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

The Best Holiday Films to Watch in the Heat for An Amazing Christmas In July Party

 

Christmas in July is similar to the Christmas holiday festival held in December but is celebrated in the middle of the year; come with decorations, sending 2024 Christmas cards, gifts, and holiday movies. With the current heat of summer, a Christmas in July party can help one cool off and enjoy the festivities at the same time. Below is a list of the best holiday movies to watch during Christmas in July celebration and why they are ideal.

The ELF

The Elf is one of the best Christmas movies that you can watch during the Christmas in July celebrations. The movie features Will Ferrell as Buddy the main character who was raised by elves in the North Pole, This movie is funny and heartwarming movie where the star searches for his true self and spreads the holiday spirit in New York. 

Why It's Perfect

The movie “Elf” is one of the funniest and joyful movies that you can enjoy as a family during this festive holiday celebrated on July 25th. Due to its happy and playful tone, the show can be watched during the summer while keeping the viewer in a light-hearted and cheerful mood.

Home Alone (1990)

This movie features an eight-year-old boy (Kevin McCallister). The boy finds himself home alone after his parents leaves to enjoy the holiday. He has to outwit two dimwit thieves and defend his house with the help of various traps. This is a good movie that you can enjoy with your kids during the Christmas in July festivity. 

Why It's Perfect

 There is a lot of fun in the mischief and adventure brought about in the movie “Home Alone”. If you want to escape the summer heat, the best option is to organize a family dinner and eventually watch this movie together. 

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989)

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a comedy film released in 1989. Griswold’s plan to have a big family Christmas as expected was bound to be a big disaster. The main actors are Chevy Chase and this is a comedy that explores how dysfunctional the family can be especially during gatherings.

Why It's Perfect

This classic provokes lot of laughter and feeling of nostalgia. It is just a reminder that every family gathering is a potential mess, no matter the time of the year.

The Holiday" (2006)

Besides sending business holiday cards to your colleagues at work, watching this movie can bring a sense of fulfilment during the Christmas in July celebrations. Two women from two different countries, United States of America and the United Kingdom, exchange residences for the Christmas holidays with the intention of leaving behind their respective problems in their relationships. Yes, they both learn to see life in a different way and of course, they each experience love in a way they never thought possible.

Why It's Perfect

In “The Holiday,” there is some romance, and snow, and the beauty of winter, which is perfect for giving the audience the feeling of Christmas in July. However, the movie is rated and is most probably not fit for younger kids. 

"Love Actually" (2003)

This movie is a comedy about selection of eight completely different couples and their experience of their intimate lives linked only by some connecting moments and placed in the month before Christmas in London, England.

Why It's Perfect

 ” Love Actually” can be cited as a multi-plot romantic comedy that is filled with messages and different appeals to the general audience. Being a comedy romantic drama, it will suit a mixed audience at your summer party very well.

Christmas in July Film

Christmas in July is a 1940 film directed by Preston Sturges following an ambitious clerk who was tricked into believing he has won $25,000 in a contest held by a coffee factory. The star began using his believed winnings to fulfil some of his dreams.

Why it’s perfect

Christmas in July movie blends perfectly with the July festival held  on 25th July of each year to celebrate Christmas. The movie fits the whole family gathering during these festivals which means you can watch with children and adults alike.

Holiday Breakfast Recipes: Start Your Day off Right

 The holidays are a time for family, friends, and good food. And what better way to start your day off right than with a delicious holiday breakfast?

Here are a few of our favorite holiday breakfast recipes:

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole by Dish In the Kitchen

Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls by Julie’s Eats and Treats 

Easy Breakfast Bake by Where is My Spoon

Chicken Pot Pie Buns by Dancing Through the Rain

Taco Crescent Ring by Frugal Fun Times

Sausage and Egg Crescents by Viral Recipes

Ham, Cheese and Broccoli Crescents by xoxo Bella 

Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups by Spend with Pennies

Meatball Bites by Knife and Paddles

Ham and Cheese Crescent Ring by Feast for a Fraction

Crab and Cream Cheese Cups by Centsless Meals

Gyro Pockets by 365 Days of Baking

Chicken Crescents by Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons 

Sausage and Cheese Crescent Squares by Grits and Gouda

Cream Cheese Veggie Pizza by I Heart Vegetables

These are just a few of the many delicious holiday breakfast recipes out there. So next time you're looking for a way to start your day off right, reach for one of these recipes and enjoy!

