5 Secrets To Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House

Your social calendar is filling up but you promised yourself you would make the time to host a Holiday Open House this year. What is a hostess to do?? Not to fear. My 5 Secrets to hosting a successful holiday open house is here to get you through with ease. Simply set the date, send out the invites and follow my 5 tips for hosting a Holiday Open House. #HolidayGoals coming true!

Secret #1 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Plan Ahead

I know… I just told you that you can do this with only weeks left in the holiday entertaining season, and now I am talking about planning! Don’t worry. You’ve got this but you still need to put in a little planning time. Believe me, an hour planning makes for an entire night full of a low stress holiday open house.

Set aside 1 – 1 1/2 hours tomorrow to create a quick guest list, a basic time-line and easy menu. With it on paper you now have a guide for planning your holiday open house.

Secret #2 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Show Them the Green Stuff

NO, I am not talking anything illegal or even about money. I am talking about live greens, evergreens, boxwoods and other cuttings from either your own garden or purchased at the local market.

I have been hosting, planning and decorating holiday gatherings for over 20 years so take it from me, live greens go a long way. It must be something to do with bringing nature inside, the scent of pine filling your home, their intense texture or the variety of colors that is an immediate WOW factor. Use live greens at your entranceway, on your tablescape and mixed with cut flowers placed in a vase – they will transform your space into a winter wonderland guaranteed.

Secret #3 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Bring Out the Bling

Decorating during the holiday season is all about metallics, glitter and using “the good stuff” so don’t be afraid to mix metallic serveware and your favorite flatware for your open house, or for the entire holiday season.

My new obsession… this hammered copper flatware by Argent Orfèvres for Hampton Forge. Seriously. I am completely in love with this pattern and it is now my must-have for my holiday season. It actually makes me smile when I open my flatware drawer – no joke!

Copper pairs perfectly with all metals especially the latest trends in kitchen hardware – gold, black metal, rose gold and copper. Have you seen all the copper small appliances hitting markets these days? Get a jump on the trend with your own set of Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper flatware.

Secret #4 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Serve Punch!

One of my best friends is all about bringing retro back and what is more Retro Rad around the holidays than a big bowl of punch!

This year I am serving up a wintery spice Wassail at my holiday open house. Make up a big batch and let guest serve themselves. It looks incredibly festive on your bar and taste just as good!

Secret #5 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Set It + Forget It

Secret #5 could be my number one secret for hosting a successful holiday open house – set it and forget it. Ok, maybe don’t completely forget about it but you get my gist.

By selecting menu items that can stand being at room temperature during the span of your party, you allow your self time to mix and mingle in between refreshing and replenishing your apps. Serve a cheese + charcuterie platter, mini quiches and a lovely seafood bite – it is the holidays after all, splurge a bit on one or two items then fill in with less pricey and more filling options.

I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable + confident hosting your own holiday open house this season.

If you have ANY questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email, Instagram, Twitter or your favorite social media platform with questions – I am more than happy to answer them all!

Happy Entertaining!!

A little more about my favorite new flatwareArgent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper .

Created in premium 18/10 stainless steel with an artist’s eye and jeweler’s attention to detail, Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper surprises with precious metal finishes, sophisticated textures and inspired forms that elevate the experience of fine dining. The lux Argent Orfèvres brand’s expressive design is perfect for this holiday season! We hope everyone who invites Argent into their home and on to their tabletop this season will feel as decadent and magnificent as the flatware itself!

Disclosure Statement: This post is sponsored by Hampton Forge in conjunction with a social media campaign. Although I was compensated, I truly am a HUGE fan of their beautiful flatware – all opinions are my own.

November 23, 2016November 23, 2016

Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape

Looking for Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas on Pinterest boards and home decor magazines can be as overwhelming and time-consuming as planning a wedding! Give your brain a break this Thanksgiving and create a Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape with an easy but elegant mixture of metallic and natural elements.

