entertaining tip is to be organized: make lists and stick to them. And plan for as many “make-ahead” dishes as possible so that when it is time to spend time with your guests, you are not stressed

My holiday tip is to prepare some dishes in advance so when your party starts you can actually enjoy it rather than rush around trying to finish it all last minute.

My best holiday tip for this season is to do a name exchange for gifts. This idea is going to save our family hundreds of dollars and everyone still will leave with a nice gift. Less stress and happy family members makes for great memories.

I’ve never done it but I REALLY want to host a cookie swap and then share the different cookies with all of our friends and family.
I love to have folks over for coffee and breakfast…just to hang out and talk.

llwoolard@gmail.com

Keep it simple, have fun and enjoy spending time together!

Our family hosts on an alternating basis every year, so we end up hosting only once every 4 years. We also do a potluck every year and each person gets to bring one or two dishes so as not to have one person get all the responsibilities.

Just Relax and dont stress! Try to do most of your work before hand. So the day of your big dinner you dont have much to do other then chat with your guests!Why do all that work when you cant even enjoy it!

My tip is be sure to have plenty of toilet paper on hand! Nothing worse than going in someone’s bathroom and there only being a single squre remaining.
While in the bathroom…those nice disposable towels are also nicer than everyone using the same hand towel.

My best holiday entertaining tip is to make use of what you have. Pour dips into lovely little random glass bowls and dishes you have laying around in the cupboard. Decorate with extra vases you have — fill them with leaved twigs and sticks you have in your own back yard. Get crafty with your votive candles and make them into little turkeys. There’s a lot of ways to be creative and make use of what you’ve got without spending a fortune on holiday entertaining.

My best entertaining tip is try to stay consistant with years past then you know what you need and what people can bring. Does not mean you couldn’t add a new item in from time to time but keep the main meal the same.

My favorite holiday “fun” tip is the age old cookie exchange. Everyone comes out with a variety of cookies and enjoys some pleasant company and conversation.

Try not to get stressed, stay in the moment & enjoy!

Best tip is no fuss or frills. For example, we like to keep it simple by having close friends and make it during an off time. We let them know that we will be serving Mexican pastries and coffee or hot chocolate. This way not only the guests, but the hosts enjoy the event and interacting with each other.

The best tip I can give is – keep it fun and keep it simple!

I want to make sure that there are activites for children so the parents know they are welcome.

My tip is to not put so much into the cleaning beforehand….hit the high spots….you don’t want anyone to see it dirty but don’t go rent the RUG DOCTOR til after the party…lol Enjoy your friends…if they’re true friends all they’re there for is to spend time with you not searching for dust bunnies.

Our family splits the cooking responsibility for the holidays. We’re big into tradition – so we each bring the dish that we bring every year. This keeps one person from being overwhelmed with cooking a huge meal for over 15!

I love to entertain with Cookie Swaps this time of year. I ordered festive treat bags and cookie boxes from Papermart. I invite 8 girlfriends over. We each bring 2 of our best holiday treats (one homemade candy and one cookie). We bring enough for everyone to leave with 1 dozen of everything. Last year we made stamped gift tags, enjoyed a great afternoon catching up. The best part was leaving with a large variety of holiday treats without all of the mess or work.

I have found that planning everything out possible during the month of October helps me alot as it is a slower month – also making room ahead of time to stash items bought ahead really helps me stay organized!!

Dont forget the music! Everyone gets in the spirit of the holidays with a little festive music.

When I was a teenager our church youth group did a house-to-house potluck party. I will never forget it because it was a blast going to one house for the appetizer, to another house for salad, another house for the main dish and so forth. Going from one house to another provided variety and adventure to our party. It also prevented one person from having to host the entire party at their home.

My holiday tip is really simple, but I just do everything possible way ahead of time so that I can actually try to relax some on the holiday with as little as possible left to do.

My holiday tip is don’t go overboard with the recipes and the dishes. They are there to enjoy your company and friends not just food. So even being a simplest won’t hurt!

Having a xmas dinner with all my friends and then just enjoying time spent with all my loved ones.

Try to get as much of your cooking and baking done ahead of time that you can. This allows you to be able to enjoy your family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Also, let people help prepare the food. People won’t offer if they don’t want to help, so when they do, let them.

The best tip that I have it to have everything prepared ahead of time…food related. That way all you have to do is warm it all up and then you get to enjoy time with family and friends instead of having to be in the kitchen!

