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

When You Should Buy Faux Plants Over Real Ones

 In interior design, faux plants sprout discussions among enthusiasts and homeowners alike. But although there’s always noise around these creations, there hasn’t been a conclusion about whether they’re better than real plants. 

The positive aspects of natural greenery are undeniable, but faux foliage has gained substantial ground in recent years. 

So, should you opt for faux plants instead of real ones? 

Let’s talk about it. 

Should You Decorate with Fake or Real Plants?

Unfortunately, we’re not here to solve this dilemma and tell you what you should do. Like most things, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. 

In many ways, there is no superior option because both have their merits and appeal to certain lifestyles. Ultimately, the choice hinges on what you value most in your home decor and how much free time you can dedicate to maintenance. 

Real plants bring an authentic connection to nature with seasonal changes and subtle imperfections. On the other hand, faux plants bring convenience and a polished appearance regardless of the time of year. 

When Should You Go Faux?

If you’ve never bought faux plants before, we can help you decide whether they’re right for you. The best way to do this is by looking at different aspects of your life.

Although your choice between real and artificial is a matter of personal taste, your lifestyle will play a big part in your decision. 

So, you should go faux if: 

You’re Busy 

When you’re chronically strapped for time and the world seems to spin faster each day, low-maintenance decor becomes more attractive. If you have a hectic schedule and limited time for plant care, fake plants would be the perfect option. 

While you may love the appearance of real plants, you must contend that they can become a pain to look after. You need to water them consistently and keep track of a watering schedule. Besides that, you may also need to prune and trim them. 

On the other hand, with faux foliage, you can have an evergreen plant that mimics natural growth with less than a few minutes of maintenance a month. Choosing faux will preserve your precious time and ensure your home remains green and beautiful. 

You Have Pets

If you have furry friends in the family, you’ll know how much mischief they can get up to when you’re not looking. Unfortunately, many houseplants can be a threat to your pet. Many common indoor plants are toxic to pets, so curious nibbling and chewing can lead to unwanted trips to the vet. 

Fake plants are a good solution for pet owners who seek a safe option as a compromise. By opting for artificial greenery, you can create a pet-friendly environment without sacrificing aesthetics. And if your pet gets into the leaves again, you won’t have to worry about them vomiting or falling ill. 

You’re On a Budget

Real foliage is stunning. But buying more than a few houseplants for your home may burn a hole in your wallet. Real plants can often be costly because you’re not just paying for the plant itself. Instead, you're paying for ongoing expenses like soil, fertilizer, pruning and watering equipment, etc. 

So, if you want to tighten your purse strings, artificial greenery may be your way out - an economical yet satisfying alternative. Once purchased, fauxliege requires no extra investment. In turn, this makes it a budget-friendly choice for improving your decor and staying within your means. 

You’ve Got Allergies

While real plants contribute to improved indoor air quality (albeit not as much as you’d think), they may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers. Pollen and mold from live plants can trigger discomfort, sneezing, and coughing for sensitive people. 

On the other hand, fake plants are hypoallergenic, i.e. they don’t aggravate allergies and don’t release pollen. Besides this, fauxliege doesn’t attract bugs and critters, either, so you won’t have to worry about insects or bacteria flying around in your home. 

You Lack Natural Light

Sadly, ample natural light can’t be front and center in every home. In some homes, you may lack the brightness live plants demand. So, if you chuck your live plant in a dimly lit corner and expect it to thrive, you might be disappointed, to say the least. 

But, if you decide to go the artificial route, your faux plants won’t rely on sunlight for survival. This means you can prop it up anywhere without the environment affecting it. Even if you get a fake green wall panel, you won’t be bound by location, light, or temperature. 

In situations like these, going faux can bring brightness into the darkest corners. And who wouldn’t want that?

Conclusion

All in all, your choice should reflect your lifestyle and your individual preferences. In situations like these, you shouldn’t succumb to peer pressure. 

Take a long, rounded look at various aspects of your life and try to determine whether you really have time to commit to new obligations. If any of the points in this blog resonated with you, maybe you’d be better off with a fake plant.

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Deepen Your Chocolate Fix with Espresso Cookies!

Calling all chocoholics and coffee lovers! This recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cookies is the perfect meeting of your two favorite indulgences. The rich, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle kick of espresso, creating a delightful flavor combination that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

These cookies are easy to whip up, requiring just a few bowls and common pantry staples. They're chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, offering a textural contrast that's impossible to resist. Plus, with a touch of espresso powder in the dough, these cookies will give you a little afternoon pick-me-up alongside that decadent chocolate flavor.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup of melted butter

½ cup of dark cocoa powder

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder

1 ½ cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoons of baking soda

A pinch of salt

For rolling:

½ c sugar and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add cocoa and maple syrup to melted butter. 

Mix until well blended.

Add 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and egg to the mixing bowl, and beat for 1 minute.

Add flour, baking soda , espresso powder and salt. 

Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough.

Drop them one at a time into the espresso and sugar mix. 

Roll each ball around until completely coated with sugar.

Place the dough balls 3” apart on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
• Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies spread less and create chewier centers.
• Play with the chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

The reward? A batch of irresistible Chocolate Espresso Cookies that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends, or indulging in all by yourself.

So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious cookies. They're sure to become a new favorite treat!

I know you will agree the chocolate and espresso flavors blend perfectly together to make a great snack!

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. You won't need any fancy ingredients, and the process is quick and straightforward.

