3 Easy Ideas For Your New Year's Eve Dinner Party

 

Image Credit: TerriC from Pixabay.

With how special the occasion is, there’s no reason not to hold a dinner party for New Year’s Eve. Why not take in the new year with a good meal and good friends? If you think this would take a lot of effort, you could be wrong. It only has to be as complicated as you let it be.

With a few ideas for your New Year’s Eve dinner party, you can make it much simpler. That’s especially true for the food, which can be much simpler than you’d think. You don’t need to compromise on how the food tastes, as three simple dishes can be quite tasty.

It’s worth having a look and getting some inspiration for your New Year’s Eve dinner party.

Ideas For Your New Year's Eve Dinner Party: 3 Easy Options

1. Rice Chicken Soup

A good panera copy cat wild rice chicken soup recipe can go down perfectly for all of your guests and doesn’t take much effort to make. It’s mouth-wateringly delicious, so there’s no reason not to consider it.

While this is best served as an entree and not the main meal, it’s more than enough to get your guests feeling good and get them excited for the rest of the meal.

2. Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine alfredo always goes down a treat, and it isn’t too complicated to make. It’s one of the simplest ideas for your New Year’s Eve dinner party to consider. The only trick to this is the sauce, but that shouldn’t even take much effort to make. All you’ll need is some cheese, cream, garlic, and butter.

Leave to cook for a little while, and your fettuccine alfredo will go down a treat. The dish should only take about a half hour to make, so you shouldn’t be rushed off your feet.

3. Honey Glazed Salmon

Salmon doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves. It’s one of the tastiest meats you can cook, even if you don’t have a sauce with it. Since it’s New Year’s Eve, it’s naturally worth taking it a step further, but you don’t need to get too complicated with it.

With some honey and a bit of lime, you’ll have everything you need to make a perfect honey glazed salmon. Add in some flour, and you’ll make it quite crispy. As simple as it sounds, it’s sure to satisfy your and your guests’ taste buds. All it takes is a few minutes to marinate, and you’re good to go.

Ideas For Your New Year's Eve Dinner Party: Wrapping Up

Coming up with ideas for your New Year’s Eve dinner party can seem complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. With the food, it’ll be much simpler and more straightforward than you’d think. All you’d need to do is focus on the right dishes so you don’t have to put much effort in while making sure everyone loves the food.

Honey glazed salmon, rice chicken soup, and fettuccine alfredo can be some of the more notable of these. You’ll be sure to please all your guests without needing to run around the kitchen all night.

What Should I Do With All My Seasonal Leftovers?

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Well, eat them, of course! That said, it can be hard to know what to do with small elements of your leftovers if they’re all placed in little tubs and have no real purpose in a much larger recipe. Moreover, some ingredients can last longer than others in the refrigerator, and on top of this, you may or may not have had a traditional seasonal meal or set of meals over the festive period.

For this reason, understanding what to do with your seasonal leftovers can be a hard task. But don’t worry, in this post, we’ll discuss a few measures you can use to decide exactly that. Without further ado, please consider the following advice:

Make The Best Sandwiches Possible

You can make the best sandwiches with any leftover meats and vegetables from your holiday meals. There are countless alternatives for transforming your leftovers into mouthwatering sandwiches, whether you choose traditional options like turkey with cranberry sauce or more original combinations like ham and pineapple. Stuffing, roasted vegetables, and other softer foods can be delicious in between a fresh baguette purchased from a local barkery, so don’t think you have to slop everything into two small pieces of bread. 

Add your preferred sauces and toppings after layering your remaining components and you’ll really take it up a notch. Have fun, experiment, and use up those leftovers. For a crispy and tasty variation, you may also try grilling your sandwiches in a skillet. Sandwiches are a tasty and practical way to use up your leftover Christmas ingredients, and work no matter if they’re hot or cold.

Delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup

You can make a fantastic stuffed pepper soup with any leftover ground beef and vegetables from your holiday meal. Simply brown some onions and peppers in a pot, add the remaining vegetables and ground beef, and then toss in some broth and canned tomatoes. Alternatively, you can follow this stuffed pepper soup recipe which is utterly delicious and a real treat to both enjoy alone or share with the family. This way you can use up all of those smaller veggies you may have had beforehand and aren’t sure what to do with.

