Ah, the holidays! This time of year fills us with so many emotions. First, we’re excited to think about (finally) spending time with family and friends. Next, we start thinking about everything we need to do to get ready. Then we pour some wine to calm our nerves as we think about hosting duties. Don’t worry! We’re sharing some tips and trends for holiday gatherings this year that will help ease some tension and get us ready for the joy of the holidays! Tip #1: Anticipate that some guests can’t or will choose to not attend. COVID is still unpredictable, and many people have young children or elderly parents they are concerned about. That’s ok, we aren’t taking things personally this year, right? You can still make guests feel like a VIP with a custom invitation, like this one from The Plush Party. Even if everyone can’t attend in person, make plans to get everyone together via Facetime or Zoom. Buy a stand that can hold your phone so you can participate hands-free. Incorporating some virtual aspects into your holiday party can help make you feel connected, even when you’re far apart. And speaking of digital elements, take some time to create a great playlist on Spotify, or download a great mix on Mixcloud. Nothing is more awkward than a quiet party! Tip #2: Give each guest a token of your appreciation. A thoughtful gift like these custom candles by Candle Royal will let your guests know you appreciate that they took the time to join you, and they will go home with something special to remember the occasion. Tip #3: Do share your menu with guests. We have lots of challenges with traditional menus filled with butter on top of butter. Some folks have stomach sensitivities, some people are on diets, and some simply don’t like what you’re serving! And you know what? That’s ok. When inviting family and friends over, let them know what you’re preparing and ask them to feel free to bring a side/appetizer/dessert/drink, etc. that they’d like to share. Then, share what other people are bringing. But if they chose to bring their keto mashed potatoes or turmeric cookies, make sure you have someone else also bring the traditional stuff so grandpa doesn’t complain. Tip #4: Order or create your own individual mini-grazing boards. People will have their own platter to munch on and we don’t have to worry about sharing utensils. Madre Florals is offering mini charcuterie boards this holiday season to make this easy peasy. Tip #5: See what you can buy in advance and buy it! We know there will be shortages at the store. What are items you can get way in advance? Hint: The fridge can be your best friend. We know the Holidays are all about putting your best foot forward when it comes to food. But whether it’s obvious things like your wine and veggies, or not-so-obvious things like bread and custom cookies like these ones from Puffect bakery, feel free to stock up in advance and put them in the fridge or freezer until the big day! Tip #6: Do let your guests help. Gone are the days of having everything done when your guests arrive. Cooking, prepping, and lending a hand is how we bond with our guests and make everyone feel like they are a part of the night’s magic. Tip #7: Outsource your decor. There are so many options for decor these days, and Festively can help you find some fabulous local vendors who would love to make your space pop. Go over the top with your decor with these marquee lights by Alpha Lit IE and balloons by Desinz & De’kor by Lala. You will want to create a space for photo ops, so make an extra special one like we created for this Holiday Cheer party scene. Tip #8: Make your table an “intimate dinner” setting. If you’re going to have a smaller guest list, caterers like Tiffany’s Bakery are now offering beautiful tablescapes that come with cutlery, glassware, full table setting, and more. You just have to invite everyone to sit down and enjoy. Tip #9: Have you heard about the floral shortage? If you’re looking for your favorite florals at the grocery store, you may have noticed a price increase or less selection than in past years. We recommend you check with your neighborhood florist and ask them to create a centerpiece with flowers that are in season and that match your lovely table setting. Florals always bring a beautiful spark to your holiday table, like these beautiful florals that can be ordered from Madre Florals. Tip #10: Host a mini wine tasting! Have guests bring a bottle of wine they’d like to share. Before you put the wine out to enjoy it, put the wine bottles in wines bag and label them with numbers. Have your guests taste different wines, and take notes on which ones they like best. Then after dinner, reveal the wine bottles, and let your guests share who brought what. Lots of times, a bottle of wine will have a special story. Like our friends at Teneral Cellars who created a “Peace, Love, and Joy” holiday wine collection, which is all about uplifting and empowering women and families impacted by COVID. When you bring a bottle like that, you want to share the story with everyone! Tip #11: Consider hosting your gathering at a venue! Maybe you don’t have enough space in your living room, or now your living room is also your office. The reality is, our homes aren’t always the perfect place to host a gathering. From bad parking to outdated appliances, sometimes we’d rather host a gathering elsewhere. Looking for a place where you can bring in your own food, that also includes rentals, and has a kitchen? Check out The Canvas LA. The ladies that own this venue have created a space that is welcoming and inviting. Tip #12: Include a conversation starter at each place setting. This can help facilitate dialog that the whole table can be part of, and can even help bring up some topics that may… Continue reading 12 HELPFUL TIPS FOR YOUR 2021 HOLIDAY GATHERINGS