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect holiday breakfast:

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh ingredients will give your breakfast a bright and flavorful taste.
• Don't be afraid to get creative. There are endless possibilities when it comes to holiday breakfasts, so have fun and experiment with different flavors and combinations.
• Garnish your breakfast with festive toppings. A little bit of garnish can go a long way in making your breakfast look and taste more festive.

With these tips in mind, you're sure to make a delicious holiday breakfast that everyone will love. Here are some additional tips for making Christmas breakfast a breeze:

• Plan ahead. The night before Christmas, take some time to gather your ingredients and prepare any necessary dishes. This will save you time in the morning and help you relax and enjoy your breakfast with your family and friends.
• Delegate tasks. If you have children, get them involved in the preparation of Christmas breakfast. This is a great way to start their day off on the right foot and teach them about the importance of family and tradition.
• Don't forget the coffee! Coffee is a must-have for any Christmas breakfast. Make sure to have plenty on hand for everyone to enjoy.

With a little planning and preparation, Christmas breakfast can be a delicious and festive way to start your holiday. So gather your family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and make some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Check out these easy recipe ideas:

Unique Nachos

3 Ingredient Biscuits

Snickerdoodle Cake

Why Planning Your Holiday in Advance is the Best Move

 

Pixabay - CC0 Licence

We love spontaneity in our holiday trips. There is something special to grabbing your laptop or taking out your phone because a weekend just opened up and you’ve got a chance to travel. But sometimes, we forget how spontaneity is a double-edged sword. When you don’t have time to plan, you end up taking what you can get - and often, that’s not conducive to a great holiday. Instead, what we’re going to deal with today is the pleasure of taking your time to really plan a holiday, whether it’s overseas or domestic, and why it leads to a better break.

A tailored experience: Flexibility and variety

When you don’t have time to plan, your choices aren’t so much narrowed down as you just don’t have time to think about them. Planning in advance, whether it’s a couple of months or half a year, means you can get every detail right and remake any plans that don’t quite work. Instead of booking any hotel you can find with capacity, you can check out short term rentals that allow you to enjoy the break in comfort and research the area for places of interest. You can talk to whoever you may be traveling with and canvass opinion on what they would like to do, ensuring a holiday that suits everyone.

The financial edge: Save big by booking ahead

We’ve all seen TV plots where someone wins big brownie points by booking a spontaneous getaway to somewhere glamorous. “We don’t have time to pack, just pick something up at the airport”, they might exclaim. Yes, that sounds amazing. Right up until the moment the credit card bill lands and they get extreme buyer’s remorse. By planning a holiday well in advance, you may lose that Hollywood thrill, but you also lose the incredible mark-ups you’ll pay on travel, accommodation, and anything else that needs to be booked. Months ahead, you can usually get a great rental for the same price that you’d pay for a motel at 24 hours’ notice.

Reduced stress: Dodging emergencies and surprises

Booking opportunistically can lead to some great holidays, but can equally end with you walking into a series of less than pleasant surprises. You’ll just book a ride share from the airport to your accommodation? Great idea, but you picked the one weekend when the carnival’s in town and the few drivers you can get have raised their prices. Or something much simpler, like you call your friend to ask them to house-sit and they tell you they have a prior engagement. When you plan ahead, it doesn’t just make Plan A stronger - it gives you space to make Plans B, C and D too.

The joy of anticipation: Enhancing the experience

Building anticipation too much never helped anything, admittedly, but a dim gray day can certainly be enlivened by daydreaming about the trip that is on the horizon. If you’re waiting on hold for an interminable spell, time to Google pictures of the view from your holiday home! With weeks or months between booking and traveling, you could even learn some basics (and some less basic things) of the language of the place you’re visiting. You can create itineraries in your head and on paper, too. Studies have shown that anticipation can have a beneficial effect on your mental health, and it’s not hard to see why.

Gifts for Girls

I have shopped til I dropped this Christmas to bring you some of the hottest gift ideas for girls!

From dolls to sensory toys and even more, this list has something for every girl on it!

Samples were provided for photography.

Give the gift of a classic with the 14" Cabbage Patch Kid collection. These are so much fun for both kids and parents, because many of us likely recall getting one when we were kids!  These are about $40 and are available from Wicked Cool Toys.

Thinking putty is an awesome gift for girls of all ages. You can stretch it, fold it, tear it, bounce it and more. Give a sensory delight in a can with an assortment of Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty. Order it online for about $14 for a large tin.

Board games are perfect for gifting to girls this holiday season.  Amigo Games has some of my favorites for games because they are all fun and best of all they are affordable for all budgets. Titles like the L.l.a.m.a. card game and What the Heck will challenge and entertain girls for hours. without the screen! Get them online for under $10. 

