Happy happy Monday friends! We had a jam packed weekend filled with holiday cheer and I can hardly believe it is already Monday- and only 12 days until Christmas. We had two holiday parties, a church Christmas program, a live nativity and The Sweets saw Santa yesterday. There were no tears for the first year. Such big boys!
Even with all of that holiday activity, this past weekend my parents had the Sweets over to spend the night on Saturday night so we had the house to ourselves. #cuetheconfetti Normally when this happens, the Big Sweet and I would just run out to a restaurant to grab dinner. But this time it occurred to me that it really is such a rare occasion to be able to host friends at home without the kids home so we decided to invite some friends over instead.
Now, you may be thinking, oh you must have cooked all day and stressed about cleaning and everything was perfect. But that is just not the case.
We ordered pizza.
The house was tidy, but that was from 15 minutes of a cleaning swoop after the kids were gone.
We didn’t have fancy wine.
No one had to stress about bringing anything.
And I think everyone appreciated being able to avoid the crazy restaurants this time of year and just connect with friends.
But I did do a few simple things that I will share today that will hopefully encourage you to open your doors this holiday season. And not stress about it!
- Yes, we ordered pizza. But we still used our Christmas plates my mother in law handed down to me a couple years ago. Everything feels more fancy with festive dishes so don’t wait for big fancy dinners to use them.
- We got our fireplace repaired last week and it was so fun to make a fire. Honestly, it has been running since we repaired it! But if you don’t have a fireplace, here is my tip on how to still get the look of one. I have literally had this channel on for a week straight.
- Christmas music is a MUST! There are so many ways to stream Christmas music these days so there really is no excuse! I’ve had fun finding new music this year so I will try to do a post on that too.
- For an appetizer, I made a really easy and festive cheese plate with all kinds of yummy Murray’s Cheeses I found at Kroger. The selection really is outstanding and you can’t go wrong with all of the options. Now listen, I am not all fancy and when it comes to cheese I am no expert. But that is kind of the beauty, I don’t think you can go wrong. It’s fun to explore and test things out. Here are a couple I used on mine:
Cheese Platter Ingredient Ideas
- Murray’s Stilton with Blueberries
- Murray’s Havarti with Dill
- Murray’s Truffle Tremor
- Murray’s Black River Blue Cheese
- Murray’s Brie
Then I add in other fun items like:
- Charceuterie
- Grapes
- Sliced Deli Pickles
- Deli Mustard
- Local Honey
- Local Jams and Jellies
- Hot Pepper Jelly
- Strawberries
- Craisins
- Almonds
- Crackers & Fresh Breads
Today I want to encourage you to let go of the fears you may of hospitality and open your doors this holiday season. And to get the ball rolling, one lucky winner can win a $50 Kroger gift card to create your very own Murray’s Cheese Platter- just enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.
Merry Merry,
Heather
Totally agree with your entertaining style! No mess – no stress! Being relaxed is contagious and makes a great evening for all!
I try to do as much of the prep work and desert baking the day before. That way I have more time with my family. Thanks for the chance!
I try to be sure everything looks homey for all ages. Simple finger foods cut down on clean up, too.
Cheese platter and cocoa/coffee station are my favorite go-to ideas.
I do my best to plan ahead, make whatever dishes that I can prepare ahead, plus my “go to” dishes……always assorted cheeses, fruits and a variety of crackers. It is so easy to get stressed out during the holidays and I avoid that as much as possible. I love the holidays and do not want any stress whatsoever! Love your recommendations!
If I’m going to have a get together. I usually make all the cakes and pies the day before and put in fridge. I like to prep all my food as well. I like to peel my potato and cut and put in water and salt over night. I dry out my bread 2 days before for my stuffing. it take me 3 days to prep and make everything. but it usualy go smooth by doing a little each day. Then cook the day of.
I help my wife out in prepping stuff but I mostly let her do everything. She is an amazing cook. I help decorate the house.
This looks delicious! I love the variety of cheeses you used!
I plan ahead, do as much as possible ahead of time, and have a potluck by having guests bring an item.
My daughters and I have an annual cookie bake. When done I add a couple of savory snacks and invite a few friends. Voila….instant party.
Have everyone bring a dish.
Keep it simple! One year we served a big pot of chili, other years we have served breakfast – a sausage, egg, and cheese casserole. What people want most is the fellowship!
Stick to tried-and true recipes.
A simple tip for holiday entertaining is prepare food ahead of time so that your not stressed out the day of.
I make most the day before and heat the next day.
I try to make everyone’s favorite dish. Most of the time I make the pies early.
My daughter makes the dessert and I make the main meal.
we love preparing everything ahead of time and making extras of everything
Plan on something for everyone and put food out all night to balance the wine, beer and cocktails.
During the after christmas sales every year, I buy a lot of decorative throw a way decorative items for kitchen to ease with dishes and serving during the new holiday season.
Getting everything set up ahead of time 🙂
I like doing a cheese platter and veggies with dip. Ha e to have healthy munchies for waiting for the food.
Keep it simple! Just as long as it’s good, and there’s enough, the food doesn’t need to be fancy. Also make sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic beverage choices.
I try to Shop early, shop on line and then relax and enjoy family, friends, food and the
joy of the season and hopes for peace and health in the new year.
splitting up the task items between family members 🙂
Gotta also go with keeping the food simple and tried and true. Definitely what I’m doing this year! Thanks for the chance!
Have family help as much as possible and have fun!
don’t try to do all of the work yourself. Get everyone involved
I like to make up trays of finger food the day before. Veggies and goodies.
Ohhh we love cheese and Krogers. I feel less stressed this year and less cooking but still plenty of cooking! I noticed I’ve used 7-8 lbs of butter (I’m out) and about 10 lbs of flour, it was all fun!
I like to have food in the crock pot, so everything stays hot and no messy pans.
i always make a list of everything the week before so i can add or take things away as necessary
Who won?
Was the winner announced yet? Love your blog