Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips

(Family Features) The holiday season is meant for spending quality time with friends and family, not stressing out over hosting. With some simple tips, you can cut down on hectic preparations while creating a memorable holiday full of food and fun guests can savor.

Consider these suggestions from the entertaining experts at Real California Milk:

Plan Ahead
Heading into your seasonal soiree with a plan in place can help avoid snafus. Make a shopping list of ingredients and decorations. Then put together a schedule a few days prior to the event to cover last-minute preparations.

Elevate Holiday Classics
Elevating classic appetizers is a simple way to savor the season. A trend on the rise, the Grazing Table starts with the table as the canvas, adds elements of the traditional cheese board then takes it to the next level with an arrangement of appetizers or brunch dishes and seasonal decor. Another way to lift your holiday spread is using high-quality, authentic ingredients like Real California Milk cheeses, made with milk from California dairy farm families, which are key ingredients in this Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board.

Prepare Dishes and Decorations in Advance
Preparing for guests can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of hosting. Decorating at least a day ahead and setting the table the night before, for example, can help minimize stress. Welcome guests with holiday cheer and trendy decor like a virtual yule log made of melting cheese, complete with holiday music.

For more holiday inspiration and recipes like antipasto skewers and yogurt-pesto dip, queso fundido and cheese logs and bundts, visit realcaliforniamilk.com/recipes.

Grazing Table

• Toma cheese, sliced
• natural almonds
• prosciutto
• salami
• Real California aged cheddar, sliced
• Real California burrata cheese
• olive oil
• herbs
• blue cheese
• Real California braided marinated string cheese
• dry salami, sliced
• premade antipasto skewers
• yogurt pesto dipping sauce
• Real California aged Gouda
• brie cheese
• Real California cheese log
• Real California cheese bundts
• dry jack cheese
• sweet red piquante peppers
• green California olives
• premade Real California queso fundido
• breadsticks
• tortilla chips
• dark chocolate sea salt caramels
• dried citrus, such as oranges and lemons
• artisan bread, sliced

1. On large board, plate or tray, arrange sliced toma cheese, almonds, prosciutto, salami and aged cheddar. In center, place burrata cheese and top with olive oil and herbs.
2. On separate small plate, place blue cheese; crumble.
3. On medium board, arrange braided string cheese and dry salami slices.
4. On serving platter, arrange antipasto skewers around bowl of yogurt pesto dipping sauce.
5. On separate small cheese board, place Gouda, brie cheese and cheese log.
6. On slate, arrange cheese bundts. On separate plate, place dry jack cheese.
7. In separate bowls, place piquante peppers and green olives.
8. Arrange boards, plates, bowls and skillet of queso fundido on table, as desired.
9. Fill blank spaces on table with breadsticks, tortilla chips, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, dried oranges, dried lemons and bread slices. Add floral arrangements and holiday decor for finishing touches. Complete table with cheese knives and spreaders.

Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board

• Real California brie cheese
• black olives
• green olives
• dried oranges, sliced
• Real California pepper jack cheese sliced
• almonds
• raspberries
• blackberries
• Real California burrata cheese
• honey, for garnish
• fresh herbs, for garnish

1. To assemble cheese board: On large board, plate or tray, arrange brie cheese, olives, dried orange slices, sliced pepper jack cheese and almonds.
2. On smaller board, arrange raspberries and blackberries around burrata cheese placed in center of board. Garnish cheese with honey and fresh herbs. Place smaller board into empty space on larger board.

5 Hacks for Holiday Hosting

(Family Features) It may feel impossible to fit even more into already jam-packed days, but when the holidays roll around, entertaining and celebrating always find a way. Fortunately, you can find some shortcuts when hosting that offer plenty of festive style while also helping you avoid stressing over every detail.

This year, rely on some time-saving hacks so you’re not just throwing the holiday party, but enjoying some seasonal fun of your own.

Repurpose with purpose. There’s no need to make time for a trip to the store or to spend a bundle on party supplies. A pretty, oversized flowerpot or planter that has been cast aside for winter makes a perfect tub for icing down beverages. When it comes to decor, you can cover any old box with some of last year’s leftover holiday paper to add some colorful touches around the home. A similar idea: wrap canvas art or other frames in pretty paper to extend the theme up the walls.

