We’re roughly one month from December, the annual can’t-eat-another-cookie, party-every-weekend month. No matter what holiday you celebrate, this is a month jam-packed with open houses, cocktail parties and cookie exchanges. Be ready for anything — even drop-by guests — with today’s Freebie Friday giveaway, the SkateModerne Teal Logo Tray.
SkateModerne makes couture furniture and trays in any size or pattern, but the one we’re giving away is 12 3/4″ x 12 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ and made of teal faux shagreen. (It’s both chic and environmentally friendly.) Load it up with an ombre decander filled with your favorite spirits, cocktail glasses and a few bar snacks for an instant (and portable) party. Or, use the tray as part of an of-the-moment teal-themed party.
To be entered for a chance to win this chic tray, simply leave us a comment in the field below before 12/11c on Monday, October 31.
This week’s question: What’s your best holiday entertaining tip? Do you have a go-to cocktail? A theme party that people look forward to all year? A super-simple homemade favor? Tell us in the comments below.
I have always loved going to tree decorating parties. You can have fun, drink cider, eat cookies, and everything else you do at holiday parties AND learn to make beautiful, unique, special trees with friends.
I have been hosting an annual gift wrapping extravaganza for years now. My tip is to have unique materials, extra supplies, and plenty of Scarlett O'Hara Punch on hand.
No matter the temperature outside, bourbon slush is always popular (I can't help it; I'm a Kentuckian).
Silver mercury ornaments around the house, Christmas music, wine and appetizers. Family, friends & the Doggies, makes a great holiday season.
have things done before people get there – then enjoy!
Pick a theme for your party. It helps you plan food and decorating. And come on down to Florida. We have the greatest Audi guy there is! As a fellow Audi wagon owner- I know!
Two different ideas both from my Nanas. One Nana had a recipe for Egg Nog and the other Nana always had Irish Scone (no true recipe, it was a little of this, some of that, a certain mug full of this, etc… mix, place into a bundt pan, drop on the floor three times from sink height (to get the air pockets to rise to top) and place into oven…. I can see me serving Nana's Egg Nog and Nana's Scone on this beautiful tray! YAY!
Keep it fabulous, but don't work to hard to have a great party. Remember, keep it simple so you have time with your guests!
We normally have everyone bring a homemade dish! For Halloween its a tradition to make the nutter butter ghosts dipped in almond bark! For Christmas it's a tradition to make reindeer cookies! The children go and play games where the adults mingle and play cards, listen to music, and drink wine.
have everything ready
I set up tables, decorate,& bake cakes 2 days before a big family dinner & serve wine or egg nog.
I always like to make food for parties that is simple, but out of the ordinary whether it be presentation or putting a new twist on a typical party food. For instance, finger paninis with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and cheese, calamari puffs, or mini quiches rather than the typical chips & dip or crackers with a meat and cheese tray. When I throw a party it's about the guests and my time spent enjoying their company. With just a little more effort, you'll have people talking about your party for weeks.
That tray would be perfect for my new sitting area done in chocolate and aqua. I'd love to serve a nice bottle of wine with some cheese and flat breads for a very easy get together. AWESOME!!!!
A group of friends actually celebrate in August. Since the holidays are so busy with family, we have a garden party in August with decoration and Christmas Carols and many courses of foods under a tent in my friend's lovely yard. It's less stressful for everyone with better weather.
A must for entertaining is a celan and fresh smelling half bath. This is sort of a deal breaker for having a nice evening or not. Tidy up and dust for a great time with family and friends.
I just love to serve family/friends during the holiday season. I stand on my feet a great deal but the great time others are having is worth it to me! This tray could come in handy for carrying gift bags for guests as they leave our home. I like it.
There are 8 of us in my family. Six of us live in our original home town. We go from house to house so we can see each others decorated homes and share a drink, snack, or desert. Sometimes we start with a brunch, sometimes with a late lunch. We try to do this a week before Christmas.
My Birthday is on Christmas day, so my holidays are extra complicated. My secret is to, keep it all simple. I mean, birthday candles look just fine in a pumpkin pie.
Doing everything we can ahead of time so we can be calm and present with our guests. We have a tiny kitchen that doesn't really allow for a group to share in the cooking or prep, so if we are entertaining a larger group we go for simple foods that can mostly be done ahead. Candles and other low lighting to provide a cozy, warm, and inviting atmosphere. Good, but low, music in the background. Don't sweat it! If you are enjoying yourself, most likely your guests will too.
Danish pastries made from a recipe handed down through generations and crab soup in an antique very cool crab serving bowl make our holiday parties what they are… AWESOME
I like to have a friend or family member (maybe two depending on who, and how many are coming) in charge of welcoming people when they arrive, helping them with their coats, purses, food set up,and getting them settled in with a drink…even leading them to meet and mingle if necessary.
I like to keep things casual. Appetizers instead of sit down meals, we actually end up using the dining room to hold people's coats and bags. If we're having a party I make sure to spread out snacks throughout tour entertaining areas to encourage movement.
Making sure all the little details are made with care and love. It's the little things that make for memorable holiday entertaining.