The metallic trend is here to stay but don’t believe this means you can’t also use some of the traditional nature inspired Thanksgiving decor, such as gourds, wheat and Indian Corn, on your Thanksgiving tablescape this year as well.

One of my favorite looks is mixing the two decor trends together. Look for faux gourds in rich metallic tones like bronze, matte gold and copper which naturally complement the gold tones of wheat and the deep reds and browns of dried Indian Corn.

Place textured chargers under your china, then top each Thanksgiving placesetting with a linen napkin tucked into a grapevine napkin ring – then add a placecard if you like. One of my top tips for setting a Thanksgiving tablescape is to keep the decor low and tight, this allows guest to speak to each other over the centerpeice.

For this tablescape I am mixing and matching my glassware… we have “lost” a few to kitchen tragedies and I have more than enough. So why buy more when they all look so festive mixed together.

Entertainers Tip :: when mixing glassware have one common variable. For instance here they are all clear glass with a stem.

Bring all the tones and textures together on your Thanksgiving table by tucking in a few sprigs of my favorite foliage Eucalyptus. The leaf color and shape looks great with metallic seasonal decor and perhaps even a bit of the calming energy to your gathering.

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!

November 20, 2016April 3, 2023

Mini Stuffing Muffins {#SundaySupper}

Stuffing is one of the most popular dishes of a Thanksgiving meal, I thought why not try making it as fun appetizer bites served before the big meal OR as a fun twist on leftover stuffing recipe served Thanksgiving night or the next day.

You can use this recipe with any stuffing recipe or leftovers, the key is to add back in moisture then bake the muffins to ensure they stick together.

Serve your mini stuffing muffins with the a side of cranberry relish for a tangy fruity and colorful topping.

MINI STUFFING MUFFINS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage
1 cup stock, chicken/turkey or vegetable
1/2 cup dried cranberries, rough chopped
4 cups stuffing – left over or pre-made

METHHOD

Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease 12-cup mini-muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large skillet melt butter, add sage and cook on medium heat until sage begins to crisp.
Add stock and bring to a boil.
Add chopped cranberries to liquid and allow to cook on medium for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to absorb liquid.
Pack the stuffing into the muffin cups and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack and let stand for 5 minutes. Loosen the muffins with a sharp paring knife and lift them out.
Serve warm with Cranberry Relish.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or it is your first time hosting Thanksgiving the number of details to keep track of can be daunting to say the least. You need the Ultimate Thanksgiving Planning Checklist.Get yours HERE.

How to Use Holiday Leftovers

Everyone loves the holidays, but often we’re left with way too much food. This week the Sunday Supper Community helps us spice up our leftovers and turn them into new and exciting dishes!

Thank you Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventure, for hosting.

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

November 17, 2016November 23, 2016

Easy Pumpkin Placecards

Pumpkin Placecards are super easy to make and add a festive fall accent to your Thanksgiving, Friendsgving or Harvest Celebration Tablescape. Use either kraft paper cut outs or chalk paint to give each placesetting a personalized touch.

I don’t know about you but I LOVE mini pumpkins and gourds of all kinds so while I have the chance to decorating the table with Autumn gourds I take every opportunity to do just that!

Start setting your Fall tablescape by lining the center of the table with mixed gourds, Indian Corn and a Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece or two. There really isn’t a wrong way to group them. Pick out a variety of shapes and sizes ~ I promise they will all look perfect together!

Once I have my centerpiece in place I like to add a textured charger, a main serving plate and a fall leaf plate at each placesetting. Continuing adding seasonal elements like a grapevine napkin ring around a natural linen napkin.

The stress of hosting can be overwhelming. No matter if it is your first time hosting, Or your 10th. My ULTIMATE Thanksgiving checklist is HERE to make you look like an entertaining pro. Download yours for all my seasonal entertaining must-haves.

