Deck the Halls (and the Table): Your Guide to Effortless Holiday Entertaining

 The holidays are a time for joy, family, friends, and of course, delicious food! But between the gift shopping, decorating, and travel, hosting a holiday party can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow merrymakers! With a little planning and these tasty recipes, you can throw a stress-free and festive gathering that will leave your guests raving.

Appetizers: The Art of the Finger Food

The key to effortless entertaining is serving appetizers that are easy to make and eat. A beautiful platter of cheese and crackers is always a crowd-pleaser, but why not add a touch of holiday flair? Consider whipping up some bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites for a sweet and savory twist, or try elegant grape, walnut, and labneh crostini drizzled with spicy honey.

Don't Forget the Classics!

For those who crave tradition, there's always room for classic hors d'oeuvres. Deviled eggs get a festive makeover with a sprinkle of paprika or a dollop of caviar. Miniature quiches filled with sausage and cheese are a hearty option, while crostini topped with pesto and cherry tomatoes offer a burst of fresh flavor.

Here are some tasty holiday appetizer ideas to try. Click thru the links to find the full recipe. You will want to pin a few to your holiday party board.

Now, let's get cooking! Here are some recipe ideas to get you started...

Filet Mignon Skewers with Rosemary by Give It Some Thyme

Fried Crab Claws by The Cagle Diaries

Lemon Asparagus Tart by Barth Bakery

Zucchini Pastry Cupcakes by DIY Candy

Lentil Stuffed Mushrooms by Cook Eat Live Love

Cream of Sardine Tapas by A Taste For Travel

Chicken Liver Mousse with Bacon Jam by Went Here 8 This

Creamy Asparagus Puffs by Ketchup with Linda

Potato Roses by Curry Trail

Pesto Toast with Cannellini Beans and Potatoes by The Pypers Kitchen

Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Lima Crema Crostini by Cook What You Love

Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini by Tao of Spice

Mississippi Sin Dip by Spend with Pennies

Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Appetizers by The Castaway Kitchen

Baked Pears with Gorgonzola by Happy Kitchen

The Main Event: Make it Merry and Make it Easy

For the main course, you have options! A slow cooker is your best friend during the holidays. Toss in a roast with vegetables and let it simmer while you decorate or wrap last-minute gifts. Stuffed shells or a vegetarian lasagna are great crowd-pleasers, and can be prepped ahead of time.

Think Outside the Box (or Casserole Dish!)

Feeling adventurous? Offer a selection of international flavors! A platter of hummus and pita bread with various toppings is a crowd-pleaser, and pairs well with festive cocktails. For a heartier option, consider a sheet-pan curry with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.

Sweet Endings: A Delicious Tradition

No holiday party is complete without dessert! Opt for a classic like chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies cut into festive shapes. Mini cheesecakes or a cranberry crumb pie add a touch of elegance, while a simple fruit salad with a drizzle of honey is light and refreshing.

The Final Touches: It's All in the Details

The key to effortless entertaining is creating a festive atmosphere. String some fairy lights, put on a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes, and light some scented candles. Don't forget to set out festive napkins and plates – even small details can make a big impact!

With these recipes and tips, you're well on your way to throwing a holiday party that's both merry and manageable. So relax, gather your loved ones, and savor the delicious memories you'll create together!

Find my favorite holiday posts here:

Mickey Mouse Gift Tags

Holiday Breakfast Recipes

Christmas Cheesecake Recipes

Christmas Gnome Craft

Hocus Pocus Snack Ideas

 If you are planning to host a Halloween Hocus Pocus watch party, you are going to want to make these easy Hocus Pocus Snack Ideas! From a charcuterie spread that is to die for, to a life potion pudding cup recipe that will send your guests into a bubbling delight, this list has something for everyone. I can't wait to see which of these recipes you try first! 

Hocus Pocus Snack Platter

Photo credit: The Soccer Mom.

A few rounds of brie, some fruit, cookies and candy are all you need to make this adorable and delicious sweet snack platter. The Sanderson sisters are a nice touch to make this snack stand out from the others.

Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus snack platter

Hocus Pocus Marshmallow Pops

Photo credit: House of Nash Eats.

This simple snack idea makes a great addition to a Halloween or Hocus Pocus watch party. With layers of colorful candy over top of marshmallows, these sweet treats are fun to make, eat and share.

Get the recipe: Hocus pocus marshmallow pops

Black Flame Cakes

Photo credit: Cutefetti.

This cute idea is the ultimate easy snack for a Hocus Pocus viewing. You don’t need to do any baking; just get a package of snack cakes at the store and add a few touches.

Get the recipe: Black flame cakes

Life Potion Pudding Cups

Photo credit: Mooshu Jenne.

