Tag: holiday entertaining

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Holiday Party Appetizer Idea: Mini Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Beef + Couscous

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” right? Except you have a million things to get done before the magic can really begin and that’s on top of attending holiday parties, gift wrapping and or course don’t forget, you still have to decorate your own home and tree. How about combining a few of your holiday tasks by hosting a Christmas Tree Trimming Party! In my opinion it is THE easiest way to see your friends AND ensure your tree is decorated well before Santa comes sliding down the chimney after Christmas Eve dinner. 

{ visit The Florida CattleWomen on Facebook to learn more about how they are celebrating this year}

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - tree behind the coffee table

I know, you might be thinking – Put another party on calendar? Won’t that add to my to-do list rather than take things off? Yes. And no. While it may add a few items to your list, it is guaranteed to take more off then put on. Here are my top suggestions for planning a tree trimming party::

Don’t Over Think It.
Tree trimming parties can be super casual get together, no need to pull out the party dress yet. It is a way to gather friends and neighbors to get the party started early in the season. Keep the tablescape decor simple by placing everything on a tray to be moved from the kitchen to the living room. A simple vase with white Tulips and seeded Eucalyptus looks festive but not over done.

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - set the table

Keep The Menu Simple.
Your guests will be busy hanging ornaments and chatting but you will want to offer a few easy bites. Try something that can easily be made ahead of time then heated up right before guest arrive. Put out a cheese board along with another easy to make appetizer like Mini Sweet Peppers stuffed with Beef + Couscous. How cute are they in their festive red!

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - overview of the full table

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - place peppers on a wood slab

Let Guests Serve Themselves.
No need to set a full table. These people are here to work! Place your appetizers out on the coffee table along with small plates and napkins. For this type of gathering I prefer to serve recipes that don’t require utensils – one or two bites is perfect with a small side plate. Less to clean up at the end of the night!

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - stack plates for guests to help themselves

 

[yumprint-recipe id=’18’] 

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - cutting board with peppers

Tree Trimming Party Appetizer Mini Stuffed Peppers with Beef and Couscous #AnAppealingPlan by #KraylFunch #FLCattleWomen - peppers stuffed before cooking

If you like this beef appetizer recipe you are going to LOVE all the recipes the Beef Website has to offer. They even have an entire section of appetizers ready for you to incorporate beef into your holiday parties! Learn more on the Florida Beef website.

Founded in 1961 as the Florida CowBelles, Inc., the Florida CattleWomen, Inc. (FCW) conduct and participate in a variety of activities that can be summed up in their Purpose: To foster the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion, in cooperation with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Beef Council.

Please visit + like the Florida CattleWomen Facebook Page to learn more about the wonderful organization, the women involved and what they are serving this holiday season! Florida CattleWomen on Facebook. 

Win A Holiday Dinner For Your Family!

$250 Gift Certificate – congratulations to Gladys H. on winning a $250 gift certificate from the Florida CattleWomen! 

Disclosure :: While I have been compensated by the Florida CattleWomen Inc. the opinions, photography, reviews and ideas are all my own.

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Krayl’s Easy Holiday Cheese Board {#SundaySupper}

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #AnAppealingPlan #EntertainingAtHome (5)

The holidays are almost here – literally they are only weeks away – and if you are considering entertaining at home now is the time to begin your holiday party menu. It may seem early but the sooner you pick your top go to appetizers the more relaxed you will feel about heading into the year’s most popular entertaining season.

May I suggest putting an easy holiday cheese board at the top of your go to recipe list.

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #EntertainingAtHome (3)

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlancom #AnAppealingPlan #EntertainingAtHome (6)

Cheese boards are super easy to pull together and when you offer items sweet and savor on the board you will please almost everyone in the crowd.

To create an easy holiday cheese board begin with a gorgeous wooden, or marble, board large enough to hold your cheeses – or consider two wooden boards, one to hold the cheeses and the other to hold the crackers and breads. Build your cheese board around a center of colorful grapes in the center, then placing 3 or four cheeses around them faces each corner for easy reach.

