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.

An Affordable, Effortless Easter

(Family Features) Easter is all about festive family gatherings and good food. Whether you’re celebrating with your closest or hosting a larger crowd in your home, try these simple tips to keep everyone happy and full without blowing your budget.

Plan ahead: Don’t let the pressure of hosting the holidays stress you. A well-constructed game plan can help you stay on track with your spending goals. Before heading to the grocery store, take inventory of what you already have and create a list of the items you need. These simple steps can save you time and money in the long run.    

Find affordable ingredients and supplies: Grocery shopping can be a daunting task, especially with seemingly endless options. Shopping at a grocery store like ALDI helps you find everything you need in one quick and easy shopping trip, including high-quality, fresh, affordable foods for your Easter spread. While there, you can also pick up other Easter essentials like baskets, toys, bakeware, decor and more.  

Keep leftovers in mind: Food (and money) can go to waste when leftovers go uneaten. Instead of tossing out your forgotten leftovers, incorporate them into a whole new dish. Try these Holiday Ham Sliders using leftovers from main dishes such as Slow-Cooked Maple Ham.

Find more tips and recipes for an appetizing Easter at ALDI.us.

Slow-Cooked Maple Ham

Recipe courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen   
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 hours, 15 minutes
Servings: 10

• 20        ounces Sweet Harvest Pineapple Chunks
• 8          pounds Appleton Farms Smoked Ham Butt
• 1          cup Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup
• 1          cup Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Cinnamon
• 1          tablespoon Burman’s Dijon Mustard
• 1          teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper

1. Pour pineapple into large slow cooker. Place ham on top of pineapple, flat-side down.
2. In small bowl, combine syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, Dijon mustard and pepper. Pour over ham.
3. Set slow cooker to low. Cook 4-5 hours.
4. Remove ham; keep warm. Skim fat off top of remaining liquid in slow cooker.
5. Pour liquid into small saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer; cook until reduced to desired consistency.
6. Serve sauce on side or heat oven to broil and glaze ham. Broil 3-4 minutes for caramelized crust.

Holiday Ham Sliders

Recipe courtesy of Chef Linsey, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

• Carlini Canola Cooking Spray
• 3          ounces Happy Farms Preferred Cranberry White Cheddar, shredded
• 3          ounces Happy Farms Preferred Plain Havarti Cheese, shredded
• 12        ounces L'oven Fresh Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 2          tablespoons Burman's Spicy Mustard
• 1/4       cup sliced red onion
• 12        ounces Appleton Farms Spiral Sliced Half Ham
• 1/4       cup sliced green apple
• 4          tablespoons Countryside Creamery butter, melted
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Garlic Powder
• 1/4       teaspoon ground Stonemill Sea Salt
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Parsley Flakes

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
3. In small bowl, combine cranberry white cheddar and havarti cheeses. Reserve.
4. Remove entire package of rolls and, keeping rolls connected, slice in half horizontally.
5. Place bottom half of rolls in baking pan. Spread with spicy mustard.
6. Top with red onion, ham, apple, cheese mixture and bun tops.
7. In small bowl, combine butter, garlic powder, salt and parsley flakes. Pour over sandwiches.
8. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes.
9. Remove foil. Bake 10 minutes more.
10. Remove from pan and separate sandwiches; serve immediately.

Holiday Wine Pairings 101

(Family Features) Whether you’re hosting a holiday fete or on tap to bring the wine to Christmas dinner, nailing the perfect pairing doesn’t have to be stressful. 

When shopping for wine, consider the different flavors that will be served. From starters, like antipasti plates and warm appetizers, to main dishes including ham, beef or poultry – there is a wine to elevate the experience of every bite. While there is a perception an expensive wine equals a better tasting sip, this is not the case. Holiday revelers who head to ALDI can find an exclusive selection of affordable, award-winning wines.

Here are some tasty suggestions to help simplify your shopping list:

Charcuterie Plates
Please your guests’ palates with an array of varied charcuterie staples. You can find everything from hard and soft cheese options like goat cheese and mozzarella to olives, pickles, tapenades and spreads at ALDI. Pair lighter cheeses with a creamy sparkling wine like Maison de Joie Brut and pair any antipasti plate with a Malbec to bring out its flavor.

Appetizers
Go beyond your holiday dip with new recipes like potato croquettes or fried chicken bites. These simple, crowd-pleasing plates can be enjoyed with a full-bodied Broken Clouds Chardonnay or festive Belletti Prosecco.

Seafood
Options like ceviche, scallops and shrimp pair well with white wine. If you prefer light, crisp wines, try Villanella Pinot Grigio. This wine’s floral aromas and bright acidity complement and elevate any seafood dish.