For a step-by-step demo how to make your own Pumpkin Placecards, you can watch my recent segment on WFLA Gayle’s Guide to Pinterest.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PUMPKIN PLACECARDS::

SUPPLIES ::

mini pumpkin
chalkboard paint
foam paint brush
chalk marker
leaf stencil
scissors

INSTRUCTIONS ::

For Chalkboard Pumpkin Placecard –

Using a foam applicator simply apply a stroke of black chalk paint to the side of mini pumpkin. Allow to dry and apply a second coat.

Once dry, use a chalk marker to write your guest’s name on the card. Repeat for all guests.

For Kraft Paper Leaf Pumpkin Placecard –

Using a Maple leaf form, trace the edges onto kraft paper, Cut out shape and write your guest’s name on each card.

Carefully slice a slit in the top of the pumpkin stem. Insert paper placecard into stem and place on table!

Not the DIY type… Did you know I offer services tailored to meet the needs of busy women. They are especially valuable during the holiday entertaining season. Learn more on HERE on KraylFunch.com

October 27, 2016October 29, 2016

Plan Ahead For a Stress Free Thanksgiving Day

How many plates do I need? How will I serve the potatoes? How long do I defrost THE bird? How do I keep track of who is bringing what? What if I run out of forks before dessert?

And the details add up if you are hosting overnight guests.

Where will they sleep? Do I have time to put up the wall paper in the main floor powder room before Thanksgiving?

What fork goes where?

Not to fear. My ULTIMATE Thanksgiving checklist is HERE to make you look like the entertaining pro you know is your real calling.

Avoid the last minute stress of Thanksgiving with my ULTIMATE Thanksgiving Planning Checklist.

When you say yes to the checklist you will immediately receive the first week’s must do list. Then over the next few weeks you will receive a weekly checklist of what you need to accomplish + schedule that week to have a stress free Thanksgiving.

How easy is that?

You can be the hostess you know in your heart you are. Get access to the checklist HERE.

Are you an overachiever? Perfectionist who can’t stand to wait for the weekly updates? My Fast Track planner was created for you. For only $15 you can have access to the entire checklist collection now. Buy yours HERE.

July 14, 2016October 27, 2016

Setting A Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape

This week I am collaborating with The Inspired Home who has sponsored my feature on Planning a Gold Themed Bridal Shower. I have to tell you it was a pure pleasure creating a pink and gold tablescape with their lovely brands and products. As you can see, I was in pink and gold heaven!

As I was thinking about my top tips for creating a pink + gold bridal shower tablescape I knew Peonies would be the star of the table. Their delicate petals and romantic scent create a focal point for the center of the table. The pink peonies mixed with white tulips and placed in gold striped vases became my inspiration for the entire tablescape.

The other stars of this table – gold stemware, rose gold flatware, clean white plates, rose inspired cloth napkins and of course rose wine to be served to all the guests!

Be sure to add special touches to your table with small gift bags tied with gold name tags or place settings and gold cupcake “bride” banners to top mini cupcakes to serve as both decor and dessert.

Read my top tips for planning your gold themed bridal shower and find out more about the products I used on The Inspired Home website. Be sure to leave a comment letting me know you stopped by!

April 17, 2016April 12, 2022

Chive, Leek + Cheese Quiche {#SundaySupper}

Brunch is my favorite meal to serve when hosting a Spring Gathering and it must feature a menu highlighting the best herbs of my Spring garden. Flowering chives and spring leeks are the perfect combination for a Chive, Leek and Cheese Quiche.

Sure I liked chives, who doesn’t. They added color and flavor to baked potatoes right?

But then it happened…. I fell in love with chives.