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #EntertainingAtHome (1)

 

On the second board place a selection of crackers and candied nuts for crunch. I like to offer the a variety of sweet and savory spreads to accompany the cheese board – place them in small vessels with serving spoons.

Here are my suggestions for an easy holiday cheese board::

  • Two varieties of soft cheese :: brie, double cream, blue, goat cheese
  • Two varieties of hard cheese :: aged gouda, cheddar, manchengo
  • Fruits :: grapes, berries, pomegranate seeds
  • Spreads :: honey, fig butter, olive tamponade, 
  • Breads + Crackers ::  water crackers, crusty Italian, rosemary crackers

The above are suggestions and as long as you provide a mix of textures and flavors you really can’t go wrong when you build a holiday cheese board. Be sure to put out cheese knives, small spoons and spreaders as well as small plates and napkins for your guest.

Krayl's Easy Holiday Cheese Board AnAppealingPlan.com #AnAppealingPlan #EntertainingAtHome (4)

 

What are you favorite things to put on a holiday cheese board??? Let me know in the comments!

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COVER-Krayl-An Appealing-Plan- FINAL-page1

And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations.To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. 

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Thank you Michelle De La Cerda-Nash, of The Complete Savorist and Valerie Cathell Clark, of Lifestyle Food Artistry, for hosting this weeks Sunday Supper Community post! Be sure to visit all my fellow contributors as they share their favorite recipes for Easy Holiday Entertaining.

 
Beverages

Appetizers

Main and Side Dishes

Desserts and Baked Goods

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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.

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The Modern Relish Tray

The New Relish Tray AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch

 

What exactly is a relish tray? Why should I serve a relish tray at my next entertaining opportunity?

{speaking of entertaining… Let’s connect on instagram and share our entertaining images!}

If you were born in the last 20 years, you may not have had the experience of Grandmom’s relish tray, but this vegetable filled pre-dinner plate, once popular, is making its way back into our gatherings, especially for entertaining during the holiday season.

The beauty of this tray is the combination of flavors, the fresh crisp vegetables {carrots, radish}, the pickled { gherkins, cucumbers} and the brine {olives} . It’s a great starter for any meal and it resists being to rich and spoiling your appetite.

SUGGESTIONS FOR A MODERN RELISH TRAY

radish
carrots
celery
olives
gerkins
pickles
baked pita chips

Also classically served on a relish tray, is a spread or dip of some sort such as creamy pimento cheese, herb veggie or in this case my Arugula Green Goddess.

ARUGULA GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

INGREDIENTS

5 cups arugula, cleaned and packed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

METHOD

In a food processor combine arugula and sour cream. Combine until completely blended. Add salt, lemon juice, garlic and thyme. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight to let the flavors combine.

Serve cold.

Did you have a relish tray in your house growing up? Have you served one lately? Tell me about it in the comments.

 

Visit the other Sunday Supper contributors to this week’s recipes all inspired by trays.

Savory Bites:

Sweet Treats:

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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.

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How to Prepare for Entertaining Guests: The Table 101

I am passionate about entertaining. Not only my own entertaining, but your entertaining as well.

In this video I discuss items you should have on hand to set the table or buffet for your next gathering.

“Help! I have a fear of hosting a dinner party and I don’t know where to start! “

If this sounds like something you might say, this is for you. Get ready to send out those invites!

With just a few items in your cabinet you can easily set a beautiful table or buffet for your next gathering. Entertaining doesn’t need to be perfect or stressful. It is about connecting with friends and family. Entertaining should be about welcoming guests; sitting down and talking about your week or your dream vacation.

And you can tweet that one!

 “Entertaining doesn’t need to be perfect or stressful. It is about connecting with friends and family.”  