Turkey/Ham
Balance your turkey or ham by balancing its flavor with a red wine like William Wright Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine offers cherry, blackberry and plum aromas and vanilla nuances with a lingering finish.

Red Meat
Pair a savory meat entree such as a ribeye roast with an option like Dancing Flame Red Blend. The distinctive, spicy notes of the Carmenere grape blend with the rich, velvety texture of Cabernet and Syrah for a medley of flavors that pair beautifully with hearty meat dishes.

Dessert
When it’s time for the sweets, go with a decadent dessert wine like Arosa Sparkling Moscato Rosé. The flavors of strawberries and cherries with a sweet, balanced finish can pair perfectly with a wide range of desserts.

Find more holiday party tips, including pairings and festive recipes, at ALDI.us.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (holiday party)

Picking Perfect Holiday Presents

(Family Features) Gift-giving season is a time that’s special for many families and friends, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show the loved ones in your life just how much you appreciate them.

However, it isn’t always easy to pick out the perfect present, especially with so many options available. When you’re stuck in a gifting rut, turn to the professionals, like those at Macy’s, to help you choose just the right gifts for everyone on your list.

“The holidays are a celebratory time when loved ones can come together and show how much they appreciate having each other in their lives,” said Cassandra Jones, senior vice president of Macy’s Fashion. “I truly believe that the perfect gift can bring people together. To enhance that experience for our customers, we’ve created an unparalleled assortment of gift-giving items, from tech to beauty, so that each present is the perfect one.”

Find more gift ideas for the holiday season at macys.com/gifts.

For Her

If you’re struggling to find just the right idea for the lady on your list, don’t take a chance on any random beauty product. Instead, give the beauty lover in your life the gift of options with a Macy’s Beauty Box subscription. For $15 a month, she’ll receive five deluxe beauty samples selected by experts, plus a bonus sample and a $5 coupon to use in-store or online on her next beauty purchase.

For Kids

Interactive technology helps get kids off the couch and provides them nearly endless entertainment. Give the children on your gift list the opportunity to dance their way to fun with a piano mat from FAO Schwarz. The 24 keys work just like a real piano, which allows for playing the included selections or creating your own works of musical art. Included with the mat are selections such as Beethoven’s “5th Symphony,” “Chopsticks,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and more.

For Him

Help him revamp his style in one easy step with a Sprezza Box, which makes it simple to add something new and coordinated to his wardrobe. Available in four distinct boxes curated by experts, each contains five items, including accessories such as ties, pocket squares, socks, sunglasses, wallets and money clips. Each box evokes a specific look and feel. Just pick the right one to match your gift list so you can add something new to his style.

For the Home

The natural interior decorator on your list likely loves the unique touch of comforting pillows throughout living rooms and dens. Let him or her cuddle up to the cozy style of this decorative pillow from the Martha Stewart Collection, featuring a festive color palette and polar bear perfect for the holiday season. At 18 inches-by-18 inches, it’s the ideal size for curling up on the couch during a chilly day.

For Entertaining

Searching for a gift for the natural entertainer in your life can be difficult if common items like wine glasses and electric bottle openers are already accounted for. An option like a bar cart from Hotel Collection can help make entertaining a breeze for that person on your list who enjoys hosting. With three shelves and wheels for easy transportation, it’s ideal for extravagant parties, small get-togethers or anything in-between.

For the Kitchen

Gourmet gift baskets from Di Bruno Bros. are sure to make an impression for home chefs who might need a little inspiration. Choose a curated basket filled with a wide variety of specialty foods and products hand-selected for top quality. Themes include options like this “Sriracha Foodie,” which comes packed with snacks, toppings and sauces infused with fiery Asian chili flavor in sweet jerky, pickles, gourmet salt, tortilla chips, horseradish sauce, mayonnaise, peachy jam and classic sriracha.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Family opening gifts)

Holiday Guesting 101

(Family Features) If you manage to avoid hosting duties this holiday season, you may be dodging some of the hardest work, but remember that being a good guest goes beyond arriving on time and taking your shoes off at the door. This holiday season, ensure your host gets to enjoy the festivities by putting these ideas to practice – it may earn you an invitation for years to come.

Make a holiday playlist.  Offer to put together a holiday playlist for the host who will undoubtedly have his or her hands full prepping for the holiday celebration. Try to choose songs specific to the guests, host and overall theme. A good playlist can be a conversation starter for everyone at the party.