At the time, I was working with a caterer in Bucks County, PA and had to stop at one of our local suppliers for micro greens – Blue Moon Acres in Buckingham, PA – on the way to the office. I had passed the farm a zillion times before but never a reason to head to the back to the wholesale area. As I walked back towards the far greenhouse to pick up my crate of micro greens there it was … a garden of chives, really a ring of chives surrounding a smaller garden, all framed by a pea gravel walk way. It was April or May and the chives where in full bloom. There purple globes opening up to the sun. Love at first sight! My inner gardener, inner cook and inner designer all came together there in that very moment. I wanted to stay in that circle forever. I have been in love with Chives ever since.

Once you are in love with an herb you find every way possible to blend it into your recipes. Luckily chives are perfect compliment to most savory dishes and work well in salads and as a garnish on platters if you have extra.

Don’t even get me started on the edible chive flowers. Those little beauties are like purple gold! If you see them, buy them and add them to a spring salad. Your guests will never stop talking about it!

Chive, Leek and Cheese Quiche is a fantastic combination of subtle spring flavors perfect for breakfast, brunch or as far as I am concerned really any meal you wish. Share the flavors with friends when they stop over and be sure to accent your table with fun colors of spring like peach, white and turquoise. And yes, BTW I am a silverware convert – Rose Gold flatware will be making many appearances on my table this Spring.

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Melting snow, blooming flowers and trees, and greening grass means spring is here and everything is coming to life! There is nothing so wonderful as grilling on the deck, enjoying a drink on the patio, and soaking in all the new life that is surrounding you! Let’s bring some of that life to the Sunday Supper table this week and share recipes to welcome spring in 2016!

Thank you Renee from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures for hosting this week’s Sunday Supper event features all the best Spring has to offer!

Breakfast:

Chicken Sausage, Apple and Cheddar Breakfast Bake by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures
Chive and Cheese Quiche by An Appealing Plan
Lavender Scones by Feeding Big and More
Lemon Raspberry Baked Donuts by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Matcha Donuts by The Ninja Baker
Whole Wheat Lemon Berry Coffee Cake with Lemon Glaze by A Mindful Mom

Appetizers:

Artichoke Lemon Hummus by Food Done Light
Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart by Baking Sense
Butter Lettuce and Spring Radish Salad by Hardly A Goddess
Ceviche with Potato and Pea Shoot Salad by Caroline’s Cooking
Roasted Strawberry Popsicles by Brunch-n-Bites
Rustic Wrapped Tart with Ramps by Delaware Girl Eats

Beverages:

An Unconventional Mojito by Monica’s Table
Caribbean Cream Cocktail by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Lavender Lemon Cocktail by The Crumby Cupcake
Limoncello Raspberry Sangria by Eat, Drink and Be Tracy
Spiced Rhubarb Champagne Cocktail by Hezzi-D Books and Cooks
Vanilla Lavender Limeade by The Tip Toe Fairy
Very Berry Springtime Spritzer by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Violet Hour by Wholistic Woman

Main Dish:

Cheese Ravioli with Morel Cream Sauce by Palatable Pastime
Cheese Tortellini with Herbed Ricotta and Fava Beans by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Gnocchi Primavera with Spring Asparagus and Peas by La Bella Vita Cucina
Grilled Pork Chops with a Dijon Balsamic Herb Glaze by Recipes Food and Cooking
Lebanese Fattoush Salad by Curious Cuisiniere
One Pan Spicy Lemon Chicken with Tomatoes by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
Orecchiette with Peas, Pecorino and Onions by Cooking Chat
Pasta with Peas by Manu’s Menu
Pesto Shrimp and Zoodles Oh My! by My Imperfect Kitchen
Ramp and Mushroom Frittata by Pies and Plots
Sesame Ginger Seared Ahi Coconut Tacos by Simply Healthy Family
Spring Lamb Skewers with Roasted Baby Carrots by Food Lust People Love
Spring Salad with Scallops and Strawberry Vinaigrette by My World Simplified
Veggie Pasta Primavera by Momma’s Meals

Side Dish:

Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Rhubarb Salad by The Texan New Yorker
Green Peas with Onion and Bacon by Magnolia Days
Minty Pea Farro Spring Salad by She Loves Biscotti
Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf by Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Dessert:

