RedGage

As you know, I love this time of the year. I get so excited! I just want to share it with everybody!I especially enjoy inviting people into my home during the Christmasseason. If I’m not careful, that can get expensive, but it’s so much fun.Go ahead and throw that big holiday party. With a little creativity, anyone can plan a frugal but fun, festive event. Keep these key points in mind.

1. Keep it simple.
2. Watch holiday grocery ads for great deals on holiday foods.
3. Let guest help by bringing their favorite holiday dishes,Christmas music, and games.

Simple Rules For EntertainingPlan a simple and inexpensive menu. Fancy and elaborate food may not necessarily be the way to go. If the guests lists includes a mix of children, older adults, and those in between, keep it basic.

• Drink Station – Always have ice water, tea, lemonade, and both regular & decaf coffee ready to serve.
• Bring A Dish – If guests ask if they can bring food, let them. It gives guests a feeling of satisfaction to feel they have contributed somehow. It’s also a way to get to know someone better. Perhaps a guest has a special traditional dish they would like to share with others. It also helps the hostess if guests have allergies or special dietary requirements.
• Cutlery & Tableware – When cooking for a crowd, use nice disposable plates, napkins, and cutlery. Save time on clean up later. However, if it is just a small intimate gathering of friends, break out the good china. If desired, mix and match pieces. Remember to make it look nice and inviting, but don’t go to too much trouble. What matters most is the time with friends.
• Holiday Decorations – Simple and elegant, that should be the focus for holiday decorating. If the furniture being used is wood tone or solid wood, show it off. Decorate with simplewhite candles and pieces of holiday garland or silk poinsettias. These are so simple for buffets. If folding tables have to be used, decorate with simple disposable tablecloths, holidaydecorations, and candles.
• Keep It Simple – Relax, have fun, turn the music on, and keep the mood light. No one will have a good time if the hostess is overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed out. Ask your guests to bring their favorite music and games. Be sure to have a few coloring books, kid’s games, and puzzles available for the younger guests.

Holiday Buffet IdeasA simple holiday buffet usually consists of two or more meat or main dish choices, a platter of vegetables and an arrangement of crackers, breads, cheeses, dips, spreads, and desserts. Make iteasy.

• Meats and Main Dishes – When hosting a large group, stick with the basic turkey and ham. Watch local grocery sale ads for holiday meat sales and stock up on ham and turkey for that special party. Don’t feel like cooking? Keep an eye on deli prices too. Deli ham and turkey freezes well and can be thawed in the refrigerator the day before the party. If the dinner party is a small one, consider providing a main dish that acts abuffet centerpiece too. Enchiladas and lasagna are two main dish options that make great centerpieces and can be done simply and inexpensively.
• Vegetable Tray – Carrots and celery go a long way. Buy thebaby carrots in a bag at the grocery store, but buy the celery whole on the stalk and cut it up fresh. Broccoli and cauliflower are usually easier to buy by the bag already chopped. Cucumbers and green peppers will need to be bought whole and sliced fresh right before the party. Arrange with black & green olives and sweet & dill pickles on a nice serving tray. Offer Ranch Dressing and salsa for dipping.
• Desserts – A smaller, separate table can be set up to display the dessert buffet. Provide a variety of options. Christmascookies, brownies, and fudge are always holiday hits. A traditional hostess will probably offer a few cakes and pies too. Have a few holiday chocolates and candies available, and don’t forget the candy canes. This might be a good place to station the hot coffee,  hot cocoa, hot tea, or apple cider.
• Appetizers and Snacks – The buffet wouldn’t be complete without crackers, cheese, chips and dip. If the hostess desires, mini quiche, sausage balls, meatballs, and other appetizersmay be placed on the holiday buffet.

Above all, relax and have a great time. Remember, when it’s all said and done, what matters most is not the food or the decorations, but the special time spent with family and friends.Readers Share : Holiday Party Ideas & TipsI’m always looking for new ideas. Tell me what you are planning this year. Post your ideas, your recipes, themes, decoration ideas, pictures, cost, etc. Have any frugal tips for throwing a great holidayparty? Please share!