Author: webdeveloperswj
A COZY NEW YEAR’S EVE AT HOME WITH THE FAM
Well, here we are again, folks. Maybe you always spend New Year’s at home. Or maybe you had big plans but canceled them due to the Vid (or the Chron), or even the weather. In any case, we’re making plans for a cozy New Year’s eve at home, once again. And guess what? It’s going to be easy AND fabulous! We are definitely still recovering from the Christmas rush, so while we want to make NYE festive, we don’t have the energy to go all out. So what should we do? From decor to food, check out these festive tips for a simple New Year’s eve at home, even if you only have a day’s notice. Make it a Banner Year If you still have time to run to Party City, pick up a fun banner and balloons, along with some hats and streamers. You might even find some hats and streamers at the dollar tree or a local grocery store. If you missed the boat or don’t want to leave the house, you can print this banner from Paper Trail Design for free at home. Plan for Midnight Kisses From Pink Peppermint Design What’s New Year’s Eve without a midnight kiss! Whether it’s from a spouse, kiddo, four-legged friend, or even over Facetime video, let’s make sure it’s known we want a big smacker. This decoration idea is super cute, and also delicious! Create a DIY Balloon Drop From One Good Thing by Jillee If you already have all the supplies, why not create a festive balloon drop? At midnight pull the string and let the balloons fall. If you have little ones that will stay up till midnight, this looks like so much fun! Make some Countdown Bags From Happy Home Fairy Here’s a fun activity that will keep your family occupied as you count down to the new year. Simply stuff several bags with a different treat or activity, then have someone open the bag at the indicated time. Fill your bags with treats, games, craft kits, lotto tickets, noisemakers, confetti, and more! Cheers to a Bubbly Bar From Cake n Knife This is oh so easy, and oh so pretty! You just need a few ingredients to create a luxurious bubbly bar that is perfect for toasting to the new year. Add these items to your grocery list or instacart order: prosecco, champagne, sparkling rose, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Pama pomegranate liqueur, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and some sugar cubes Hint: drop a sugar cube into your glass and watch it bubble over for you. For the kiddos, check out this adorable Milk and Cookies “Champagne Toast” from Giggles Galore. Countdown Cheese Board on the Kitchen Island From Kelley Nan You can make a fun charcuterie platter with all the leftover treats and goodies from Christmas, plus a few extras from the market. Kelley used vinyl adhesive numbers and applied them directly to her quartz countertop; they peeled up without issue. The flip tray/board that was used for drinks in the Christmas setup is now turned wooden-side-up with cheese knives and rosemary sprigs as the clock hands. Midnight Munchies This Brown Sugar Bacon Brie Crescent Rolls recipe by Real House Moms looks pretty easy to make. When you lay your crescent dough out in the triangle, you’ll just lay your ingredients (bacon & brie cheese) on the large side base of the triangle, and roll up. What about the main course? If you have time, you can make fabulous prime rib. We love this recipe from Chef Jean-Pierre and you will too! You typically do need to order the prime rib in advance from the market, so give yourself enough time. And be sure to use our favorite Prime Rib seasoning from Costco. If you can get to the grocery store that has good quality seafood, we also recommend making our famous Seafood tower. Or order in! Sushi is a fun treat for New Year’s eve. If you order a day in advance, your sushi restaurant will often put your rolls on a platter, making it fun to pick from the assortment of sushi. What do you talk about? 2022 Intentions printables by Artys Fartsy Mama New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and celebrate the possibilities of the new year ahead. Traditionally, we set resolutions and goals to work on for the next year. But now is a great time to reflect on the things that have happened over this past year. You can also set goals with this downloadable template from Kelley Nan Set the Mood with Music Check out Mixcloud for some fun and interesting New Year’s Eve mixes. Here are a few good options: House Funk Old School Hip hop Top 40 Latin In da Club Find lots more mixes here: What Else? You can’t go wrong by watching movies, playing games, and waiting for the big moment. Most importantly, you want to enjoy your evening! Try to plan ahead so you can get started (with the bubby bar) early, and give yourself a high five for another amazing year!
VALENTINE’S IDEAS TO SPICE THINGS UP!