If you need a gift for a girl who loves all things fancy, Get this really fun Find Your Fancy game. It is so much fun for little girls as young as 3 and brings the fun of Fancy Nancy on Disney Junior to life during family game night. Get this game from Ravensburger for about $25.

Kidi Star Dance is my favorite idea for kids this holiday season. It will keep them moving and playing hard, even on the coldest days when they are confined to the indoors. This system will teach kids dance moves and features games that can be played with a friend. It includes two motion sensored bracelets and a display for hours of dance party fun. Get this Vtech toy for about $50 from Walmart, Amazon or Target.

Chefclub brings kids into the kitchen for some early cooking lessons. This is a fun way to get kids interested in cooking in a kid safe, kid approved format.

Pound Puppies are another classic throwback gift idea for this year. I remember the year I got a little gray Pound Puppy of my own and how I screeched with happiness after opening it. If you had a similar experience, get one of these for your kids and relive a bit of your own childhood.  Get them from Amazon, Walmart or Target for about $20.

Boxy Girls make for a fun gift for girls who want to shop! You can shop and unbox with these fun friends to reveal some amazing surprises! Get  in on the fun online at the boxy girls website for about $20.

If you are shopping for a girl who loves Llama's she is going to be spitting happy with this Spitzy Llama. He is cute and he spits for a one of a kind experience. Find him at Target or Walmart for about $50 this holiday season.

Pomsies Lumies are sure to be quite the hit this year. They turn color into music for a fun, interactive play experience.  Get them from Target, Walmart or Kohl's for about $15.

Girls are going to want to collect all of the Boxy Babies this holiday. Get a few to fill her holiday with shopping and mystery surprises with these cute little ones.  Each baby comes with 2 surprises. Get them for about $20.

Fuzzikins are so much fun! You can color them again and again to make them as unique as possible. This is one of my favorite options because it goes beyond the one time use model of so many artsy toys. Get fuzzikins online for about $15 from the Play Monster website.

Turn the ceiling into a light show with this adorable Unicorn Playbrite. Featuring a sound activation feature and mix and match faces, this colorful and bright toy is a great gift idea. Get it online for about $20.

Blume dolls grow to meet you for a magical surprise. Get the Blume secret surprise garden and gift a new friend and a bunch of other surprises that will make a smile grow before your eyes! Get these cute kids toys online for about $27 from Walmart, Target or Amazon.

Vendees Atomic Rainbow Lip Balm by Horizon Group USA, gives girls a chance to mix & create their own shimmery, flavorful, layered lip balm creations. There are even some surprises included in the vendee machine. Get this from Amazon.

Cry Babies Blind Bottles are perfect for gifting this holiday season.  Each bottle has 8 accessories and a baby. Press her belly to see real tears! Get these at Target, Amazon and Walmart. Girls will want to collect them all!

Blume has a blind bag option that girls are going to love. Add a little water and see which friend will grow from the Blume pot. My 6 year old goes wild for these and naturally wants to collect them all. Priced at $10, these are a great stocking stuffer option from Skyrocket Toys.

If you need a gift for a girl that you know she is going to love, you are going to want to grab some fluffy cloudz from Compound Kings. This stuff is fantastic. It smells great and is available in several varieties, plus it is so much fun to squeeze, stretch and play with! Get it at Target, Michael's or online for about $5 a jar. Compound Kings also has some other fun slime options that girls will love this Christmas.

Girls that love unicorns are going to adore these adorable bedtime friends called Zoonicorns. They combine zoo animals with the fun of unicorns. These are a little whimsy, a little magic and a lot of fun. Kiss your zoonicorns nose and make a wish, and drift off to sleep with a cuddly friend. Order online from Wish Me for about $20.

If you need a gift for a little girl that loves babies, you are going to want to check out these adorable, collectible The Bellies babies. Each one has unique features like a bottle, a blankie and a birthmark. These are interactive and so adorable that they are sure to steal her heart on Christmas morning! Get them all online for about $30.

Flipazoo make for really fun gifts this holiday season because they are adorable, and even better than that, they are like 2 toys in one! Flip it inside out to reveal a super soft plushie. Flip it the other way to reveal a shiny and adorable friend, for those days when you need a little sparkle. Get them for $15 online at the Flipazoo site, or find them at Walmart.

Lil Shuckies are a party waiting to happen. Girls will love opening the shells and then harvesting "pearls' which they will collect to create a bracelet. These are so much fun that they are on my wish list too! Get them for about $13 a pack from Compound Kings.

