There’s something about eating Chinese take-out food in those little white boxes that just adds to the over flavor of the meal.  You can recreate that same feel for a fun and unique spin on a holiday dinner party (or any other occasion for that matter) with your own supply of fun gift boxes!

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Want to find a way to bring a little extra cheer to your table settings and parties this holiday season?  Here’s a great tip for keeping those sets of cutlery together at large gatherings, whether at a sit-down meal or a buffet.

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Pulling off a holiday dinner takes many people weeks of planning, but even being caught off-guard, anyone can pull together a beautiful presentation with little effort.  Here are a few more ideas to try, even when time is of the essence!

1. For a unique centerpiece, take a serving tray and arrange pillar candles on it - an odd number is good, such as 3 or 5 candles.  These can be of varying heights and even colors.  Then, intermingle fresh evergreen sprigs, berries, ribbon, grapes, and even apples of varying colors and sizes.  When the food is ready to be served, simply remove the tray from the center to make room!
2. You can create fabulous fall decorations using scissors, a few markers and a brown paper bag or two.  Cut fall shapes, such as leaves or nuts, embellish with a small outline with marker, then use these for placecards, menu placcards, greetings on the door.  Embellish these with ribbon for a more formal feel!
3. Who says all the food has to be served onto the plate?  Embellish napkin rings with a bit of chocolate.  Simply melt white or dark chocolate candy and pour into leaf or other autumn-themed candy molds (these supplies can be found at your local craft store).  Once the chocolate is set, poke a hole through the top and thread the shape onto a wire.  Tie napkins up in satin ribbon, and attach the wired chocolates to the ribbon.
4. Will your group include a gathering of children?  Purchase jelly beans, preferrably in fall colors (although the kids won’t mind the color!).  Place several of them in clear plastic baggies.  Then, tie the baggies into corn husks (available at your grocery store) to create “indian corn” that is deliciously edible!

And, for a last-minute twist on the standard Rotel and cheese dip, try this recipe out!

Combine 1 pound of Velveeta or other similar cheese product, one package of frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained), 4 oz of cream cheese, 1 can Ro-Tel undrained, and eight slices of bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled in a large microwavable bowl.  Microwave on high for 3 minutes.  Stir and continue to cook in 30-45 second intervals until everything is melted and well-blended.  Serve hot with vegetables or chips.

Have a gathering coming up in the next week or so and need some fresh ideas for decorating?  Look no further!  Here are some great last-minute ideas to spruce up your church luncheon, family meal or community gathering! Read the rest of this entry »

One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving and Christmas is the leftover turkey.  While I am not a big turkey-eater to begin with, turkey leftovers are an entirely different story.  Here are a few of my favorite recipes to use with the leftover holiday trimmings.

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Most people think turkey and dressing at the mere mention of the word “Thanksgiving.” But, for many, turkey just doesn’t cut it.  There are some delicious alternatives to serving up the large bird during the holidays; check out some of these recommendations.

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Making things easy on myself is a priority, especially during a holiday celebration.  While I want the event to be special and memorable, I also do not want to spend my entire time in front of the stove or shuffling dishes from the oven to make room for more.  Here are a few of my favorite special side dishes that would be perfect (and simple) for your upcoming get-together!

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Want to move beyond the standard pumpkin pie this year?  Here are some wonderful alternatives to pies to serve your guests at Thanksgiving this year.  These are also great for travel-dishes as well!

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