Dress up pudding cups to be the perfect Halloween snack. This recipe is decorated to look just like the iconic life potion from Hocus Pocus. Your family and friends are going to bubble over at the sight of these!

Get the recipe: Life potion pudding cups

Hocus Pocus Cupcakes

Photo credit: Simplistically Living.

Make some cupcakes with a cute little spellbook accent to share your love of Halloween, desserts and the iconic movie Hocus Pocus. This is the perfect treat to share at a party or to give yourself a break from candy without denying your sweet tooths desires.

Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus cupcakes

Hocus Pocus Cookies

Photo credit: Bake Me Some Sugar.

Bake a batch of buttery cookies and decorate them with Hocus Pocus designs for the best Halloween treat. This easy to follow recipe will help you create designs for all of the sisters plus the spell book for an array of enchanting options.

Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus cookies

Hocus Pocus Dessert Board

Photo credit: Homemade Heather.

With Binx the cat oreo cookies, spellbook brownies and creepy ghoul pretzel rods, this platter has a variety of treats that might cast a spell on you. Serve this at a party or as a way to sustain yourself as you hand out candy on Halloween night.

Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus dessert board

Halloween Hocus Pocus Milkshake

Photo credit: Trop Rockin’.

This vibrant green milkshake makes the perfect treat to enjoy during the Halloween season. It has big Hocus Pocus vibes with the best creamy flavor. You are going to love this lime sherbet shake with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Get the recipe: Halloween Hocus Pocus milkshakes

Hocus Pocus Punch

Photo credit: Crayons and Cravings

This orange mango punch has sparkling water and sherbet to make a colorful and delicious drink that the whole family will want to sip as they watch spooky movies or carve pumpkins.

Get the recipe: Hocus Pocus punch

Slime Filled Hocus Pocus Cookies

Photo credit: The Soccer Mom.

Chocolate cookies with gooey green slime make such a wonderful treat to bake and share for Halloween. These are great at a party, or bake them to share with the kids on a night at home. They will love the burst of green goo with each bite.

Get the recipe: Slime filled Hocus Pocus cookies

Find more fun Halloween ideas here:

Spooky Snacks and Sips for Halloween

Michael Meyers Cupcakes

DIY  Halloween Pallet Tree

Pumpkin Face Window Clings

Play Doh Ghost Ornaments

Four Ways To Make Halloween Fun For Your Family This Year

 Halloween can be a fun time of the year for all of the family. From dressing up to trick or treating, there are many ways that you can make this holiday exciting without it being too stressful or costly. Your family enjoys staying in for nice cozy activities, or they like to head out to drink and treat. 

Let's have a look at some of the easy ways you can make sure that Halloween is fun and packed full of memories this year: 

Have A Halloween Themed Movie Night 

A spooky movie night is a fantastic way to get into the spirit of Halloween together as a family. Get all your family together, make some popcorn, and choose a Halloween classic such as Hocus Pocus or Hotel Transylvania to create a cozy movie night with blankets and pillows. If you're feeling brave enough, you could even dim the lights to give your living room a bit of a spooky feel. Having some themed snacks such as Halloween cupcakes or toasted pumpkin seeds. If you have older children you can always watch a scarier film late in the evening too. 

Decorate Your Home 

Another great way to create a great atmosphere for Halloween is to transform your home into a mini haunted house. Get all of the family involved and decorate your front garden windows and living room with a few Halloween-themed items. You could even create some homemade decorations such as cutout bats, spooky lanterns, or paper ghosts. If you want to go the extra mile, you may even think about getting some outdoor inflatables to create a haunted garden display. Check out a Halloween store for all the latest trends and accessories.

Pumpkin Picking And Carving 

A great way to celebrate Halloween is to head out and go pumpkin picking at a local farm. Any farms now decorate and prepare their Farm for Halloween so that you can visit the pumpkin patch and experience a family-filled spooky day. Pumpkin carving is also a staple at Halloween, and it helps to bring the whole family together. Set up a carving station at home or set up a pumpkin painting station and decorate it with stickers.

DIY Halloween Costumes 

Rather than buying ready-made costumes from the shop, think about making your own. You can use all sorts from around your home. DIY costumes are great for children to get creative and for them to feel accomplished with piecing together their own outfit. 

For example, you could use an old bed sheet and turn it into a ghost. If you need some extra accessories, you might find a few things at a Halloween store for inspiration. 

Conclusion 

As you can see, there are many things that you can do to make Halloween fun for your family this year. Is there anything you would do? It would be great to hear about it in the comments below. 

5 Creative Family Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters

 Mealtime with picky eaters isn't always a fun challenge for everyone, especially when factors like hearing loss and sense of taste come into play. But with a little creativity and tenacity, you can whip up dinners that everyone in the family will just love. Here are five fun ideas that can turn dinner into an enjoyable experience for even the fussiest eaters.