My best holiday entertaining tip is to give people a chance to give back. During one of your holiday parties, ask people to bring a gift for a family in need (you can register for a family through the Salvation Army). Depending on the size of your gathering, you could sponsor several families, and when everyone brings one gift to give away, a huge difference will be made in the lives of those in need! Doing this will completely change the tone of your party as a reminder that this season is not just about getting but about giving as well. Merry Christmas everyone!

This year with 3 kids and their families joining us all at the same time for Christmas I’m planning a menu for the evening meal to be posted. Breakfast and Lunch are up for grabs. I have fast foods available.

Progressive dinners are also great…salads are one house, the main meal at another house, and dessert at yet another!

make a list

Everyone should take part bringing dishes and pitch in for clean-up too. That is what our family does and it makes it much easier on the host, who still ends up doing the most for the gathering.

When entertaining I am a big list maker. I start with perusing cookbooks, making things that can be made ahead by a week or 2. I try not to be one of the hostesses who have worked so hard right to the last minute and have no time to get themselves ready. They are too frazzled to enjoy their guests. (I have been there too! LOL)

Relax and plan ahead! Planning ahead is the best way to not get stressed!

I like to plan ahead, clean ahead and cook ahead as much as possible for entertaining. Then, have a great time of fellowship. Allow guests to bring something that is their favorite ~ drink, dessert, side dish… And, we allow them to help with whatever last details there might be in setting things out so they are part of the celebration and not feeling awkward waiting for things to be ready to go. That makes the entire time so fun and we have lots of interaction with everyone.

Our group of friends take turns hosting our gatherings. We all bring something, so it isn’t so much prep for the host.
alsdgravenhof@hotmail.com

I have 8 children and my husband is between jobs…this would come in handy!

My favorite is Christmas Eve, My family comes over and we have santa come and bring eveyone christmas pjs

My best tip is to relax. Have others help as much as you can. You should enjoy your party and not stress over it. You want it to be a wonderful memory not only for your guests but also for you.

The best way to entertain guests is to prepare an “interactive” party! Usually, aside from the food we prepared for the party, we hold cook outs where the guests can participate in preparing the food. It also helps tame down the kids since they help in preparing instead of playing around.

My favorite holiday tip is enjoying the season! That sounds so generic, I know, but sometimes you forget to make memories with the ones you love most! I love making a list of all of the fun things my town has to offer during the holidays. I try to do a different activity with my family every week, at least!

My tip is to visit as many friends and family members as possible over the holiday. That way you host less which is important as I can’t cook!

We make appetizers ahead of time and freeze them. The day of the event, it’s easy to pop a tray of sausage cheeseballs in the oven, and it’s less stressful!

Hello!
My best holiday tip is to dress comfortably, especially if you are hosting in your own home. Jersey knits are great, they move with you and you won’t become too warm while you’re running around entertaining. Also, be aware of too-long sleeves and pants… you don’t any messes while preparing food or carrying food trays and you certainly don’t want to trip on your hems!
Thanks,
Patricia
http://www.talesofan-almost-mommy.blogspot.com

my keys to holiday entertaining include: making simple yet impressive dishes; preparing as much as possible ahead of time; working as a team with my husband to get all of the details together; encouraging my toddler to have fun with me in the kitchen; and inviting friends to bring their favorite dishes to the party. when the stars align, this all works to make the holidays fun, smooth, and relaxing. and if things go off kilter a little bit, i just take some deep breaths and remember that the people who celebrate with us could care less about all the details. they love us even if the napkins are wrinkled, the side dishes take a little longer to cook, or our child is running around screaming.

This isn’t exactly an entertaining idea, but our family gives each person a gift to help them enjoy the holiday season. For example, my 3 yr old will get a play nativity set, my infant son will get a board book, my mom will get a scented candle, my dad will get a fire truck ornament and my husband will get a CD. It keeps the children entertained and helps get the adults “in the mood”

I am always aware of the extra calories during the holiday season. To avoid some of the overeating and to provide a special take home gift as well, this year for Thanksgiving, my 6 year old is decorating and personalizing small tupperware containers in which we will pack our 7 guests turkey and trimmings and desserts!

For the last couple of years our family has been getting together at the state park for Christmas, we stay for three days, and really spend time with family. No gifts, no cleaning, no stress.
We gather in the lobby around the fire place to sing songs, tell stories, or simply sit quietly in peace reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday.

Plan ahead, have a theme, plenty of games to play, everyone brings a dish (some standard and some to try out).