Make A Delectable Casserole

Making a nice casserole is a wonderful way to use up your leftover holiday supplies. You can make a filling and savory casserole that will feed a crowd out of any leftover vegetables, ham, or turkey. Turkey and broccoli casserole, ham and cheese quiche, and sweet potato and black bean casserole are all delicious and you’ll be asking for seconds in no time. Just arrange your unused ingredients in a baking dish, top with cheese or a creamy sauce, and bake the casserole until it is hot and bubbling. The good thing is that casseroles tend to improve in the refrigerator, so ironically you’ll have leftovers, but leftovers that are enjoyable and simple to eat this time around, as you’ve combined them into one delicious meal.

With this advice, you’re sure to turn all of your seasonal leftovers into an amazing meal we’ll be jealous of.

15+ Paper Plate Crafts for Kids

If you are looking for easy ways to keep the kids entertained on a cold winter day; this is the place for you! I have found some really fun paper plate craft ideas for kids that are perfect boredom busters! These are all fairly easy, and kids of all ages will have fun with these ideas! Be sure to click thru the links for the tutorials.

BB8 Paper Plate Craft by Attachment Mummy

This paper plate craft is perfect for Star Wars fans! It comes together with basic supplies and includes

a free printable template to make it easy for all skill levels.

Paper Plate Fruit Fans by Family Focus Blog

These fruity fans are the perfect way to beat the summer heat with a craft that kids of all ages can enjoy! 

Alien Spaceship Craft by Easy Crafts for Kids

This craft is so cute it is practically out of this world! It all starts with a little imagination and a paper plate.

Mermaid Twirlers by Red Ted Art

These cute little mermaid twirlers are nothing short of adorable and they are bound to make a splash

during craft time!

Yellow Submarine by Lil Tigers

This craft is so creative and gives kids an ocean view like they were diving in a submarine! 

Paper Plate Sunshine Craft by The Soccer Mom

This is the perfect craft for a rainy day! It is bright, colorful and spreads cheer to all who see it!

Space Themed Plates by Glitter on a Dime

Kids who love outer space will be over the moon for this easy paper plate craft that proves that the sky's

the limit to their creativity!

Rainbow Fish Craft by Two Pink Peonies

Pair storytime with a colorful and engaging craft! This rainbow fish craft is perfect for preschoolers!

Paper Plate Woven Bowls by Craftsy Hacksy

This introduction to weaving makes for a great paper plate craft! This is a great craft to make and share

with someone special!

Paper Plate Monkey by Mom Wife Busy Life

This paper plate craft is so cute you might go bananas for it! Kids of all ages will love to make their own

monkeys!

Rainbow Mickey Mouse Craft by Grace Giggles and Naptime

This Mickey Mouse craft is so colorful and cute! Kids are sure to be all cheers for this craft with Mickey

Ears!

Paper Plate Snakes by Mom Brite

This cute and easy craft will slither into your heart! Kids will love making these paper plate snakes!

Paper Plate Animal Masks by Crafts for Toddlers

These masks are so much fun for little kids! They can make a craft then engage in dramatic play for a

really great afternoon!

Snow Globes by Ottawa Mommy Club

These are perfect for kids! A snow globe they can handle with no feat of breaking it, and they are adorable

too!

Eric Carle Inspired Cats by Moms Who Save

This is a visually stunning craft that is perfectly paired with an Eric Carle story! Save this idea for a rainy

day activity for kids of all ages.

You can find more fun paper plate crafts here:

Paper Plate Lions

Paper Plate Witch

Paper Plate Crowns

Top Tips For Booking A Trip To America on a Budget

 A lot of us take pleasure in and have a real passion for travelling, but it is also true that it can grow rather expensive. The following are some suggestions that will assist you in organising a holiday that will not only be exciting and unforgettable, but will also be kind to your purse.

