I love using the unexpected, stockings or mittens for silverware holders. It adds a special touch. I also love using a party favor as part of the place setting. In this case, it’s the large handmade candy cane. A plate charger adds color and helps show off the place setting without having to use your dishes. This is helpful if you’re serving buffet or dishing up.

Holiday decorations from 2019, I’ve been collecting Holiday decorations since I was a teenager and This was 2019 Christmas look. Red and Green with a touch of black. Inspired by Mackenzie Childs and Mary Engelbreit. It’s fun to change it up and bring out things you haven’t used in a while to give your whole house a new feel. I love collecting and I love a lot of different styles. Changing it up gives me the variety I need and allows me to collect everything I love. Remember you don’t have to use everything every year and it’s ok to have traditions you may not share every year. I personally think it makes it even more special in the years you decide to use them.   

Handmade cookies made by Nenas Sweet bites. She’s a sweet local mama creating yummy treats and she’ll deliver! It makes a great gift or perfect for your parties.

My little hot cocoa and warm drink station. I keep this little area all year round and change it with the season. It gives me the joy to see every morning and I love my boys really use it and look forward to the little treats I add to it! If you haven’t figured out by now I love to collect fun little treasures that add fun for the seasons. So, unfortunately, SOME OF THE ITEMS ARE NO LONGER available. I’ll link some similar things in my Amazon Boards Here. Our Coffee corner for Halloween  Here & Here 

This is the easiest appetizer to create and a huge crowd pleaser!

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

1 pound bacon cut in thirds

1 1/2 cans of chunk  pineapple (I like Dole)

Toothpicks

Lined cookie sheet with tin foil, sprayed with nonstick spray.

Pre-heat oven 375

Cut bacon into thirds, take a piece of cut bacon and wrap around 1 chunk of pineapple secure with a toothpick and set on cookie sheet. Repeat until all bacon is gone. (double recipe if having a large crowd) THESE GO SUPER FAST!

Place cookie sheet in pre-heated on 375, cook until crisp.

I like to serve warm!

Tips for Hosting for the Holiday’s

I like to serve pitcher drinks it makes it easy to serve and is a great alternative to having a full bar. (plus you’re not opening that invitation to drink too much)

This also makes for easy helping yourself and you’re not stuck behind the bar! ( I do however occasionally like to play the bartender at our parties, I get to chat with everyone attending 😘) One of my favorites pitcher punches to serve.

Cocktail Punch

Vodka

Pineapple juice

Cranberry juice

Sparkling lemonade

Garnish with Cranberries and a sprig of rosemary

Add all to a pitcher and stir! Pour in a glass over ice! Pre garnish the glasses with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary in the summer garnish with a lemon slice.

Items I love to keep in my pantry and fridge for easy entertaining or friends popping by.

You can always wow them with a charcuterie board! Who doesn’t love a great cheeseboard♥️

Assorted cheeses

Block of cream cheese

Salami & assortment of meats

Olives black and green

Assortment of Crackers

(Some of the crackers we love, wheat thins, chicken in biscuits, sea salt pita chip, Breton round crackers)

Fresh fruit apples, grapes, and berries!

Chocolate

Nuts -almonds, peanuts, cashews

Jalapeño Raspberry Jam

Hummus

Some veggies (I always have baby carrots and cucumber)

Pillsbury croissants

(Most of these items have a long shelf life)

With these items you can create a ton of quick and easy Appetizers from a Charcuterie board, veggie platter, fruit skewers, fancy cheese, and meat cracker stack,  my favorite Raspberry & Jalapeño jam Cream cheese dip served with crackers (photo below) Dill cream cheese Croissant recipe Here!

Keeping these items on hand also makes it easy for you to come up with a quick “dish to share” for that party your not hosting!

Happy Holiday’s and may you entertain with ease this year. OX, D’Arcy