But don't be fooled by their ease – the espresso powder adds a surprising depth of flavor that will have you reaching for another (and another).

You can find more favorite cookie recipes here:

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

 

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookies

Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

Staying Productive As A Digital Nomad Doesn't Have To Be A Chore

 The rise of digital technology has changed how we work in a wide variety of ways, but one of the biggest changes, as of late, has been the rise of remote working. While it might mean working from a home office for some, others are taking the chance to work from wherever they can, even on their travelers. If you’re looking to try out that digital nomad life, ensuring that you’re able to work productively and effectively is vital. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

Link - CC0 License

Find the Places You Work Best In

One of the big benefits of remote working is being able to work where you choose. Different places, whether a bustling cafe, a quiet hotel room, or a co-working space, offer varying atmospheres that can either energize or distract you. Some people thrive in busy coffee shops with ambient noise, while others need absolute quiet to concentrate. Experiment with a few options and pay attention to your energy levels, focus, and productivity. Co-working spaces can be particularly useful because they offer reliable internet and a professional environment that encourages focus. However, if a more isolated or quiet space suits you, consider working from a hotel room or a rented apartment. The key is to select spaces that help you stay focused, motivated, and comfortable.

Set a Routine for Yourself

Without a set schedule, the digital nomad lifestyle can easily blur the line between work and personal time, which might harm productivity. Setting a clear routine can provide a rhythm to your day that enhances focus and keeps you on track. Choose the hours that align best with your personal peak productivity. Some people work best early in the morning, while others prefer late-night sessions. Structuring your day around these natural peaks in energy helps you tackle high-priority tasks more effectively. Create a morning routine, take regular breaks, and know when to wind down. A steady routine not only keeps you organized but also helps prevent burnout.

Be Mindful of Networks You Connect To

When you're constantly moving, you’ll often rely on public Wi-Fi, which can be risky. Many public networks in cafés, hotels, and airports are unsecured, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept data. To protect your information, download VPN for PC before connecting to these networks. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which prevents others from spying on your activity. By using trusted VPN services, you can keep your sensitive information safe, allowing you to focus on work without worrying about security risks.

Use Tools to Organize Your Time

Managing time effectively is key to staying productive while on the move. There are many time management and project-tracking tools available which can help you organize tasks, set deadlines, and monitor your progress. Other scheduling tools can assist with time-blocking, allowing you to set aside specific hours for focused work, meetings, and breaks. By using these tools, you can structure your tasks, avoid overwhelming yourself, and stay on top of deadlines even when navigating new environments. This planning frees up mental energy, making it easier to focus and accomplish your goals.

Know How to Block Out Distractions

One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is managing distractions, especially when you're in a new place. Practice techniques to stay focused, such as using noise-canceling headphones to block ambient sounds or playing white noise or focus-enhancing playlists if music helps you concentrate. Digital tools can also be helpful; apps like Freedom and Focus@Will can limit your access to distracting sites or apps during work hours. Creating a distraction-free environment is not always possible, but having strategies in place ensures you can stay productive regardless of location.

Set Clear Boundaries for Yourself

Setting boundaries is essential to maintain a work-life balance and prevent burnout. It can be tempting to work irregular hours or respond to messages at all times, but without boundaries, you risk exhaustion. Set designated work hours and communicate them with clients or colleagues. Once you’re done, give yourself permission to “clock out” and enjoy your surroundings. Create boundaries around your social time as well; as a digital nomad, it’s easy to become socially drained. Having limits helps keep your focus strong and your energy balanced, allowing you to stay both productive and motivated.

With the tips above, you can make sure that you’re ready for some of the challenges that digital nomads commonly find, and ensure that you’re working in the way that best suits you personally, as well as your work goals.

Favorite Cookie Recipes

 Anyone who knows me well knows that I am an avid baker. Here are a few of my favorite Cookie recipe that you can find here on my site. These are great for the holidays or anytime you could use a homemade sweet treat. All of these recipes are made with simple ingredients and are so easy that anyone could recreate them at home.

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookies

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Upgrade your next batch of sugar cookies by adding brown sugar and a hint of maple. The results are deeply delicious!

Get the recipe: Brown sugar cookies.

Golden Graham Cookies

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

If you like golden graham cereal, you will love these cookies! They are large, sweet and have a really great texture. These remind me of crumbl cookies, but are so easy to make!

Get the recipe: Golden graham cookies.

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

This bar cookie recipe is so good! With a tender cream cheese cookie base, and loads of frosting, this is sure to be a favorite sweet!

Get the recipe:  Cream cheese sugar cookie bars.

Cake Mix Cookies

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

This is such an easy and yummy cookie recipe! Make these with a cake mix and some peanut butter for a fast and flavorful option that is foolproof, even for those who don’t bake.

Get the recipe: Cake mix cookies.

Mint Chocolate Chip S’mores

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

This idea uses chips a hoy cookies, or your favorite homemade chocolate chip and makes them into the best s’mores! With a minty kiss you won’t be able to resist these gooey goodies!

Get the recipe: Mint chocolate chip s’mores.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Grab some shortbread biscuits and dip them for an easy upgrade to a pre-packaged snack. Add nuts, chocolate chips, or whatever you like!

Get the recipe: Chocolate dipped shortbread cookies.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

The combination of chocolate and cherries is perfect for the holidays, or anytime you need a chocolate fix. This recipe is a favorite with anyone who has the pleasure of sampling one.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies.

Find more of my favorite cookie recipes here:

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Unique and Tasty Tiramisu Recipes