Life Hack Your Holiday Party
Parties are awesome and don't have to be stressful. If you don't want to do a big party just opt for a later start and forgo making dinner. It's all about communication. Just let your guests know, who, what, when, where and what to bring. Now to be ready....
Potluck-
To really take the stress off, do a potluck and everyone brings something to share. Easy and everyone knows that they will like at least one thing there.
Garland Door Trim-
I saw this idea on Tik Tok, and I am honestly mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner. You just buy an adjustable curtain hanger and wind the garland around it and hang it up in a door frame! No need for nails, screws or wires, and it looks great. Don't forget the mistletoe.
Holiday Juice-
You can make this ahead of time and it just gets better. Pineapple juice, orange juice cranberry juice and sprite. You can add one bottle of sprit per bottle of juice or make it a little more juicy and only add one bottle of sprite total.
Holiday Home Smell-
It is very easy to get that holiday spice smell in your home for your holiday party. Slice up some apples, oranges, cranberries, cloves, a couple of bay leaves, cinnamon and a little rosemary.
The Cheese Ball-
Who doesn't like a cheese ball at a holiday party? They are so easy to make and you can make one days ahead of time! Recipe (& some pretty amazing pics) below.
I'm so excited because it's time for holiday parties! I love getting together with friends and family and eating good eats. Cheese balls are a staple at holiday parties and you can always have the perfect appetizer ready to go with this easy make-and-store recipe.
(All of these photos are what you get when using AI. hahahahah)
I make enough for 3 small cheeseballs at a time so I can have a couple on hand for last minute appetizers.
Finding the best holiday treats in Utah can be a delightful experience, as the state offers a variety of bakeries, confectioneries, and specialty shops that cater to festive cravings. Here are some places in Utah where you can find delicious holiday treats:
- Located in Salt Lake City, Gourmandise is known for its delectable pastries, cakes, and desserts. During the holiday season, they often feature special treats and festive-themed baked goods.
- This cookie shop in Salt Lake City is famous for its unique and flavorful cookies. Check out their seasonal offerings for holiday-inspired treats.
- With locations in various cities, The Sweet Tooth Fairy is a bakery known for its cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. They usually have festive options during the holiday season.
- Located in Hurricane, Each baked good that they make comes from recipes handed down, and tried and true. They may have special holiday treats and desserts for you to enjoy.
- For those who love artisanal chocolates, The Chocolate Conspiracy in Salt Lake City offers handcrafted, organic, and ethically sourced chocolates. Look out for their seasonal selections.
- In Logan, Crumb Brothers is renowned for its artisan bread, pastries, and desserts. Check their holiday offerings for a taste of festive delights.
- Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Schmidt's Pastry Cottage is a long-established bakery known for its cakes, pastries, and cookies. They may have seasonal treats for the holidays.
- Situated in downtown St. George. Farmstead is a local European-style bakery/patisserie. They have sandwiches, pastries and decadent doughnuts. Keep an eye out for their holiday specials.
Before visiting, it's a good idea to check the websites or social media pages of these establishments for information on holiday menus and seasonal offerings. Additionally, check your local farmers' markets and holiday festivals as they also feature vendors with unique and delicious treats.
Tis the Season, and sometimes we need a few ideas for gifts for our loved ones. Some people are just plain hard to shop for. Plus, we live in a society that just buys what we want and need. We don't wait for much. So how do you get that perfect gift? You choose something unique and local!
Buying local for holiday gifts is a wonderful way to support small businesses and your community. Here are some ideas for locally sourced gifts:
Artisanal Foods:A great Southern Utah idea is jam from 'That's My Jam 435.'
Lyndee Leavitt and Nadine Stratford make gourmet jams and jellies with as much local produce as they can. They taste amazing and look great too!
Here are some of the pairings they came up with for us to try! They were so yummy. These jams would be perfect for any holiday party that you need an appetizer for!
They have a wide range of gift ideas.
Check out Earth's Treasures Crystal Shop at their new location at 558 E. Riverside Dr #105 Saint George, UT 84790!
Handmade Clothing or Accessories:We have a local lady that used to be my neighbor and she has her own line of clothing!
She uses everything too. She uses her scraps and makes jewelry & hair ties and scrunchies.
Marie Nohr has done fashion shows around the world and she lives right here in Utah!
You can support her and check out her styles at Www.maluxe.etsy.com and Www.marienohr.com
Remember, the key to buying local is to explore the unique offerings available in your area. Supporting local businesses not only provides thoughtful gifts but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of your community.