Hosting a Holiday Hullabaloo? Don’t let it Haunt You!
Entertaining can be a real treat, several great hostesses have shared some of their best party planning secrets, tips, recipes and words of advice on six different aspects of party planning -all guaranteed to make you “thankful” for such wonderful “treats”!
Plan, Plan, Plan!
Dedicated Party-Givers should be able to thoroughly analyze all situations, anticipate all problems prior to their occurrence, have solutions for all problems, and move swiftly to solve them when they arise. The perfect party requires a plan-budget, guest list, menu, shopping list and décor are all very important parts.
Billye Proctor Shaw
Details and Décor
Details are so important when decorating for the holidays. I like to carry my holiday décor all the way through my house, so that no matter where my guests end up there is some little something. We love to entertain at Halloween, it has become my favorite. I cut out small silhouettes of mice and place them on the stairway, drape cobwebs over plants and shelves-it all adds to the creepy décor for our annual Halloween party. Each year I go all out for this party-even the food and drink are a bit “haunted”. One year I severed Guac Barf and Eyeball olives, each year a new array of “devilish” treats await my guests. Celebrating and decorating for each of the holidays is important to us but who doesn’t remember how much fun it was to dress up and have fun at Halloween? We see it as an introduction to the holiday season ahead-why should kids be the only one to have fun?
Melanie Brown
Fabulous Party Food
Apricot Brie Tartlets
I buy Athenos mini fillo shells(HEB and United sell them), brie and apricot preserves. Place the tartlet shells on a cookie sheet, put a small piece of brie inside, top with a dollop of apricot preserves (you can use raspberry if you prefer) then place them in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes or until the brie is bubbly-watch carefully. They can be served right out of the oven or at room temp. They are scrumptious at any temperature and super easy and quick!
Leigh Black
Corn and Black Bean dip with Homemade Salsa
This is the best go to appetizer for me because everyone loves it- if I need to be gourmet I grill the corn and use fresh tomatoes, if not I start opening cans. It is devoured every time! Mix together a can of black beans, corn, two chopped tomatoes (fresh if possible, if not canned) a chopped avocado, purple onion, pinch of cumin, a chopped jalapeño and lime juice.
Salsa:
I throw all the ingredients in the blender-within seconds you’ll have one of the best salsas ever! Blend together the following: 1 can of Mexican style tomatoes, 1 bunch of chopped green onion,2 cloves of chopped garlic, 1 can of Herdez Salsa Verde, lime juice, a handful of cilantro and ½ of a seeded, chopped jalapeno.
I serve both of these with tortilla chips-baked for my health nut friends! If this needs to be fancy I serve it in a beautiful silver bowl or maybe a holiday bowl and platter. If it’s for nibbling on during Thanksgiving football, you can be sure it will be served on one of my many LSU serving pieces!
Dana Endsley
Brined and Roasted Pecans
These are my favorite go to appetizer! They are super easy and always a huge hit! Combine 2 cups of warm water and ¼ cup of sugar-stir until dissolved. Soak 2 ½ cups of pecans in the mixture for about 10 minutes, drain well and pat dry. Place pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet, spray lightly with Pam and sprinkle with Kosher salt. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes or until toasted and smelling delicious.
I usually serve them with a variety of cheeses, crackers and fruit. HEB has a great selection of cheeses these days!
Nancy Roberts
Appetizingly Available in Abilene:
Each of these will wow your guests and all you have to do is pick it up!
- Ahi Tuna in Sushi Spoons- Natural Food Center
- Jalapeño Bites and Beef Tenderloin – Perini’s
- Hand-dipped chocolates – Vletas
Be a Gracious Host or a Generous Guest
- When your guests arrive at your home, stand and greet them, and make them feel welcome.
- When invited as a guest, bring along a small gift for the hostess. Promptly send a thank you note to your hosts after the event expressing your gratitude.
Debbie Senter/National League of Junior Cotillions
Favorite Holiday Hostess Gifts:
Holiday beverage napkins, wine, candies, homemade cookies, candles, flavored oils and vinegars-all beautifully packaged of course!
Hip Seasonal Sips
Welcome guests with “Seasonal Sips” appropriately named for each season.
Music
It doesn’t matter if it is every day entertaining or holiday entertaining, I like to fill our house with background music to keep things from being awkwardly quiet. A chill vibe is perfect for cocktails and dinner, while having light classical music for breakfast, brunch or lunch. For the holidays I just switch to seasonal tunes. Whether it is a casual gathering of girl friends or a bunch of rowdy kids -music playing just seems to make it a party.
Candice McCray
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