I luv family get togethers, we all bring a dish and we all help clean up!

best tip? take an honest & practical look at what actually needs to be done. i think so many times i overestimate my time & energy & put too much focus on stuff that just isn’t important (like do i really need to make my own crackers to go with the dip when wheat thins will be just fine?? lol).

the main thing @ entertaining @ the holidays is enjoying time with family & friends. i think if i keep the “pregame” manageable, this can remain the focus

My best holiday tip is to host a potluck. Too often I try to do everything on my own and miss out on the joy of spending time with my guests.

Every year my girlfriends and I get together for “Dirty Santa” and a cookie exchange. We all have busy lives and families of our own so this is always fun to know that we will ALL be together for one night of fun!

Plan ahead! And we all have certain family members we don’t really ‘get along’ with…but it pays to bite your tongue and keep the peace during the holidays! lol

My tip is to make as many foods for your party ahead of time. When making the menu, plan things that can be made ahead of time.

My favorite tips are 1) make sure there’s enough seating. You don’t want 10 people trying to sit on one loveseat. Rent chairs if you need to. 2) Even if you don’t have children, toddler-proof your home if you know little ones will be attending. It’s easier to move the breakables beforehand, rather than following around the 12 month old and saying no a hundred times.

Lend a helping hand in any way. My mom has an empty house now – all of the kids are gone and grown. But when we return for the holidays, I try to do more help with household chores and dinner prep to show my love and gratitude.

Potluck! Even the gifts should be simple bag gifts that are generic – no stress that way figuring out the perfect gift! Draw numbers and do a Chinese gift grab and you are good to go without stress.

If it’s a potluck, we ask people to BYOD, bring your own drink. It is such a time saver! Also this is not my own tip but a friend who entertains always has 4 of her attending friends pitch in $10 to hire someone to clean the house after the party and they do this each time the other hosts. How clever! $10 for a nice evening each time.

I keep Thanksgiving simple – always the same menu and I prepare EVERYTHING I can, the night before! I prepare the pies, desserts, turkey seasoned and in bag, veggies all prepped and in crock pots, which I refrigerate. The next morning, (Thanksgiving Day) I simply put turkey in oven, plug in crock pots, do last minute dishes, table setting, etc. For someone who tends to stress over house/cooking details for company, this has removed stress from the day to enjoy my friends and family. For this THEY TOO are thankful. Nobody likes a cranky, tired mama!

When planning a gathering, remember that some are more materially fortunate than others, so if you are on the fortunate side, keep things simple so no one feels uncomfortable. It is all about sharing time with one another.

My table is round, so there’s no expanding it, which means I have to use multiple tables. So that no-one feels they’re at an inferior table, I decorate them all exactly the same way. Sometimes I add an extra treat at the smallest table.

Best best advice it to keep it simple so you actually have time to spend with the friemds and family at your party – remember the true meaning for the Holidays!

we always have had big get togethers at my grandmothers house for the holidays. since she is older, usually my aunt or i offer to have this at our house instead. our houses are bigger for the ever growing family. my grandmother has always loved baking and all but she is not as able, so this lets the pressure off of her. its all about God and family, no need to be stressed. we also have others bring whatever dishes they want to cook and have a great variety!

Start early with shopping and food preparation and ask for help is needed. Then sit back and enjoy the holidays. Happy Holidays~

My entertaining tip is to always have a few extra gender neutral gifts wrapped up and ready to go for any last minute guests or someone you may have accidentally “forgotten”,

My tip is very simple.
Be honest.Don’t make plans with people that you or your spouse have problems with. I did this out of guilt, and now my spouse is upset. He is leaving me with the task to call them up and tell them that we will not be there. Truthfully.
Live and Learn!!!

best holiday entertaining tip – Enjoy while you host! Don’t spend the whole time waiting on people!

Get everyone involved. Have the little ones help set the table and the older ones help in the kitchen.

My family beening small just me ,my hubby plus a little girl like to play games all play and just be lazy .

make a list.

My best tip is to find recipes that are possible to be made ahead of time. That way, I can do some cleaning on ‘party day’…b/c with 2 munchkins there would not be much point in doing cleaning ahead of time!

One thing I like doing, is making individual hand-sized pies and things like that because that way food won’t go to waste. I’ve noticed that the bigger the pie I bake, the more that a slice ends up on the side of someone’s plate. If it’s a small “personalized” pie, they’re more like to eat it without wasting any.

I always start my shopping the year before garage sales make great x-mas gift finds!!!

