6 ideas for easy entertaining at home
To spend time together this season, let’s keep it simple and low stress. You don’t have to fret over multiple options for hors d’oeuvres and drinks to entertain. And the guest list can be as short (or long!) as you want. Here are a few ideas for a simple get-together that’ll keep blood pressure low and hearts lifted high.
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Wine and Cheese with Ease
Hands wrapped around a mug of mulled wine or warm apple cider will keep you toasty and make the place smell divine. (Try Ina Garten’s mulled wine recipe.) Dim the lights, add some candles, and enjoy some gooey goodness from a brie baker and piquant bites from an olives bowl for happy hour in hygge style.
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Ice Time and Hot Treats
Meet at the local rink for a skate, then head home for a hot cocoa bar to warm up! For your hot cocoa bar, leave out mugs and toppings in small bowls for DIY drinks. Think whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, caramel sauce for drizzling, and cinnamon for sprinkling. With all that sweetness? Choose sides like a platter of plain biscuits and a snack bowl of roasted nuts.
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The Simplest Afternoon Tea
Tea and treats are all you need to gather for a good chat. It’s as easy as boiling water! In a basket, fan an array of individually packaged herbal teas, and put out a kettle of boiled water and mugs so folks can help themselves. Don't forget a special creamer and sugar bowl. Pick up a dozen specialty cookies from your local bakery and serve on a flowered platter with some pretty napkins. Steep, sip and enjoy!
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Game Night Comfort Food
Lounge over a board game or learn a classic card game like bridge or euchre. Add comforting food for body and soul like a bubbling casserole dish of mac n cheese and a bowl full of roasted veg or a big batch of chili. Choose cinnamon buns with mugs of fresh-brewed coffee for an afternoon match-up.
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Movie Night In
It’s holiday movie season! Ask film buffs to BYO blankets (a host has only so many throws!) to settle in over a big bowl of popcorn and chips and dip.
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Crafternoon
A personal fave! Pick a simple activity for a group to follow along with low tech supplies. Consider paper crafts like origami or card-making, upcycled crafts like painted glass votive holders, or handmade ornaments in felt or yarn. Plan for a midway break for "munching time". Put out platters of cheese and crackers, loaf slices or cookies, or a bowl of berries or trail mix.
If you have any tips for stress-free entertaining, let us know in the comments!