Make easy attractive. Most holiday celebrations center on the food, but it’s still an area where you can shave some time. For example, a simple but attractive option like the wide selection of Chinet Classic White products is designed for practical use. They do not bend, fold or leak, and are strong enough for extra helpings no matter the occasion.

For a more elegant affair, the Chinet Cut Crystal collection is the only fully coordinated line of disposable plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses. Guests will barely realize they’re not using the good china, but you’ll definitely notice when you’re able to skip time at the sink to spend more precious moments with your loved ones.

Fill the freezer. Whether your holiday entertaining is more impromptu in nature or you host a single sizable shindig, keeping a well-stocked freezer can help make hosting a cinch. Dedicate an afternoon to preparing items you can easily defrost and serve later, like casseroles, appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Forgo fussy food. An elegant sit-down meal isn’t the only way to enjoy a holiday gathering. Guests may even appreciate a break from traditional heavier fare. Simple food stations, finger foods and even store-bought meals are all time-saving alternatives. Another time-saving option: dressing up store-bought food as part of a larger spread. For example, you can top side dishes like mashed potatoes with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with cheese or embellish a main course such as ham with rosemary sprigs and fresh fruit.

Keep cleanup simple. For a festive, yet deceptively easy table, consider using kraft paper as tablecloths and let some of that leftover wrapping paper do double-duty as table runners. Simply cut the wrapping paper to your desired length and fold the edges under to create clean seams. Match the DIY table coverings with a coordinated line of disposable tableware to make cleaning up a cinch.

Explore more hacks to simplify your holiday entertaining at MyChinet.com.

Get Ready for Guests

Tips to prepare your home for summer entertaining

(Family Features) Summer entertaining season brings joy, laughter and plenty of ways to create special memories. From a fresh coat of paint to some simple sprucing up, you can ensure your home is poised to be the perfect backdrop to a fun-filled summer.

Color can have an enormous effect on a room’s overall atmosphere, so bringing out your home’s unique charm can be as simple as a quick change of wall color. Change up the feel of your space and make each room warm and welcoming with these tips from Valspar Paint and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams’ Senior Color Designers, Sue Kim and Ashley Banbury.

Clean and clear. Warmer weather is the perfect opportunity to throw open the windows to help lighten and brighten your home. Give every nook and cranny a thorough scrub and organize areas that have grown messy. Try taking on one room at a time to make the job more manageable, and before you know it, you can have the whole house sparkling clean. Take it one step further by adding a clean and refreshing shade of paint to your space. Consider an option like the Quiet Comfort Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, which is a palette of 20 hushed hues that, when used in any combination, can cultivate a neat and tidy vibe throughout your home. 

Uncover a creative focal point. During your cleaning, you may uncover open wall space or find an overlooked corner that is now visible. Change newfound free space into a family gallery wall. Paint it with a deep accent color like Valspar Favorite Green and create texture by adding open shelving to display important family mementos or experiences.

Switch up your motif. You may wish to update the decor of an entire room, but simple swaps can make a big difference. Try introducing more lively, summery textiles with fresh window coverings, area rugs and throw pillows. Swap some of your darker, heavier accent pieces in favor of bright, inviting decorative pieces that do dual-duty, such as colorful coasters that add whimsy while giving guests a place to rest their drinks.

Change your kitchen into a hub for entertaining. Bring a breath of fresh air into your kitchen by creating a pleasing, relaxing environment fit for entertaining with a blend of bright and bold colors like Valspar Emerald Ice and Indigo Cloth. Try the reassuring indigo for the base of the island, a central hub, and the light and airy emerald green as a backdrop for a stylish gathering spot that can get guests feeling instantly at ease.

Make it feel like home. Part of making your house as inviting as possible is ensuring that guests feel comfortable and welcome. Creating a guest suite that feels inviting can help make guests feel at home during their visit. While you can do this by stocking up on cozy blankets and towels, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a warm, nurturing wall color. For example, the Timeless Beauty Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, instilled with a sense of classic coziness, is full of pleasant shades that can be mixed and matched to create your perfectly coordinated, desired vibe.

Find more ideas to get your home ready for this summer’s guests at Lowes.com/Paint.