If you need a fun stocking stuffer for a Leapfrog fan, grab some of the Rock It Twist Game Pack Eggs. These add games and learning activities to the Rock It Twist game system and are perfect for kids 8 and under. The game packs cost about $8 and you can get them at retailers such as Target, Walmart or from Amazon.

The boxy girls are so much fun to play with, collect and of course, unbox! Get this Target exclusive Boxy Girls studio for a ton of fun on Christmas morning, and beyond!

Give a gift she can play with and grow herself with the My Fairy Garden Nature Cottage from Play Monster. This is the cutest gift idea that girls of all ages are going to dig. Get it online or from major retailers like Walmart or Target for $25.

These Wowzer Surprise Polar Magic from the  Orbeez Wow World line are a fun option because they are contained yet tons of fun. Add water to the globe, wave your wand over it and see what friend is included. They are so cute that girls will want to collect them all. Get them from Maya Toys for about $6.

Girls want to get out and ride! So gift a special girl the coolest scooter on the block with this Globber Primo Plus Lights. It has light up wheels to make it awesome and a little safer. Get these for younger girls. Order it online for about $70.

If you have a girl on your list that loves to take selfies the Kidizoom Pixi is the perfect gift for her. She can snap selfies or photos of friends all day long without taking over your cell and camera roll! But it for about $55 from Walmart, Target or Amazon.

Add a great educational option to the gifts under the tree with a boxed set that works with Leap Frogs Leapstart Go system. Little learners are going to love discovering how the human body works in a kid friendly presentation. Get them online or from retailers like Walmart or Amazon .

Slimy unicorn smoothies are bound to be all the rage this holiday. This is so much fun to squish, squeeze and combine that girls won't be able to keep their hands off this Slimy Goop Squuez Pop. Get this fun offering from Horizon Group for about $5 at Target or from Amazon.

What could be more fun than a cuddly little new friend this Christmas? Only one thing; that little friend wrapped up in a tortilla, like a burrito. Cutetitos are portable, adorable and totally collectible. Get them from places like Best Buy, Walmart or Amazon for about $10 this holiday season.

Minnie's Walk and Dance Unicorn is nothing short of magical fun for girls who are fans of the Happy Helpers show. This duo dances, walks and sings! Find this animated offering from Just Play for under $40. You can find it at Walmart and Target as well as online.

Sometimes all you need is a baby animal to wrap up like a burrito. These adorable little toys are plush, perfect for cuddling and totally portable. Fit one in your pocket for on the go snuggles with a Babito from the Cutetito line. Get them from Target, Walmart or Amazon for under $14 for a 2 pack.

Make your favorite girls holiay hair-mazing with Series 3 Hairdorables.  These are so much fun to collect, and I love that each package is a mystery! Get them from Walmart, Target or Amazon for about $13 for a hair raising holiday!

KidiGo Walkie Talkies are perfect for kids who love adventure! Give them a chance to get outside and explore while putting their walkie talkies to use for communication. This set is easy to use and is sure to be a lot of fun. Get this V Tech option online or at retailers like Target, Walmart or Amazon for about $30.

If you have a girl who has been asking for a phone, but you aren't sure if she is ready yet, why not give her a Vtech KidiBuzz. It looks like a real phone. It an play music, take photos and video. It has games and it can connect to wifi, but it lacks the ability to make calls. It is a great option for a starter phone. Get it for about $80.

Girls love dolls, but Cry Babies take things up a notch with a baby that can cry! These are some of the cutest dolls on the market! Get them from Walmart, Target and Amazon for about $20.

Give a cute kid some awesome all season boots that are perfect for splashing in puddles, climbing snow mounds and more with a pair from Lone Cone. They have styles for little and big feet starting around $18. Get a Mommy and Me set, or just a kids pair from Amazon.

If you have a little fashionista on your shopping list, Pediped makes some adorable options for little feet. From styles for holiday dresses to plain comfy shoes, Pediped has so many styles to choose from. Order online.

Pluffle makes for a fun way to engage kids in sensory play this holiday season. Get a 2 pack from Educational Insights and give a cute kid in your life a way to mold, squish and mix a really fun to touch material! Order online for about $17.

Brick Mates are a fun twist on building. This kit is like Legos and puzzles come together for a creativity explosion! These give girls a chance to stack up works of art! Order online for about $20.

This holiday give a gift that is less clutter and does more for turtles by giving a gift that supports the Sea Turtle Conservancy . You get a folder of info about the turtles and a too cute photo of the turtle you adopt with your support. They also give you a little plush turtle to cuddle!