Don't arrive empty-handed. Even if your host shrugs off an offer for help, a gesture of appreciation is always appropriate. It may be a bottle of wine, a seasonal flower arrangement or, better yet, an appetizer or dessert to share, such as this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Banana Cake. This crowd-pleasing cake is made using a Crock-Pot® Cook & Carry Slow Cooker, which has a locking lid and travel clips to help you get to your holiday celebration without making a mess. The 6-quart, removable pot can be used as a serving dish, and is dishwasher safe to make clean-up a breeze.

Stay off your phone. It may seem obvious, but these days, looking at your phone is almost as habitual as breathing, and chances are you don’t mean to appear standoffish or rude by sneaking a quick peek. However, playing with your phone can detract from time you get to spend with family and friends, many of whom you probably don’t get to see often. Tuck away your phone for the party and live in the moment.

Pitch in to help clean. No host likes to be stuck in the kitchen while the rest of the party carries on. After the meal, offer your help to clear the table, put away perishable items and get the kitchen back in order so your host can join the merry-making. If you’ll be opening gifts, grab a garbage bag and collect debris to help keep the mess under control.

Find more holiday recipes and tips at Crock-Pot.com.

Slow Cooker Banana Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Servings: 12

• Crock-Pot® Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
• nonstick cooking spray
• 3          cups flour
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking soda 
• pinch of salt
• 3-4       ripe bananas
• 2          lemon wedges, juice only
• 3/4       cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2    cups honey or 2 cups white sugar
• 3          eggs
• 1          teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2    cups almond milk
• cream cheese frosting

1. Grease slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In small bowl, mash bananas and lemon juice together; set aside.
4. In large bowl, use mixer to cream butter and honey. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in vanilla then milk. Gradually add flour mixture. Once combined, stir in mashed bananas.
5. Pour into slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 6 hours or high 4 hours, or until center of cake no longer looks gooey.
6. Uncover and let cake cool. Once completely cooled, frost cake and, if desired, top with sliced bananas and walnuts.

Notes: If adding bananas, do so just before serving or they will brown. If using a non-oval slow cooker, cook 1 hour less on high heat or 2 hours less on low heat.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

(Family Features) Welcoming friends and family into your home, celebrating time-honored traditions with delicious food and enjoying quality time with loved ones are all sure signs that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by holiday preparations and pressure to make your guests feel comfortable while visiting.

From loading up on pumpkin-scented candles to leaving out clean towels and upgrading that old air mattress to a real bed, it’s important to help loved ones relax when they’re away from home. Make the most of this holiday season with these handy tips from the experts at Mattress Firm to get each room of the house ready for guests.

Entryway
The first step into a home away from home for the holidays can set the tone for the entire visit, so make sure that first impression is a welcoming one. Incorporate lively seasonal decor into the space to create a cheerful, festive atmosphere. Be sure the area is free of clutter and make space for your guests’ shoes, coats and other personal items to send a message from the start that you’re happy to be hosting them.

Guest Bedroom
After a long journey, guests are sure to appreciate a clean, fresh bedroom, with personal touches to make them feel special. Make sure the pillows are fluffed and bedrooms are stocked with fresh linens, along with a few magazines or a good book. Test all lights and fans to confirm they’re working properly, and be sure an alarm clock is available. A notecard featuring your Wi-Fi network name and password can help your guests feel right at home.

For elderly guests, you may consider adding an adjustable base to your guest bed. Adjustable bases, including those available at Mattress Firm, are solid metal structures that fit twin- to king-sized mattresses and act as a movable foundation with the power to adjust the mattress into a variety of positions from reclining to inclining. These bases can be suitable for sleepers with chronic pain, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or the average sleeper just looking for additional comfort.

Guest Bathroom
Although visitors are likely to carry their own toiletries, it can be awkward to discover a forgotten essential while in an unfamiliar home. Stock your guest bath with the basics to ensure guests have everything they need, such as extra toothpaste, shampoo, razors and deodorant. Also provide plenty of freshly laundered, fluffy towels and washcloths.

Living Room
Adding extra bodies to the household may put seating space at a premium, especially during the holidays when seasonal decorations take up extra room. Remove unnecessary items from the living area and add seating, if necessary, to ensure everyone can gather comfortably. It’s also a good idea to ensure there are ample flat surfaces and coasters available for beverages so you can comfortably visit well into the night.

Kitchen
For close friends or family, you’re likely to know their preferences and it’s easy to stock up on a few favorites ahead of time. If a new guest will be joining, be sure to ask about likes or dislikes as well as allergy or dietary needs ahead of time. Make a point to show first-time guests around the kitchen early in the stay so they can easily find anything they might need, such as a glass for water during the night.

For more tips and tricks on getting your home prepped for the busy holiday season, follow along with #SleepGiving or visit MattressFirm.com/blog.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images