My tip is to KEEP IT SIMPLE! Aren’t the best memories simple? A plate of store-bought cookies and some coffe/tea/cider or punch…maybe a board game or music…good friends, good conversation….and you have a nice get-together where warm memories will be created. Think the good-ole-days. Did they spend a fortune on get-togethers? NO! I’m going to try to follow my own advice this year too…even if it isn’t your nature, it’s a recession people….Keep.It.Simple. =-)

Just keep it simple is what I tell myself. We gather to enjoy each others company not out shine one another. This year we are all sharing the burden and making part of the dinner. The only thing the host has to make is the turkey.

When entertaining, do as much as possible before so that you can sit back and enjoy the party.

One of our children has Autism so when planning crowded events we always try to have them at places our son feels comfortable and bring with us some comfort items and always spot out a quite area to have for him to retreat to if needed. I am sure it is the same way with small children. My son is 6 but can get overstimulated with all the noise and people but he does LOVE the Holidays!

Its seems the list of thing to do during the holidays gets longer and longer but I always take the time to host a small get together with a few close friends. I keep it simple serving only appetizers and dessert that can be made a few days in advance. To make it really fun I always serve one special drink that I change year to year.

To me atmosphere is everything. I always Burn lightly scented candles in holiday aromas to create a warm, inviting atmosphere and my house smells delight too.

My favorite tip is to keep it simple! Good food, good music and good friends and family – you really don’t need anything else. An evening were everyone is relaxed is the most fun!

Do as much of the food preparation in advance. For Thanksgiving dinner you can make almost all of the dishes the day before and just throw them in the oven on Thanksgiving day! This give you much more time to spend socializing with guests

My tip is to use paper plates and when I can use throw away cookware it makes the holiday so much easier for everyone.

My best tip is to remember the reason for the season! Don’t go overboard, rushing about to make everything perfect. Focus on Jesus and how He wants you to bless your friends and family, how to celebrate His birth.

We “hire” neighborhood preteens (are they called tweeners now?) to help out at our holiday parties. They take coats, serve appetizers and nonalcoholic refreshments, pick up, etc. Sometimes they even provide childcare for our guests who bring their kids. In exchange, we give them a great holiday present, such as a $100 Visa gift card. They love this because they get to attend the adult party and I love it because I get the help I need!

My tip is to get the spouse and kids involved so you don’t have to do it all by yourself.

My best tip: Write it all down. Plan out your menu, seating, schedule, etc. It helps reduce last-minute problems and stress.

My best holiday entertaining tip is to remind people to stay grounded and not get too caught up in the expectations and deadlines of the season. The most important part about entertaining is the gathering of family and friends. The location, decorations, food, gifts, etc. don’t matter as long as we are spending time together. If you can’t afford to throw the best party, or buy the best gift, or find the prettiest outfit– it doesn’t matter. A party is what you make it and the gift that you are giving by hosting an event/an opportunity for family and friends to gather is the best gift of the season. So, my “tip” is to open your home, open your heart, and invite your friends and family to do the same. Know that however you choose to entertain is going to be just perfect.

Check catering prices. We found that caterers in Southern California, even one serving Christmas Eve, cost about the same as purchasing all the ingredients?

My tip is to have all the dishes, silverware, glasses all ready out for the meal. Also, it helps to have most of the food already prepared the day before the party.

Lists, lists and more lists!!! Did I mention lists?

Instead of a cookie swap, my friends and I would all get together with our favorite recipes and our mixers and make our cookies together. We would all help each other out and share tips and have lots of snacks and fun along the way.

My best entertaining tip is to take a deep breath and relax! Unless you are entertaining the big boss or the POTUS you should not sweat the small stuff and enjoy the holidays with your friends and family. They will (or should) not mind if your home is not pristine or your drinking glasses don’t match. Smile and enjoy!

i gather my daughters and the neighbor kids and take them on an old fashion christmas carolling through the neighborhood.when we return to my house,my husband would have hot chocolate and cookies waiting for us.so simple and brings so much joy to everyone

I always make a list of not only the food that I will be preparing bur also the utensils I will need. When the time comes to make whatever, the list just guides me through it and I really do not have to think about it at all.

We have a tablecloth that is solid orange. Every year we put out Sharpie markers and before we set the table for Thanksgiving, everyone takes a marker and writes what they are thankful for that year. They sign it and put the year by it also. Then we set the table and eat. It is always fun to read the “posts” around your plate as you eat and be reminded of the goodness of God through the thankful writings over the years. One day the table cloth will be full and we will have a beautiful way to remember the various things in our lives to be thankful for.