Simple Ways to Enjoy Warm-Weather Dining

(Family Features) The warmer months can bring a sense of new beginnings. While you’re taking in the sights and sounds of the seasons, it’s the perfect time to give your dining routine some fresh perspective.

Get ready to enjoy the refreshing bounty of the season with these tips that can make it simple to enjoy outdoor dining:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh simply tastes better. Take advantage of early crops and make the most of a kitchen herb garden. Look to incorporate fresh herbs, like thyme and parsley, and veggies, including artichokes and asparagus, which are at their peaks during warmer months.

Seasonal salads: Salads are another way to enjoy warm-weather flavors. Try switching out root veggies for fresh fruits and berries or add lighter ingredients like quinoa and avocado. Visit your local farmer's market for inspiration and let your taste buds be your guide.

Pair appropriately: As the seasons change, it’s a great opportunity to switch up your wine selections. The warmer weather typically calls for lighter fare that pairs best with a white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or rosé. Try keeping versatile and affordable bottles on-hand that pair well with warm-weather meals, such as Josh Cellars California Rosé or The Crossings New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Take it outdoors: Warmer weather means it’s time to embrace the delicious blend of sunshine and warm breezes. Make time to enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch or an al fresco dinner. Be sure to add some ambient lighting so you can linger after the sun sets.

Keep it simple: Skip the complex recipes and let a handful of delicious ingredients shine. Look for simple seasonal recipes with five ingredients or less. Shorter prep time and cleanup allows you to enjoy as much daylight as possible.

Seek out some pairing inspiration for your next warm-weather dining experience at deutschfamily.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (people at table)

Select Wines that Match Your Style

(Family Features) For a novice, simply distinguishing a wine preference – white or red, sweet or dry – may be the extent of his or her comfort level. However, a more experienced wine enthusiast knows there is an entire world to explore when it comes to discovering interesting wine styles. 

For example, winemakers in the Spanish wine regions of Ribera del Duero and Rueda draw on hundreds of years of history perfecting the art of winemaking. Together, these regions produce an array of flavorful, full-bodied reds and crisp, refreshing white wines. Recently, these regions have garnered attention for their wines’ value and versatility, making them solid choices for someone looking to explore and develop his or her palate without breaking the bank.

“The wines of Ribera del Duero are generally made in a more generous, international style that would make them a natural transition for a traditional drinker of Cabernet Sauvignon,” said Brahm Callahan, master sommelier and Ribera del Duero y Rueda ambassador. “The same can be said for Rueda. The wines have bright, ripe fruit, great weight and texture, and offer an excellent alternative for someone who likes Sauvignon Blanc.”

Ribera del Duero
There are 300 wineries in Ribera del Duero, which surrounds the Duero River for 100 miles across the region. The semi-arid terrain and climate create optimal ripening conditions for the Tempranillo grapes that define the region’s wines’ distinctive character. If you like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, the big, rich, bold red wines of the region may be to your liking.

• For the party host: A highly rated red that is soft juicy and impressively flavorful is sure to impress guests. Encourage guests to explore beyond their go-to with a Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero.  

• For the gift-giver: For a special occasion (either as a reward for yourself or someone else), the critically acclaimed Vega Sicilia Unico is a quality choice. This wine boasts the perfect proportion of fruit (plums and berries), tannins and acidity for a true splurge.

• For the casual wine drinker: A clean, bright blush rosé with notes of raspberries and strawberries is an enjoyable option throughout the day, from brunch to cocktail hour and onto the patio at twilight.

Rueda
One of the hallmarks of Rueda’s refreshing white wines is versatility. With just the right amount of fruit and a refreshing finish, wines from Rueda are clean, bright and complex, yet effortlessly drinkable. The region is home to 70 wineries clustered on the plateau of Castilla y Leon at a high altitude of about 2,300-2,600 feet above sea level. The difficult growing environment, mineral-filled gravel soils and abundance of sunshine help create a crisp white wine with character.

• For the environmentalist: If organic and sustainable winemaking appeals to you, Menade Verdejo is well-known as a flavorful wine made with the environment in mind. These fifth-generation sibling winemakers are pioneers in organic viticulture with an organic certification for their winery and vineyard.

• For the bubble lover: Light bubbles are perfect alone or paired with fish and fruits, and a varietal featuring the Verdejo grape is a less common but delightful way to enjoy a little bubbly.  