Amazing Coconut Cake by A Baking Legacy
Caramelized Black Figs and Walnuts with Mascarpone by Un Assaggio of Food, Wine & Marriage
Carrot Cookies by What Smells So Good?
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Colorado Crème by Cooking on the Ranch
Honey Blossoms by Get the Good Stuff!
Hot Milk Sponge Cake by Hey What’s for Dinner Mom?
Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake by Angels Sweet Homestead
Lemon Scented Choux with Rhubarb Ginger Pastry Cream by The Finer Cookie
Meyer Lemon Bars by The Chef Next Door
No-Bake Berry Greek Yogurt Pie by An Italian in my Kitchen
Rhubarb Meringue Pie by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Spring Cookie Bouquet by The Freshman Cook
Strawberry Cheesecake Puffs by Moore or Less Cooking
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake by Sweet Mornings
Strawberry Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream by Tramplingrose
Strawberry Moscato Sorbet by Seduction in the Kitchen
The Black Beast by That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Plus Spring Vegetable Minestrone and more Spring Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement

April 12, 2016March 31, 2023

Krayl’s Spring Entertaining Must Have’s

Some may say that for me, Spring Entertaining is simply an excuse to set a glorious spring tablescape, and they may be right… Who wouldn’t want an excuse to gather up all the prettiest flowers at the market, pop open a bottle of chilled Rose Champagne, and set the table with all your favorite spring tableware. Here are my suggestions for this Spring Tableware Picks to start fresh or to mix into your current collection.

Creative Candles – Taper Candles 12″ :: Don’t store you candles away after the winter, simply change out your colors for a fresh color that reflects the season. These Creative Candles Taper in Lime green is a reflection of the new grass growing outside your window.
Hampton Forge Paris Hammered Gold Flatware :: The gold trend is here to stay. And there is no need to fight it any longer when flatware is available in chic hammered gold patterns. Don’t be afraid to mix metals – gold + silver are a classic tablescape combination.
Spring Garden Dinnerware by Williams-Sonoma :: I can’t get enough of this fun garden inspired dinnerware featuring birds, bunnies and butterflies set on a pure white background. A border of sky blue completes the look and is perfect for Spring entertaining.
Waterford Lismore Essence Ice Bucket :: Can you ever have too many ice buckets? Clear crystal in the timeless Lismore pattern by Waterford compliments any table – chill some bubbly and celebrate!
Fresh Pink Peonies :: I wait all year-long to see that first peony bud open up in the garden and it never disappoints. If you can’t grow your own, find a resource and spend a little extra this month on flowers for the table, I promise their beauty will captivate you like it has me.
Edge Rose Gold Champagne Saucer – Set of 2 :: OMG! When I first saw these saucer champagnes I wondered where they had been all my life! Are they to die for. Seriously.
Ideal Home Range Artichoke Paper Cocktail Napkins :: Yes, 95% of the time I am all about reuseable and sustainable entertaining however, that 5% is left open for festive paper cocktail napkins. Add in bright green artichokes and I will buy out the store!

How are you entertaining this Spring season? What are your top must have’s for your table? Leave me a comment below and join the community by signing up for my newsletter here.

Looking for more Spring Entertaining tips + Recipes – Look Here!

Disclosure Statement

February 11, 2016April 12, 2022

Home Love :: Valentine’s Gifts For Your Entranceway + Table

It’s the season of love – so let’s show our most cherished place a little love. Whether you are buying it yourself or putting your wish list into a love note placed on a pillow for a special someone to find, gifts that bring love to your home are a special treat that can be enjoyed not just this month but throughout the entire year.