Source

1. DIY Pizza Night

This one is fun and limtless for everyone involved! Let everyone create their own personal pizzas- with or without pineaplles. All you have to do is set up a toppings bar with a variety of ingredients like veggies, cheeses, and meats and this way, each family member can choose exactly what they want or don't want. And don’t forget about dessert pizzas! A family favourite

2. Taco Tuesday with a Twist

Tacos are always a family favorite because they’re easy to customize and they are so delicious. Offer soft and hard shell options and let everyone fill their own- and make sure there is enough for those that really like to dig in and get their hands dirty. Include a range of fillings from seasoned meats to beans and veggies. You might also want to consider offering some milder or more flavorful options, especially if someone in the family has hearing loss, which can sometimes be accompanied by changes in taste preferences. This ensures everyone has something they’ll enjoy and nobody feels left out.

3. Breakfast for Dinner

Sometimes, switching up the routine can make dinner more exciting and memorable. Breakfast for dinner is a hit with kids and adults alike- especially if there is bacon and french toast involved. Or maybe you like fluffy choc chip pancakes, scrambled eggs, and of course everything crispy. You can even add some fruit or yogurt on the side for a balanced meal or to create a sense of a dessert.

4. Build-Your-Own Salad

Salads don’t have to be boring! Set out a variety of greens, toppings, and dressings so each person can create their own masterpiece. This is a great way to sneak in some veggies while allowing everyone to have control over what goes on their plate. For family members who might be dealing with hearing loss and related sensory changes, offering a mix of textures and flavors can make the meal more enjoyable.

5. Homemade Quesadillas

Quesadillas are quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Use different cheeses, add in some cooked chicken or veggies, and serve with a side of salsa or guacamole. This is a simple dish that can be adjusted to suit varying taste preferences, making it ideal for families where some members might experience a reduced sense of taste.

With these ideas, you can create meals that cater to everyone’s preferences, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters look forward to dinner. By offering a variety of options and flavors, you’ll make mealtime a breeze.

Copper Accented Cement Leaf Faux Fossils

These stunning faux fossils are just the thing to make with a small amount of leftover cement. They add the perfect touch to your garden and are ultra easy to complete. They would also make a wonderful gift option.

I love to create stunning accents for my home and garden with cement. Over the years I have made quite a few gorgeous items, from a dessert stand that was show stopping, to adorable little toadstools and even jewelry holders.  

I love DIY projects that make use of items I have around the house. This one was perfect as it used a freshly discarded plastic lid, a small amount of leftover cement from a project at the house, and a leaf plucked from my yard.

I added the cement to the lid and tapped it level. I pressed a leaf that I found appealing, into the wet cement. Then I let it dry for 24 hours in the sun.

I carefully peeled the leaf out and painted the imprinted area with copper paint. I allowed it to dry for another 24 hours inside, to keep it free of dust.

It was easy to pop the cement disc out of the lid, but if yours is stubborn, you can cut the side with a box cutter or a knife. 

I thought about painting my leaf fossil green, but I had a little copper paint in my collection. I thought it would be interesting, and add a great pop of color to my lush green flower beds.

As you can see, I needed several coats of paint . But, in the end, it turned out pretty nicely.

Find more great cement projects here:

Cement spoon garden markers

Grass imprinted concrete garden art

Citrus Candles

If you are looking for a cheap and easy DIY that makes use of food scraps, adds elegance, and can be tossed after use, then you are going to love these easy candles. These are just the right size to burn on the deck in the evening and are so cute!

This project is so easy to complete. I had a few candle wicks and a small bag of wax melts to use. I also had a few bruised and battered citrus fruits. This idea was born from a way to add ambiance to a date night at home, by using items I already had on hand.

 

Directions:

Cut citrus fruits in half.

Discard all fruit until you are left with just the peel.

You could use fruits that you juiced for lemonade or limeaid.

Melt wax in the microwave, or in a double boiler over medium heat until it is liquid.

Pour a drop of wax into the peels and stick the wick into the peel.

Fill the peel with wax.

You can either poke a hole into a craft stick and feed the wick into the hole, or just wrap the wick around the stick to keep it in place.

Allow the wax to harden.

Trim the wicks, light and enjoy.

These will float, or just make a nice candle for on the porch that will burn down within an hour.

These also would make a nice gift to share with someone who invites you over to a bbq or for drinks.

They are also just gorgeous to watch burn!

After you make these once, you will want to reserve all of your beat up citrus fruits to make them again!

You can also make these with oranges if you have them on hand!

Find more favorite DIY projects here:

Fantastic flower projects

DIY Coasters

Dragonfly Charm Bookmarks