We love Valentine’s day! Not because we want to be showered with love (ok, maybe just a little.) But because it gives us a great reason to express how we feel to the ones we love. Sometimes in relationships, it’s easier to point out the negative stuff…and yes sometimes they can be annoying! But taking a moment to pause and show genuine appreciation for our honeys is what it’s all about! Whether that’s with a heartfelt note, a nice gift, a homemade dish, or some sexy time, let’s express our love loud and proud! Here are a few fun ways to help you shout it from the rooftops. Plan a special outing We try to date our spouses/partners, but really are we just going through the motions or truly connecting? Sometimes getting out of your traditional environment is all you need to induce a little romance into your relationships. With Brenda and her company @sparkedmoments you can have a curated romantic experience that includes a beautiful table setting with a complete setup and a teepee make for two. We recommend checking out flowers from @madreflorals and making a cocktail with @unclenearest. Order treats that say it all Maybe this is the year you are ready to be a little naughty…or perhaps you want to keep your message lighthearted. In any case, a fun treat can say it all! Check out these delicious treats that spice things up! Say it loud and proud with balloons Remember in High School when your friends (or a crush) would bring you balloons? It was THE BEST walking around with a big balloon bouquet…it definitely screamed “I am loved!” Balloons have that same effect when delivered to your loved ones! This Valentine’s Day, make someone feel extra loved with a fabulous balloon bouquet! Order yours from some of our favorite local balloon vendors:
MAMA’S SHORTCUT GUMBO RECIPE
I’m sharing my “Mama’s Shortcut Gumbo Recipe” for a great tasting gumbo that will leave them licking their fingers. Traditionally gumbo has taken me very long to make. It’s because of all the ingredients that were cooked separately then added to the soup. I’ve learned recently from my Godmother in Louisiana that she’s been taking a shortcut. I was like “What?” I could not believe it, no one ever told me this. It’s a game changer. Give yourself about about 45 minutes and you will be ready to serve gumbo hot and delicious. I am so excited to share it with you mommas out there who are pressed for time on all ends. A great tasting gumbo does not have to take long to make. Note, I don’t cook using actual measurements, it is by site & taste. I’ve tried my best to give you exact measurements below. Feel free to adjust to your taste. 1. Lightly season and sauté in butter 1 lb of shrimp then set aside (Can be substituted with olive oil) 2. Boil 1 lb sausage of choice and set aside (I use beef sausage) 3. 1/2 cup Onion, Reb Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper & 1/4 cup Green Onions. Chop & sauté all in a large pot with butter & vegetable oil. 4. Add 15 – 20 chicken wings until brown 5. Add 5 cups of chicken broth and boil until you think the chicken is ready (add more broth if needed) 6. Mix together 1 package of Gumbo Roux (by Mam Papaul’s) and 1/4 cup of Gumbo Base (by Zatarains) add in some liquid from the pot until the powers become a paste then pour into the pot. Now add in sausage 7. Cook all together on a medium fire until Gumbo has a think gravy consistency. Season to taste. I love to use “Slap Ya Mama” seasoning 8. Add in shrimp (Cook 5 more mins) Now get ready to serve over hot rice and enjoy! Tag @sofestively onInstagram when you share it. With the cancellation of Mardi Gras and the shutdown of New Orleans Bourbon Street, I’ve been craving a piece of Southern Cuisine. This Mama’s Shortcut Gumbo Recipe is a great way to celebrate at home with a delicious meal that feels like a Mardi Gras at home. Gumbo is a soup and is great when the weather is cool outside, but you can enjoy it anytime. I usually make a large batch and freeze it in single servings to enjoy anytime I want. Many people add lots of seafood, you can take my Mama’s Shortcut Gumbo recipe and make it your own. Add more meat or more seafood as you prefer. Now let’s serve the gumbo along side some great wine, whiskey or even a beer like my family usually does. Cheers.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING A FABULOUS 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
You’re turning the big 4-0 – congratulations! Forty is the new 30, after all. At 40-years-old, we’re sure you’ve accomplished so many things. From personal milestones to career goals, there’s a lot to celebrate about this birthday! Now the BIG question … what should you plan? No need to worry, we’ve put together the ultimate guide for throwing a fabulous 40th birthday party! From different types of celebrations and themes, to what to eat and what to do, and even who to use – we’ve got your birthday celebrations covered. So, sit back, relax, and gather some party planning ideas that are sure to wow your guests and make this the most memorable birthday yet! How to celebrate the big day Still trying to figure out how to celebrate the big day? Check out some of our 40th birthday party ideas (below) that will be fun for you and your friends! 