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1. Set A Budget

Establishing a financial plan is going to be the first step that you will want to do. You will have a much better understanding of how to make certain that you are able to include the most important components of your holiday without going over your budget if you determine a precise number early on in the planning process. You can accomplish this in a few different ways, and which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. The first method, which is also the simplest, is to simply establish a rigid maximum limit for the amount. It is likely that shorter excursions with only one location will benefit the most from this option. It is the method that is both the quickest and the least complicated. On the other hand, it may restrict your choices in the event that unexpected developments arise at the very last minute.

2. Consider what your perfect vacation looks like

Once you have decided how much money you are going to spend on your trip, the next step is to determine what it is you want most out of your time away from home. This is crucial because it will make it much simpler for you to prioritise the components of the holiday that are most important to you and to determine which aspects of the holiday can be compromised. When it comes time to plan your perfect holiday, one thing you will not want to forget to take into consideration is anything that can be a "deal-breaker." Camping, for instance, might be an excellent way to cut down on the costs associated with lodging. However, if you are not the type of person who enjoys sleeping under the stars, you should probably look at other areas of your holiday that can help you save money. Be truthful with yourself in this area, but also be willing to make concessions on certain matters of lesser significance.

3. Formulate your plans

Tours are a practical and time-saving approach to ensure that you experience the greatest aspects of your trip; yet, they may also be quite expensive. You should know that making a reservation for a tour is a possibility for you for a number of different reasons. In certain locations, the presence of an expert tour guide is either obligatory or strongly recommended for reasons relating to public safety. In addition to this, they will be able to provide you with detailed information regarding your destination, and reserving a tour will make the process of making travel arrangements much more streamlined. However, if you are ready to put in some extra work in the form of study and planning, venturing out on your own in many different locations can not only save you money but also provide a one-of-a-kind, customised experience.

4. Get off the beaten track

It is not uncommon for some of the most popular tourist destinations to be busy and expensive all at the same time. Even if it might not be a terrible idea to include some well-known activities on your schedule, you should not be scared to venture to other sites that are not as well known - car rental orlando airport will make things much easier. When compared to more popular tourist destinations, many of these "hidden gems" will offer significantly lower prices or even be free of charge.

Fruity Pebbles Bark

 This no bake treat couldn't be easier! It is fun to make and gift to friends. Kids especially love this bark recipe because it is so colorful. In fact, this fruity pebbles bark is so easy you should totally get the kids involved in making it!

Bark is my bag this year. I have been making it a lot because my husband is a candy addict, and I refuse to make a special candy run for him every evening. Instead I make something like this once a week to satisfy his need for sweets. This recipe is so easy. And it is unique. It has sweet elements, soft parts, and a perfect crunch. 

Ingredients:

1 cup of fruity pebbles cereal

½  to 1  cup of fruity mini marshmallows 

2 cups of white chocolate chips

1 teaspoon of crisco (or coconut oil)

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pour fruity pebbles cereal on the baking sheet.

Sprinkle mini fruity marshmallows over the cereal. If you love fruity marshmallows, add a cup. Otherwise

, a ½ cup is enough.

Pour the white chocolate chips into a large heat safe bowl.

Add crisco or coconut oil to the white chocolate chips.

Using a double boiler or the microwave, melt the chocolate chips, stirring often, until they are melted

“smooth”.

Pour the melted white chocolate chips over the cereal and marshmallows and allow to harden.

Break into chunks and enjoy!

If you need a quick and easy homemade treat to share with friends at a party. Or maybe a homemade gift that you can make in a minute, this is perfect for that! 

Store it in an airtight container or in decorative bags.

This works anytime of year, not just at the holidays. Anyone who loves fruity pebbles cereal will love this easy homemade candy.

While you are here check out some of these favorite recipes using cereal.
Cocoa Pebbles Smoothie
Cocoa Pebbles Treats
Fruity Pebbles Treats

Crumbl Copycat Golden Graham Cookies

Looking for a really good cookie recipe? These golden graham cookies are just what you need. They have such a lovely flavor and are perfect for anyone who loves cereal and milk. These are even better than Crumbl cookies! I think it is safe to call these a copycat crumbl recipe.

I love to bake cookies, muffins, biscuits and even popovers. It is my dream to someday have a bakery of my own where I can spread cheer and cookies all around. 