In the comments below let me know what you think of these tips and what other concerns you might have about welcoming guests. I would love to answer your questions directly in an upcoming segment. AND be sure to sign up below for my weekly updates direct to your inbox. Until then, see you in the comments!

You Can do it! XO ~ Krayl

 

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Holiday Gathering Checklist

There are only a few days left to plan your holiday gathering and chances are you already have 90% of it completed. Right? 75%? 25? Whatever percentage you currently find yourself, the below checklist will help you make it through the next few days  and ensure a happy holiday gathering for all.

Today:

□ Confirm you serving pieces and other items that you might need, such as platters, glasses, flatware, or table linens. Borrow, Rent or Purchase as needed.

□ Finalize your menu; organize recipes for easy reference. Create a time-line for preparing your chosen recipes; placing orders for any special menu items & include items that guests will be bringing.

□ Order flowers and confirm any other décor needs such as candles, napkins rings, placecards…

□ Prepare any items that can be frozen.

□ Read through recipes and make lists of the ingredients you need to buy. Stock your pantry to beat the “day before” crowds.

□ Purchase wine and liquor, and arrange delivery to your home if needed.

This Weekend:
□ Iron cloth napkins or tablecloths.

□ Wash serving pieces, plates, flatware, and glasses, and polish if necessary.

□ Make space in the refrigerator or freezer so you’ll have room to store groceries.

□ Set the table, to make sure you have all the dishes and serving utensils you’ll need. Write placecards and arrange on table.

1 Day Before:
□ Pick up fresh flowers (or have them delivered).

□ Place flower arrangements and other decor on table. This will give you time to make adjustments before guests arrive.

□ Set up the bar. Fill in as needed. Be sure to include a festive non-alcoholic option.

Day of:
□ Don’t forget to chill white wine, sparkling wine, beer and water. Be sure to leave ice for making drinks and chilling water.
Last but not least, enjoy yourself! If you have a good time, your guests will have a great time as well.
CHEERS from An Appealing Plan!

{P.S. Still overwhelmed? Did you know An Appealing Plan can help with all your planning needs? It’s not too late, contact us today: info@AnAppealingPlan.com }

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Holiday Pinecone Placecard Holders

Placecards, a tradition that some consider to be too formal or fussy is making its way back to the table this holiday season. If you are setting the table this holiday season these Glitter Pinecone Placecard Holders are an easy craft for after school with the kids or a fun Girls Night activity.

 

GLITTER PINECONE PLACECARD HOLDERS

What you will need:
• A selection of small to medium pinecones {allow a variety for each person participating}
• Craft glue
• Variety of inexpensive paint brushes
• Small cups to portion glue for each person
• Foil sheets or wax paper to use as workspace placemats
• Glitter, Glitter, Glitter {lots of variety in color & texture}

 

    

           

             
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~ Select your pinecone.

 ~ Place foil sheet down on work surface.

~ Apply glue to edges of pinecone, placing more or less glue will create more or less coverage area for the glitter. There is no wrong method however, do consider the final look you are wishing to achieve.
~ Working in sections ensures glue stays wet and glitter will adhere.
~ Sprinkle glitter over wet glue. Tap off excess onto foil sheet. Continue working around pinecone until desired coverage is achieved.
~ Fold foil sheet and slide excess glitter back into jar. {consider having an additional “multi colored” container for the glitter that ends up mixing together}
~ Set aside to dry overnight.
~ Place name card within the section of the cone so that it sits flat and card it upright.

Write your guests names on cards & place at each placesetting on your holiday table. ~ Cheers!

We recently co-hosted a Make & Take Event with Babyboot Camp for a Moms Night Out where the attendees made these Pinecone Placecard Holders. You can see for your self everyone has their own technique on the amount and variety of glitter but in the end everyone had a great time and went home with their own sparkling jewel to brighten up the holiday table! {if you are interested in planning a fun event with your group please contact us for event ideas & calender availablity.}

 

 

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