1. Host an intimate brunch or dinner If you love to host, this party idea is for you! Whether you have a passion for cooking or want to take things up a notch and hire a private chef or some fab food vendors, you can never go wrong with an intimate get-together from the comfort of your own home. Pro tip: If you’re providing all the food, ask your guests to each bring their favorite bottle of wine! 2. Throw a big party You know this is right up our alley! You can decide if you want to keep things a little more relaxed or go all out. The first step is to decide on what type of party you’d like to have. Do you to have a theme, such as an 80’s party? Or make it a glamorous night out? Next, you’ll need to select your venue. Will it be at home, a friend’s house, or will you book a venue? Think about things like parking, how much space you have, and how long you want the party to go until. Sometimes venues have their own caterer you must use, and restrictions on alcohol use. Think carefully before you make a final decision. No matter your theme or location, you can elevate your celebrations by hiring event professionals to help. We highly recommend hiring a bartender, caterer, balloon stylists, and rentals, among other things. You can find all of these vendors and more on Festively.com. Click here to download our 40th birthday party Action Planner for a complete checklist to help you plan your perfect party! 3. Plan a wine tasting trip Speaking of drinks, who doesn’t love a good excuse to go to a winery! Wine tasting is a great way to enjoy delicious vino and beautiful views with your favorite people. Most wineries are outdoors and beautiful scenery is everywhere (hello, Temecula and Napa!). You can also step things up a notch by requesting a private area at the winery to decorate and enjoy some light bites and bottles of wine. 4. Set up a karaoke night Whether you’ve got the goods to host a karaoke party at home or you reserve a private room at a karaoke bar, you can never go wrong with flowing drinks and group sing-a-longs. Bring out your inner diva for this birthday bash! 5. Make it a spa day Spoil yourself and your best pals with an at-home spa day. Plan a full afternoon of pampering for you and your friends with great skincare products, mimosas, massages, and manicures! Steps to planning your 40th birthday party Once you’ve locked down the type of party you’d like to have, now it’s time to get organized and get the goods! Here’s a party planning timeline to help keep things organized: Click here to download our 40th birthday party Action Planner for a complete checklist to help you plan your perfect party! Your 40th birthday party should be one for the books – so how can you make this one stand out from all the other birthdays you’ve had? Make it about you! How to personalize your party It is YOUR birthday, so customize it to you! Here are some great ways you can personalize your party: A custom cake and/or desserts Let’s be real, even in our 40s we’re still living for dessert! Make it extra special with custom designs, colors, and monograms. Whatever your theme is, keep it consistent in your décor and desserts. If you’re favorite color is pink, pick out a beautiful pink cake, a color-coordinated donut wall, and/or matching cupcakes or cookies Custom, colorful balloons Nothing screams party more than balloons! Spell out your name in big foil balloon letters or create a colorful balloon backdrop for photos – your friends will be blown away, and you’ll love the way it photographs too! Floral centerpieces Flowers are so important to any good party! Gorgeous floral centerpieces will elevate the vibe of your event and bring a fun and feminine energy to the party. Try to coordinate your floral arrangements with your other décor for a seamless flow. Photo station Create a designated space for fun photos! Whether you’re using a balloon backdrop, want to create a floral arch (or maybe a combo!), or rent a backdrop for the day, this is a great place to take group pictures and plenty of one-on-ones with you, the birthday girl, and your pals. Marquee sign Nothing screams fabulous and forty like a giant marquee sign with 4-0 spelled out in lights! This is a great addition to a balloon garland or a floral arch and will really add an extra spectacle to the party. Good safety meastures to take at the party With any group gathering, it’s important to remember that people have different levels of comfort when it comes to hygiene and safety. If you’re looking to make all of your guests feel a little more at ease, and practice some general health and safety precautions, here are a couple suggestions for implementing more caution: Pre-package food items: One way to avoid having many people touch the same serving utensils is to serve pre-packaged meals or appetizers. This could be individually wrapped cheese… Continue reading THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING A FABULOUS 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
EASTER INSPO – THE BEST OF PINTEREST & THE GRAM