Instead of hosting a large holiday party, make the same special effort to make your family feel special! Bring out the finest entertaining serving pieces you have and make all the special recipes (make and decorate cookies – let the kids help!). Let your family know how special they are.

I love to cook. My favorite is having an array of snacks and goodies. From cookies, to cheese balls, to lil’ smokies, to mini pizzas, to hot apple cider, to wine! Having food and family around what could be better!!!!

When we get together with family and friends at holiday time for a party, it’s a relaxed atmosphere with no time limit. Lots of fun, laughs and good “holiday” food!

When having a bunch of people over for a holiday gathering, just keep things simple. Having everyone bring a finger food to share works great and you get a great variety. Mostly just keep things stress free and ENJOY the fellowship – that’s what people will remember.

To make parties run smoothly I always cook/bake whatever I can in advance and freeze! I also stick Post Its on serving dishes with what I am going to put in each dish so I don’t get overwhelmed! I’m a bit anal I guess.

My favorite holiday entertaining tip is try to get as many things ready and prepared as you can before your guests arrive. This way when they arrive they can sense you are relaxed and they will enjoy themselves more. Also you wont feel like you are missing out on the holiday festivities stuck in the kitchen the entire gathering!

My tip is to do as much as you can AHEAD of time. Last year, I made Amy’s make-ahead Mashed Potatoes and froze them. Easy to reheat in the slow cooker and SO yummy!

PLAN ahead! I’ve already stocked my freezer with the items I’m going to need for our overnight Christmas guests!

I love entertaining for large crowds. My best piece of advice is stay organized and do as much prep ahead of time as possible. And also make sure your cleanup goes smoothly by having all the products and containers you need at your fingertips so you can sit back and enjoy your company!!!

Lay perfectionism aside and go for a “let people help me” attitude, kids, family, etc. People much prefer a sweet spirit and maybe not perfect napkins folded by little helpful hands than a stressed out hostess!

My holiday tip is just to relax and enjoy your company rather than stressing out on if everything is perfect. Enjoy your time with family and truly be thankful rather than being obsessed with having a spotless house and an absolutely perfect meal.

Keep things simple. Have fun things for the little ones to do while the adults are encouraged to have a good time with great eats.

My best tip is to eat before going to a party, because if you don’t like the food, you will still be able to have fun.

When my family gets together at Thanksgiving or Christmas, it is a house FULL of people and it can be a zoo. We use paper goods for all the meals and take turns cooking breakfasts and lunches. It helps the hostess (myself or my mother, depending on the location) a great deal to not have to do the dishes for 30+ people for days!

I love to cook a large holiday meal. I use my enclosed front porch as a staging area for my side dishes so I can get them together early and have more time when guests arrive.

I love having christmas sweater parties this time of year. It is fun to get old friends together all of us wearing tacky sweaters!

We love to host a gingerbread house competition on Thanksgiving weekend. It is so much fun and has become the most exciting tradition in our family.

Keep it simple and enjoy! Life is short.

A few weeks before we have have our get together, we put all our names in hat and then we each pick out a name. We then have to go and pick out a small gift for that person using their first initial. Example: If I picked the name – Catherine out of the hat, then I could buy her either cookies, candy, candle or anything that begins with the first initial of her name. It’s a fun, creative and very inexpensive way to make the party fun. It’s always a blast seeing what each of us can come up with.

My best tip is to make sure there are snacks and munchies around on tables while people are talking and waiting to eat. That way no one gets too hungry!
Thanks!
Chandra Hennessee

My best tip is to have all the house cleaning done a few days before the event. I tend to clean up until the party start time, which makes for a stressful and rushed time the day of the party.

An ornament party is really fun. Everyone makes a homemade ornament for every one invited. A great time to get together, have lunch and exchange ornaments!

We have lots of children in our family which is wonderful, but sometimes makes it difficult for the adults to spend time together! I always try to have some kind of a special little arts & crafts project ready for the kids to work on( something special for them to keep – as their “party favor”!)which gives the adults some time to socialize and the kids are very happy too!

Entertaining with a toddler can be quite a challenge so i place a portable crib in the corner of the kitchen. Then my son has a safe place to escape the crowd of relatives trying to hold and love all over him, and he can play while I finish getting dinner together

My best holiday tip is to make all your holiday cookies at one time. either refridgerate until needed or freeze the uncooked dough until needed.

A kids table!!! That’s the best advice if you are having little ones to dinner. They only sit for a few minutes and eat a little bit, then they are off and playing. Give them their own space, a small table that won’t take up much room. Then you have the grown up table for all the other guests!