Well, until that happens, I keep myself happy coming up with recipes like this one. It is perfect for creating huge, delicious cookies with a wonderful texture. These are so big you can only make 6 to a cookie sheet and you will need your ice cream scooper to form them!

Bake these for a friend, to share with family or for a bake sale, and prepare for compliments! Go on and pin this recipe for later because you are going to want to make these all the time!

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1 c salted butter, softened to room temperature

1 ½ c sugar

2 large eggs

2 ½ c flour

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

1 ½ c crushed golden graham cereal

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a cookie sheet with a silicon baking mat or parchment paper.

Add butter and sugar to a medium mixing bowl. Beat for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla, mix for 1 more minute.

Add baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix for 1 minute.

Add flour and mix until you can’t see any flour in the dough.

Crush the golden graham cereal with a food processor.

Add the crushed cereal to the dough and mix for a minute

Use an ice cream scoop to make large dough balls.

Place them 6 to a cookie sheet.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

When the cookies are completely cool you can add glaze or frosting to them.

Garnish with golden graham cereal.

Glaze

1 ½ c powdered sugar

¼ c softened butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tbsp of half and half of milk.

Add the powdered sugar and butter to a mixing bowl. 

Add vanilla and 1 tbsp of milk or half and half.

Begin mixing.

If your glaze feels too thick add an additional tbsp of milk and continue to blend until you achieve the desired consistency.

These cookies are SO GOOD. I think they are even better than CRUMBL cookies!

These would be incredible for a cookie exchange, or to add into your cookie tray at the holidays. But, these are awesome anytime of the year. So don't wait for the holidays to roll around to bake this recipe.

Look at those scrumptious cookies! They are great with both milk and coffee. They have a wonderful flavor!

You can find all of my dessert recipes here

Homemade Rice Pudding

Instant Pot Banana Rice Pudding

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats

More copycat recipes:

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Tips To Fulfill Your Home-Buying Resolution This New Year

 As the New Year approaches, you will probably have a list of personal and financial resolutions. Buying a new home may be on it for the year ahead. While it is the best thing to do for your future, you must realize that it requires a lot of preparation. You cannot jump on the first deal you like, even if you are financially ready. Planning puts you in a good place, so you must know the basics before diving in. Let us share some valuable tips for fulfilling your home-buying resolution this New Year.

Create a wishlist

Creating a wishlist for your dream home gives you a good start, as it enables you to narrow down your searches once you start looking for a property. Of course, it also helps you decide on the budget for the purchase. Look for the essentials, such as an optimal size, location, and features. For example, you may want a large house for your family of six in a safe neighborhood. Check features like toddler safety, elderly needs, and sustainability for a dream home.

Prepare your finances

Besides knowing what your dream house should look like, you should be financially ready. The New Year is the best time to look at your finances and understand whether you are in a good place to go ahead with the resolution. Ideally, you must have 20% of the buying price (budget) in your savings fund as a down payment. Check your credit score because a healthy one ensures easy mortgage availability.

Seek expert assistance  

Home buying is a complex task, so you should not even try doing it alone. Seeking expert assistance eases the journey and saves you from costly blunders. Look for a real estate agent to help you shortlist the best properties and guide you about the market. Having a conveyancer by your side during the purchase helps you deal with documentation and legal steps. You can Get a conveyancing solicitor quote to bring an expert on board without breaking the bank. With experts reviewing the title paperwork, you can seal the deal without stress.

Get your documents in place

Another step to fulfill a home-buying resolution this New Year is to get your documents in place. Not having them can delay your mortgage process, and you may even end up losing a dream deal. Typically, you will require your IDs, income statements, and bank statements for the borrowing process. But the document list can get overwhelming when you need them for a quick mortgage deal. Having all your stuff in one place can save the hassle.

Understand the real cost of home-buying

Getting educated about home-buying should also be on your resolutions checklist because it goes far beyond your imagination. You must understand the real cost of home-buying to keep your budget on track. Be ready for additional expenses like stamp duty, realtor’s commission, closing fees, homeowners’ insurance, maintenance, and taxes. Add them to your budget to get a realistic amount from the outset.

Buying a home is an easy-to-fulfill resolution, provided you plan and prepare well. Follow these tips to own the house of your dreams this New Year.