holding tight to traditions with a tweak or two:
i grew up in a family where there are too many of us to keep count! (on both my mother & fathers side) my amazing grandmothers, cooked and baked for days in preparation and supported the notion, "the more the merrier" - like they invented it! typical, always ready to feed an army! and, you know i think it makes for warmth and a good time!
families these days, they are extended, they are bigger and better! friends and neighbors, distants relatives and out of towners join in the mix and that mix brings cheer and lots of love to your home!
as i'm getting older and starting to lay roots into my own traditions while carrying out what my family has passed down to me, i truly love christmas eve! my theory is almost an open door policy, bring yourself, an appetizer, a cake or a bottle of wine. join in on the laughter, play games, tell stories and soak up the season! i enjoy a more casual and fun environment with music and dancing. almost like a cocktail party!
easy peasy entertaining tips for the hostess:
1) set up for a buffet, makes for a better flow of traffic,
your guests will feel comfortable and at ease. we call this "picking" in my home. everything stays out all night and everyone can eat as they please!
2) cocktail party style, set up a bar for your guests! (even for the little guys) head to your local dollar store for festive cups and straws. make a signature drink!
( recipe for Christmas Sangria will follow this post)
3) unless the queen of england is coming to your table, you can and should use that damned paper & plastic ware. it is festive & much less of a hassle for clean up!
4) if you are anything like me, i'm sure your home is decked to the nines. you may think your table doesn't need much i say: don't be shy: formal or informal setting, a centerpiece is always great! it could be something as simple as ornaments in a vase!
5) craft with your guests! set up a simple and unique table for the younger children who will be at your party, let them make gingerbread houses or christmas trees made out of peppermints!
6) bake, bake, bake - i'm no cake boss, but i do throw down on treats!
turn the simplest of treats into a festive one!
red & green rice krispie treats, chocolate covered pretzels or
white/ vanilla cupcakes with a candy cane to represent the north pole,
strawberries dipped in chocolate with red or green sprinkles.
be sure to always make your traditions apart of your holiday and maybe this year you will incorporate some of my fun and festive tips! (take pictures so i can see!)
wishing you all the merriest & brightest of holidays
looking forward to catching up with you for new years!
<3 <3