My favorite tip for the holidays is I take a digital picture frame and put all thhe latest pictures of our family and family events and place it on the table were everyone gathers…it is a great way to catch everyone up on everything we have been up to and still allow me to stay busy with preparing dinner

My best holiday entertaining tip is to have something fun that everyone can enjoy. At our parties we always have karaoke competitions, It always gets our guests excited and relaxed at the same time.

My best Holiday Tip is to allow guests the honour of helping with the dishes. I know it is hard to do, but you will love yourself for it in the end, and your guests will feel good about being able to help.

Many hands make work light!
Happy Early Holidays, everyone!

Christine

It’s always a joy to see the family during the holiday season. We make sure to load up the printer docks w/ photo paper. Kids love going around snapping pics. Teens love being in charge of printer docs and sharing their tech savvy. Everyone else just loves having a tangible reminder of our family. My elderly cousin always reminds us that she hasn’t seen a picture on print since everyone got these new “fancy-dancy cameras”. So we ALWAYS make sure she gets a couple of pix.

Clean out your refridgerator before you start so that you have somewhere to put your leftovers!

My best tip would be to just relax and enjoy the holidays! Enjoy the parties, enjoy the friends, enjoy the family, enjoy the spirit!

Keep it simple. Having two toddlers forced us to decide what traditions we really wanted to keep and which ones we can either drop or “put on hold” until the girls get older. Some of the traditions like the lenox crystal tree will come back when the girls are older but I’m sure some we will decide aren’t worth it after we haven’t done them for a year or two.

This year will be the 7th year we’ve hosted Thanksgiving for my side of the family. We’ve a high of 28 people to this year being a low with only 14. Five years ago I started making a list of each food item and what dish, plate, casserole dish it went into. On wednesday, all of the dishes are taken out and washed and then placed on the food table. When someone offers to help say mash potatoes, they can just reference the list to see what dish it needs to go in when they are done and put the dish on the servig table. This year might be a little tricky as the cats pulled the tablecloth off the table last year after we went to bed and broke three of the casserole dishes

I finally got over the “all towels must match” rule I had and threw in all different colors of towels in my guest bath. Now they don’t have to suffer through figuring out which bleached white towel is theirs hanging up to dry.

We always like to have themes for our parties and give treat bags to the kids. Usually they are homemade items like homemade play dough with some cookie cutters or cookie mix with recipes attached for the adults.
cthompson1477@gmail.com

I like to keep the meal simple. I find that people like to “munch” when it comes to gatherings and a few appetizers go over well, as opposed to a huge meal. A festive punch is cheaper than pop and everyone is usually satisfied with that choice too!

When we get together, regardless of what house we may be at, everyone pitches in. We bring a dish, we help setting the table, help with last minute food prep and cleanup.

I try to set up one table so everyone is comfortable, and we can all eat together.

We have created a displaced person’s Thanksgiving party with all our friends who have family too far away for a Thanksgiving visit. It’s nice to have a drama free holiday and everyone brings a dish to share.

Music! Gotta have good tunes to set the mood! Fun and festive!

Our church has two services on Christmas Eve, one at 7pm and one at 11pm. I love to host an open-house between the services. Because the 7pm service is held in a barn everyone is very chilly, so we have lots of hot(!) coffee and warm spiced cider and of course cookies.

My holiday tradition is spend the weekend before Thanksgiving cooking with the girls for Thanksgiving. We choose one item to make each year that freezes easy and can be served for dinner! This year was 600 pierogi’s!

Cook desserts and sides the night before or in your slow cooker. The more you prepare ahead of time, the easier it is to enjoy your company.

My tip is to do as much as you can the days before…set the table, get your dishes out, make whatever food that you can the night before, etc..

My best plan is pre plan!! I cook as much food the day before so I can spend time relaxing with my family!

My holiday tip is simple – the less fuss and over spending – the more you will enjoy the holiday season. We try to put aside $$ the entire year to fund Xmas so the money “pinch” is not as acute. WE have 4 children and really enjoy playing xmas music on the Ipod while we decorate cookies, decorate the house, front yard and finally the Xmas tree.

Have cinnamon baking in the oven when your guests arrive, so that the house smells like Christmas.

Pre-plan, make ahead and accept help if it is offered.

When I make a turkey, I don’t stress. I just follow the directions right on the bag and add a stick of butter inside and another one rubbed all over the outside and between the skin and the meat. It comes out PERFECT! Focus on being thankful!