Hunter Rain Boots – There is NO substitute for the original Hunter Boots to add a pop of color to a rainy day. I think we should all have them in a rainbow of colors.
Red Umbrella Stand by NACH – rainy days are perfect for cuddling but be sure you have a spot to place those wet umbrellas when your suitor stops over!
NEST Candle in Japanese Black Currant – I found this scent last year when I was looking for an after holiday but before spring scent and fell in love! I think you will too.
Home With Heart Door Mat – Show visitors your home is filled with love year round with the red heart doormat from Target!
Paint The Town Red – Nothing says belle of the neighbor hood like a high gloss red door! I love this red gloss exterior paint from Benjamin Moore.
Red Mirror Tray – Perfect for your dinner or make-up table, a mirror tray from reflects light to any space.
Ikat Red Salad Plate – Mix and match your dinnerware by placing this Mikasa porcelain salad plate on top of your white dinner plate and voila! you have a valentines table setting to die for with our buying a whole new set.
Love Cocktail from Caspari – Love is in the air, so why shouldn’t it be on your napkins too! Caspari never fails to bring style and quality to your gatherings.
GoVino Champagne Flutes – let your love fly free! Take these shatterproof champagne flutes by GoVino on your next adventure. #WhereDoYouGoVino
AKTAD Cake stand – IKEA does it again! A clear glass lid tops the red plate of this perfectly sized cake or cupcake stand. Use it on a counter top to tempt your sweet toothed partner!
GODIVA – THE chocolate for lovers, Godiva has created a limited edition truffle collection just sweet enough for your sweetie.

December 31, 2015April 12, 2022

A Lustrous Holiday Entertaining Event at West Elm

I love sharing ideas about holiday entertaining and even more when it is in a a beautiful and inspirational venue like a West Elm shop! Recently I co-hosted a Lustrous Holiday Event at the West Elm Hyde Park location in Tampa, FL where we offered ideas about incorporating trends into your holiday style such as a Modern Relish Tray, a Raspberry Mocktail Punch and Metallic tablescapes with personalized votives.

My co-hostess with the mostess Tabitha Blue, of Fresh Mommy Blog, welcomed the guests and discussed easy holiday wrapping ideas using craft paper – which we also covered the gorgeous West Elm tables with to protect them, but to also give them a cohesive look.

I discussed the idea of a Modern Relish Tray and how easy it is to pull together this fresh appetizer to welcome guests that looks and tastes delicious without filling them up and ruining their appetite for dinner. I was in heaven being able to utilize any items in the store to create platters and displays for the tables!

Guests sipped on a festive Raspberry Mocktail Punch as they enjoyed a fresh twist on Modern Relish Tray with Pickled Radishes and Cream Tofu + Lemon Herb Dip.

After a food preparation demonstration featuring the Tofu + Lemon Herb dip we moved onto our craft for the night! Lustrous Votives! Using plain glass votives metallic paints and decoupage techniques everyone created their own personalized look. And trust me this is a SUPER creative crowd so there were a few you could have sold in West Elm that night on the shelves!

These adhesive stencils from Martha Stewart made creating detailed patterns easy ~ some even created a matching set to take home for their holiday mantel.

Crafting is serious business! These ladies brought their A-Game for sure!

Of course no event is complete without prizes. West Elm generously donated fun drink mixers gifts, Tabitha offered coffee, candles and chic office tools from local Tamp Bay businesses and I donated a copy of my book An Appealing Plan – everyone went home with a prize AND a Hyde Park Village gift bag.

How cute is that belly bump!! Congrats to Tabitha and her family who are expecting their 4th child! Perhaps next year we will be crafting sippy cups to fill with the mocktail punch rather than votives….

Thanks to all the fabulous ladies who came out to taste, sip, craft and support this event – wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!

Thank you also to Tabitha for taking and sharing all the images in the post. Can’t wait until our next event.

{If you are interested in learning more about upcoming events please sign up for my newsletter here to receive updates to your inbox.}

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to allow ease of shopping for you ~ if you purchase something after following a link I may, or may not, earn a small commission on the product.

December 1, 2015March 10, 2016