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Southern State of Mind Blog by Heather

Staying In Is the New Going Out {$50 Kroger Gift Card Giveaway}

in Inspiration on 12/12/16

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.

murrays-cheese-platter

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.

murrays-cheese-plate

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!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4.  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

  1. Murray’s Stilton with Blueberries
  2. Murray’s Havarti with Dill
  3. Murray’s Truffle Tremor
  4. Murray’s Black River Blue Cheese
  5. Murray’s Brie

Then I add in other fun items like:

  1. Charceuterie
  2. Grapes
  3. Sliced Deli Pickles
  4. Deli Mustard
  5. Local Honey
  6. Local Jams and Jellies
  7. Hot Pepper Jelly
  8. Strawberries
  9. Craisins
  10. Almonds
  11. Crackers & Fresh Breads

cheese-plate

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!

cheese-platter-ideas

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.

Something tells me my New Years Eve will look very similar, although the boys will be home tucked in snug in their beds. Because Staying In Is the New Going Out!

Merry Merry,

Heather

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailHoliday Home Tour Blog Hop & Home Decorators Collection Giveaway! Default ThumbnailDreams of a Sitting Room (and a $100 Kohl’s Gift Card Giveaway!) House Divided Football Saturday {Printable and Giveaway} Gray Trellis Rug & AND MOHAWK RUG GIVEAWAY

34 Comments

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Comments

  1. AvatarCK says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Totally agree with your entertaining style! No mess – no stress! Being relaxed is contagious and makes a great evening for all!

    Reply
  2. AvatarBrenda Haines says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    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!

    Reply
  3. AvatarBeth says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I try to be sure everything looks homey for all ages. Simple finger foods cut down on clean up, too.

    Reply
  4. AvatarHS says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    Cheese platter and cocoa/coffee station are my favorite go-to ideas.

    Reply
  5. AvatarCarol Griffin says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    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!

    Reply
  6. Avatarjessica says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    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.

    Reply
  7. AvatarChris says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    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.

    Reply
  8. AvatarMaria says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    This looks delicious! I love the variety of cheeses you used!

    Reply
  9. AvatarShelley says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    I plan ahead, do as much as possible ahead of time, and have a potluck by having guests bring an item.

    Reply
  10. AvatarGail Bobel says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
  11. AvatarWill G says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Have everyone bring a dish.

    Reply
  12. AvatarBeverlyO says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 6:38 pm

    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!

    Reply
  13. AvatarAnnette says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    Stick to tried-and true recipes.

    Reply
  14. AvatarRachel says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    A simple tip for holiday entertaining is prepare food ahead of time so that your not stressed out the day of.

    Reply
  15. AvatarChris says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 11:26 pm

    I make most the day before and heat the next day.

    Reply
  16. AvatarJoyce says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 11:29 pm

    I try to make everyone’s favorite dish. Most of the time I make the pies early.

    Reply
  17. AvatarCheryl says

    Dec. 12, 2016 at 11:31 pm

    My daughter makes the dessert and I make the main meal.

    Reply
  18. Avatarann says

    Dec. 13, 2016 at 2:27 am

    we love preparing everything ahead of time and making extras of everything

    Reply
  19. AvatarCheryl says

    Dec. 13, 2016 at 4:35 am

    Plan on something for everyone and put food out all night to balance the wine, beer and cocktails.

    Reply
  20. Avatarlivivua chandler says

    Dec. 13, 2016 at 11:48 am

    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.

    Reply
  21. AvatarDonna says

    Dec. 13, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    Getting everything set up ahead of time 🙂

    Reply
  22. AvatarJessie says

    Dec. 13, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    I like doing a cheese platter and veggies with dip. Ha e to have healthy munchies for waiting for the food.

    Reply
  23. AvatarKristen says

    Dec. 13, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    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.

    Reply
  24. AvatarJoyce says

    Dec. 14, 2016 at 10:37 am

    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.

    Reply
  25. Avatarlinda says

    Dec. 15, 2016 at 12:13 am

    splitting up the task items between family members 🙂

    Reply
  26. Avatargreentopiaries says

    Dec. 15, 2016 at 7:05 am

    Gotta also go with keeping the food simple and tried and true. Definitely what I’m doing this year! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  27. AvatarLaura m says

    Dec. 15, 2016 at 9:05 am

    Have family help as much as possible and have fun!

    Reply
  28. Avatarmichael says

    Dec. 15, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    don’t try to do all of the work yourself. Get everyone involved

    Reply
  29. AvatarCollin says

    Dec. 15, 2016 at 11:55 pm

    I like to make up trays of finger food the day before. Veggies and goodies.

    Reply
  30. AvatarJune says

    Dec. 16, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    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!

    Reply
  31. AvatarAmy A. says

    Dec. 16, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    I like to have food in the crock pot, so everything stays hot and no messy pans.

    Reply
  32. Avatarjulie says

    Dec. 18, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    i always make a list of everything the week before so i can add or take things away as necessary

    Reply
  33. AvatarChris says

    Dec. 22, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    Who won?

    Reply
  34. AvatarJessica says

    Jan. 17, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    Was the winner announced yet? Love your blog

    Reply

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