Easter Sunday gatherings are back in 2022! After proceeding with caution the last few years, we can look forward to fun celebrations with family and friends, and the traditions of years past. The kid in me thinks of Easter and the fun times hanging with family, eating a ton of great food, FINALLY having chocolate again after giving it up for Lent, church in the morning, and waiting for the big egg hunt. My dad hated confetti eggs, or cascarones as we’d call them, because he said the confetti ends up all over his yard, so he wanted the eggs to be plastic or hard boiled. But then mom wasn’t a big fan of hard boiled cause no one would ever eat them, and more often than not, one especially well-hidden one wasn’t discovered in the bushes until August (pee-ew!) Anyone else have an extra big family where there were at least 2 egg hunts? In other words, one for the sweet-and-adorable littles, and one for the older take-no-prisoners cousins? Easter today seems like a more refined affair. Perhaps with the advent of Pinterest, we’re all trying to up our game in terms of decor and experience. Above all, the food, fun, and spirit still rule the day. So let’s explore some of those pinterest and insta worthy ideas and see what we can add to the big day this year. Table Setting Goals Let’s share the hardest DIY tips first because we are always the most ambitious at first! For instance, the elegant Bunny Napkin Fold by Martha Stewart is a gorgeous addition to your fancy table . Don’t worry, there’s a video online because no words could explain how to create this masterpiece. I’m a fan of these Super-quick bunny ear napkins with a touch of baby’s breath by myscandinavianhome.com But bunny ears under the plates, that’s genius! Make for an ultra easy table setting plus its a great party favor. Life is a party also suggests bunny tails on the back of the chairs… So cute! Food Inspo Let’s start with breakfast because how cute are these ideas! Firstly, check out this silly egg dish by mylistofflists.com. Another egg option is this Easter bunny breakfast by kidspot.com.au. You’re definitely going to want to try these Easter Morning Pancakes shared by handmadecharlotte.com. Once the fam comes over, charm them with these adorable enhancements, like carrot napkin utensils – Source: SmartSchoolHouse.com And these easy Easter Peeps Fruit Kabobs by ameessavorydish.com will be a crowd pleaser for sure! Veggie and fruit cups like the one @lucianasaffaro made are great for being mobile and checking out the action on and off the lawn. In addition, this very efficient setup by @mrchefwill will be brunch pleaser if you’re expecting a crowd. You can’t go wrong with a grazing table, especially one that’s filled with Easter treats, like this one by @grazingtablesandcheeseboards Even if it’s just the two of you, go all out! You’re both worth it! Like @melkiki88 and her cute lil pooch. Add a bubbly bar and you are all set! This one by @tessalynevents is just perfect. For a special treat – have your Easter gathering catered Sure, cooking is an Easter tradition. But sometimes, you want to relax and enjoy the day! You have so many other elements to prep, why not leave the fabulous meal to a talented chef. Check out these caterers: Easter Treats If you’re like me, you’re often assigned to bring dessert. There are ton of options, here are few inspirational ones if you want to try creating your own. For instance, this cute no-bake dessert tray by hellonutritarian.com These rice krispie nests by craftymorning.com are so clever and look yummy! @kitchenbelle makes it looks so easy with these coconut peep cupcakes. Can someone try making these and tell me if they are easy to create? Ahh this is my FAVORITE @truthcakes #grumpybunny makes me smile! Love it! Or leave it to the pros! Candy apples make beautiful and delicious treat options. These ones by @kikistreats are a crowd favorite. These treats by @mrsarlene03 are magnificent! Only a few short days left to order! For a soothing experience watch @sarahscustomcookies make her magic. Then order some from her. Bunny stunner! I’m in love with this gorgeous cake shared by @thepartybebe, created by @emazingcreationsbyema. Easter Decor This Spring Carrot Door Hanger by lovethetompkins.com is made of faux flowers so you can use it every year. It’s so cute against a dark wood door. In the spirit of using things you might already have, try this easy centerpiece for your Easter table from momtrends.com. These curious Easter Bunny Pots by southerninlaw.com are sure to go home with your guests. I’m loving this Easter floral arrangement by purelykatie.com, so pretty and easy! You’d never guess from the look of it, but in the center of this arrangement is a handy vase that ensures your flowers will stay in place amongst the eggs. Bunnies & DIY Extras Here’s a great gift for the host or the host’s kiddos…or your team members at work! Mason Jar Easter Baskets by Hello Little Home This cute bunny rabbit gift wrapping by barfussimnovember.com can hold some great treats like candy or a gift card. Another cute bag tutorial…folks are so creative! @encontrandoideias Similarly you can put your treats into carrots like these by @umpoucodetuds2. I think this is so smart. Here are 75 fun items to put in Easter eggs that are not food by foodfamilyfun.net We all love giving away the candy, but don’t want our kids to actually eat it! For baller status, go all out and rent an Easter Bunny from celebritypartyplanner.com Get the one with little gloves and I hear they can make balloon animals too. For next year: Countdown the days until Easter with this adorable plastic egg display from My Love for Words. Outfit inspo What to wear at Easter can be a little stressful. Those pictures will last a lifetime! For inspo, I must start out with @dulcecandy ‘s cute ensemble. I love everything about this! These lovely ladies from @cupofcharisma are doing it all right. OMG this gorgeous mother daughter duo are too much! What style @erika.macarthy . For your lil cutie, check out this bunny headband from @thedaydreamrepublic, so adorbs. Of course, we can’t… Continue reading EASTER INSPO – THE BEST OF PINTEREST & THE GRAM