‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, festive fun, and fabulous parties!
Baking FUN!
Cookies, cupcakes, candy, and cakes, oh my! With family get-togethers, neighborhood gatherings, school parties/bake sales, cookie swap parties and office celebrations the holidays are the optimal time for baking! Cookies can be a fun way to go because they can be made in advance and frozen until ready to use. And if you are giving cookies as a gift some quick and easy ways to “wrap” them are with decorative tins and/or holiday cello bags.
Everyone loves cupcakes! Whether you buy a box of cake mix and frosting or make everything from scratch these are yummy treats! The fun starts with the cupcake toppings. From the color of the frosting, to sparkly sprinkles, food writers, deco candy, and so much more. Cupcake stands are a great way to serve cupcakes.
Holiday candy makes a great gift for a teacher, co-worker, neighbor, and even for a baby or pet sitter. Anything from chocolate covered pretzels to fun lollipops. When “wrapping” candy take-out containers and cello bags are fun to try.
And last but certainly not least holiday cakes. You have so many options with cakes from the shape, to the flavor, and the topping. You can keep it simple or go with something decadent. Either way, the more festive the better!
Wrapping FUN!
Gift wrapping can be harder than finding the gift! And you always seem to underestimate just how long it will take to wrap everything! To help save time wrap gifts and label them as soon as you buy them. By picking a gift wrap theme or certain ribbon color it can make the task more fun and interesting.
If gift wrapping is not your thing, seasonal gift bags and boxes are a simple and easy way to go. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes for any gift. Adding coordinating ribbon, bows, tissue, and gift tags takes a gift bag or box to the next level! Also for gift card giving, fun gift card holders can add that special touch along with a card and matching ribbon or a bow. If you are really pressed for time some shopping malls offer gift wrapping stations and for a small fee they will wrap your gifts and the proceeds usually benefit a local charity.
Table Top FUN!
First step is to pick your color scheme. Once that is determined everything can tie together with your color scheme, for example, tablecover, plates, napkins, cutlery, cups and serveware. Place cards are a great way to “organize” your guests and helps take the guessing out of where to sit for your guests.
Centerpieces help create a festive focal point on your table. This time of year your options are endless for a great centerpiece especially if you like flowers, greens, and berries. Sometimes just going in your backyard will give you inspiration and you never know what you might find that can be used in your centerpiece creation. Simply filling a vase with water and cranberries and a bouquet of white flowers or even green sprays can be a beautiful and fragrant centerpiece. Adding coordinating candles on your table is always a nice touch and can help set the mood for your gathering.
Food Prep and Serving FUN!
Make sure you have everything you need to prepare and serve food. Make it easy on yourself with foil pans that can be tossed after using. Chafing racks can also be helpful when serving large portions of food and they keep the food warm! If you are serving bite-size appetizers plating them with toothpicks can make it easier for guests to “help themselves”. Festive acrylic serveware like platters and bowls are great for “kiddie tables” and for transporting food if you are traveling. And don’t forget the serving utensils! You might also want to think about how food will be served for example, buffet style or at the table, sometimes the number of guests coming can help you decide this! The larger the group the easier a buffet may be!
Papergoods
Holiday Tins
Gift Wrap
Centerpieces
Cake and Cupcake Stands
Baking Supplies
Product seen here is seasonal. Selection varies by store. Call store for details.
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