You want to be able to enjoy your guests and your party and Connie's easy and quick recipes will set you up for success:
Easy Holiday Entertaining Ideas
December 22, 2009 Try to do as much ahead of time as possible.
I like to lay out all of my platters and serving pieces the night before and then put post it notes in each one saying what will be served in each. If you are lucky enough to get some help this will cut down on confusion.
Take the time to make a playlist on your iPod beforehand.
Make sure your dishwasher is empty
Entertaining is about creating a festive environment- lighting is so important. Garnish your trays with greenery, winterberries, fresh flowers. I go into the backyard and cut a few pine branches.
Cranberries and white hydrangea floral arrangement
Every party should have a signature cocktail. Can be pre-made in a beautiful pitcher which will cut down on bartending time once your guests arrive. Stemless martini glasses cut down on spills Goat cheese whipped with a little cracked black pepper and fresh rosemary piped into an endive spear using a plastic storage bag. Top with candied pecan.
Cheese tray with sliced pears, including reddish Seckel pears, cheeses, nuts, honey and dried fruit.
Crostini topped with sun dried tomato pesto, mozzarella and basil
Finish off with Pomegranate cocktail: add a drop of pomegranate juice to with inexpensive sparkling wine; garnish with a few pomegranate seeds.