• For the warm weather enthusiast: A crisp, refreshing glass of an option likeVerdejo offers minerality and intense fruit flavors to unveil an intense palate with a refreshing acidity that is ideal for a hot day.

Learn more about the region and its wines at riberaruedawine.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

5 Summer Outdoor Entertaining Tips

(Family Features) Summer brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy time outdoors entertaining family and friends. The key to a successful summer party is simplicity: keep things easy so you can enjoy the festivities right along with your guests.

Make this season’s barbecues, picnics and family gatherings events to remember with these simple summer entertaining tips:

Cook outside
Rather than firing up the oven and heating up the entire house during steamy summer days, turn to outdoor cooking methods like grilling. Be sure to plan ahead with sturdy tableware that stands up to barbecued meats and other robust items fresh off the grill. Also remember that the grill isn’t just for main courses; you can use it to prepare any number of side items, like skewers of garden fresh veggies.  

Keep it comfy
With everybody outside, it’s important to keep comfort in mind. If you have access to electricity, you might consider an oscillating fan, which can stir up a cool breeze. Additionally, the air movement can help deter flies and other pests that can quickly ruin guests’ appetites. Provide ample seating options, including patio furniture, pillows and even blankets on the lawn. Also ensure there are spaces for guests to cool off, whether that’s under a shade tree or a portable canopy or umbrella.

Provide sturdy tableware
Some popular cookout foods can be a greasy nightmare without the right tableware to keep the mess to a minimum. Upgrade your outdoor dining experience with tableware like Chinet Classic White premium-strength plates, platters and napkins so you don’t have to worry about spills and leaks. They also make for easy cleanup when the party comes to a close.

Prepare seasonal sides
Let the grilled fare serve as the star of the show and keep the side dishes simple. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and staples like potato or pasta salads and coleslaw, make for a well-rounded meal without a lot of fuss. Also opt on the lighter side for dessert. Fresh berries over ice cream or a simple white cake can be a hit.

Add lighting
Keep the entertainment alive after sundown by going the extra mile with decorative lighting. Strings of lights in fun shapes or colors can add some vibrant light to seating areas. A fire pit is also an option for adding some ambient light and even a little warmth when the sun goes down and the temperature begins to drop.

Find more ideas for your summer entertaining at MyChinet.com.

Entertain in Style

(Family Features) It’s never too early to plan ahead, especially when you are expecting guests in your home. Your family and friends know and might love your style, but it can be important to spice things up now and again to impress your visitors. Factors such as lights, music and food can affect your guests experience in your home.

To remain stylish and keep your party going, consider these tips for fun and festive home entertaining.

Back to Basics.
Staying organized is key while entertaining guests in your home. Try to plan out every detail before the big event, which can allow things to go more smoothly on the big day. As you think out your plan ahead of time, making lists can be a helpful way to stay organized and ensure you get everything done. List out your guests, what needs to be picked up from the store and possible decorations you might need to buy or craft yourself. The possibilities can seem endless, but it’s important to have a plan in place before you start putting things together.

Think about Theme.
There are numerous ways your style can be shown while entertaining. One way is to pick a theme or theme-related food dishes. One way to show your theme is through decorations. Placing them throughout your home can give the party some life and help guests get into the overall theme of the party.

Light up the Party.
Transforming your home can be made simpler by changing the lighting. It’s typical for lights to be dimmed for parties to set a more relaxed mood. Other ideas include using candles, lamps or even hanging lanterns if you are entertaining outside. Make sure it’s bright enough so everyone can see, but dimmed enough to set the mood for the evening’s events.

Set the Mood with Music.
Pick music that matches your theme and inspires that same feel throughout the house. If you’re going for a fun, energetic atmosphere, try something with a quick tempo, such as pop. If you’re wanting to relax, go for subtler, soothing tones. Try making your playlist before you entertain and listen to it a few times through, that way you can know what to expect and how guests will react to your music selections.

Enjoy it.
Through all the anxiety and stress of entertainment planning, make sure you take time to enjoy yourself during the time guests are in your home. Some guests will notice if you’re not having a good time. Smile and remember to be present in the moment.

Find more entertainment tips at eLivingToday.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images