5 Simple Holiday Entertaining Tips

I’ve partnered with Cooked Perfect® as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Ever since I was a kid, the holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I love everything about getting together with friends & family and celebrating the season with some delicious food! Today I’m sharing some simple – yet effective – holiday entertaining ideas. From creating a music playlist ahead of time to serving easy, delicious dishes like Cooked Perfect Angus Beef Meatballs,  keep reading for my best tips.

1. Preparation is key.

When it comes to streamlining party prep, a little preparation goes a long way. Figure out early on what type of party you will host (an outdoor barbecue or a cozy fireside gathering) and determine the guest list as soon as possible. If you’re going to incorporate a party theme (Winter Wonderland or a specific set of colors, for example,) write out how you will bring that theme to life. Don’t forget to think about your menu; wherever possible, stick to dishes that are easy to prepare and/or can be made in advance. 

2. Choose dishes that are easy to prepare. 

Last week, I picked up Cooked Perfect Angus Beef Meatballs from Walmart and I know they’ll make the perfect appetizer for a few holiday parties we’ll be hosting this year. They have such a great taste and are sure to please a crowd! 

I’m already in Walmart a few times per week to pick up groceries, household essentials, kid’s clothing and so much more. So being able to purchase this delicious meal solution from the same store is super convenient for me!

I love that Cooked Perfect Meatballs taste just like the homemade version since they are flame broiled – this sears in the natural juices and flavors! Since they have so much flavor already, all I did was add a tiny dollop of marinara sauce, a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a bit of parsley to the top of each meatball. Sticking a toothpick in each meatball and lining them up on a wooden chopping block makes for a dramatic – yet easy – presentation that’s fit for a party! Oh, and since they’re fully cooked, it takes mere minutes to prepare them in the microwave oven or on the stovetop. Bon apetit!

Did you know that Cooked Perfect is the #1 frozen meatball brand in the U.S.? In addition to Angus, there are other delicious flavors available, including Homestyle, Italian Style, and Turkey.  The homemade taste comes through with each bite; it’s rich & robust in flavor! 

The holiday season is definitely a time of giving so I really love that Cooked Perfect will actually be donating a portion of their sales to Toys for Tots this year. We try to give back to those in need throughout the year and we definitely step it up during the holiday season. Some ways we help the less fortunate include donating to a food bank, volunteering at a homeless shelter and contributing money to local charities. However, when we purchase Cooked Perfect Meatballs at Walmart, we are also supporting a worthy cause like Toys for Tots. It doesn’t get any easier than that to give back!

3. Create a music playlist to set the right mood.

Awesome music can really help a party feel more fun & festive. In fact, I’d say that no gathering is complete without the right tunes! In the days leading up to the event, your time will be occupied with planning food & decor. Take some time a few weeks ahead of time to create a little playlist that will set the right tone for your party and help your guests feel more comfortable.

4. Choose decorations wisely.

I like to use multiple smaller decorations for a big impact. For a Thanksgiving party, I will fill a tray (or clear glass bowl) with multiple small pumpkins. For a holiday party, I’ll fill the same tray with small silver ornaments. It’s a versatile way to decorate that can be adapted to various seasons & holidays. Also, florals are always a smart idea when decorating for a party. Consider adding them in unexpected places, such as one stem in the napkin ring or various stems staggered across the table for an effortless, organic touch. 

5. Offer a drink station.

Who doesn’t love a customized beverage? During fall & winter, a coffee / tea / hot chocolate bar is always a crowd pleaser. Prepare coffee, homemade hot chocolate & hot water and store in separate carafes. Offer mugs, spoons, napkins and a trash bin; make them all easily accessible. Serve a variety of teas: black, herbal, green, regular, decaf, etc. Set up all the typical fixings, including cream, milk, sugar, etc. If you want to get more festive, offer cinnamon sticks, white chocolate chips, caramels, peppermint sticks, marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup & sprinkles. A customized beverage station can really add a special touch to your gathering!

Don’t forget to pick up Cooked Perfect Meatballs at Walmart to help support Toys for Toys this holiday season! Are you hosting any parties this year? Do you have any holiday entertaining tips that I missed?

 

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