Snowman Treats

Need some fun and easy holiday party treats???  These Snowman Treat ideas from BHG are so creative!  PLUS, here’s an excellent opportunity to finish up what orange and black food decorating products you didn’t use from Halloween.

Christmas Workshop 2009: Centerpieces & More!

Oftentimes the tablescape is the most stressful part of hosting a dinner of any kind.  Not only do you have to have an exact head count, once you do you have to figure out the whole “look” you want to go for and then try to remember the proper way to set a formal table.  And,  if you want to go the extra mile, place cards are one more thing to add to the list. This week’s workshop will help you solve all those problems!

- Plan Your Holiday Centerpiece

- Custom-Tailored Candle Holders

- Tree-Shaped Candles

- Holly Napkin Holders

- Tree Place Cards

- Learn How to Set a Formal Dinner Table

- Successful Seating Arrangements

- Seasonal Strategy: Make Space in Advance

This Week’s To-Dos

1. Mail gifts to family and friends early in the week.

2. Polish silver.

3. Plan Christmas table settings.

4. Leave holiday tips for service providers.

5. Iron holiday linens.

6. Order roast, turkey, or goose from the butcher.

* For the full shopping list for the above, click here.

Festival of Lights: Incorporating Hanukkah into your Holiday Celebrations

If you’re planning on having a dinner party between now and Friday, check to see if you have anyone Jewish on your list!  Hanukkah is probably the 2nd most recognized holiday around this time of year, but it’s not given nearly as much attention as it deserves. Oftentimes Jews are overlooked.  There are many ways to incorporate The Festival of Lights into your dinner or holiday party.

Dedicate the centerpiece to an 8-candle arrangement to signify the Menorah.

Use Hanukkah-themed place cards.

Give a Jewish specialty as a party favor.

Tasteful Thanksgiving Tabletop Inspiration

If you still need some inspiration this Thanksgiving eve for your big gathering tomorrow, here’s some festive images to feast your eyes on. Remember- don’t fret.  You can always call the Butterball Turkey Hotline: 1-800-288-8372 for all your bird-related questions or the Crisco Pie Hotline: 1-877-367-7438 and get advice from two National Pie Championship winners and other pie professionals. Any time you start to get frazzled stop, close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember something for which you are thankful.

(above images via: Amy Atlas, Hostess with the Mostess, Real Simple, Disney Family Fun, Digs Digs, Better Homes & Gardens, iVillage, Martha Stewart)

If you’re extremely ambitious and feel like braving the lines or if you already have the goods… try out these DIY place cards and tags! Wrap a string around a jar and voia!  the perfect vessel for sending home left over gravy, cranberry sauce or whatever else won’t fit in your fridge.

(above via Kim Vallee)

Pumpkin Cake Mold

At your holiday get-together there’s bound to be someone who’s not a fan of pumpkin pie, but loves pumpkin.  Just grab this silicone pumpkin cake mold…

Need a pumpkin cake recipe? Here’s one with and without gluten!

The Two Thanksgiving Tables: The Kids’ & Adults’

Oftentimes there isn’t a table big enough to fit the entire family.  Even with the best intentions the family gets split apart.  Usually the easiest division is those between the children and the adults.  Most holiday festivities have at least one child that no matter how young or old, always feels like they are too old for the “kids’ table”. This post is dedicated to the cool relative that was way too old for the kids table but that joined in so that the other kids didn’t feel like outcasts. Hopefully the below will remedy this dilemma by attempting to create a space that children of all ages will enjoy.

(Above- Turkey Cake Pops via Bakerella; Book of Blessings via Better Homes & Gardens; Finger Puppets via Martha Stewart; Acorn Brownie via Michael’s; Squirrel Salt & Pepper Shakers via Target.)

As an adult, the holidays are one of the few times that everything isn’t about added responsibility.  During this time it’s important to sit back and appreciate what you have (and recognize the things you weren’t allowed to have as a child: the option of a cocktail and something as simple as a candle that illuminates your table.)  Neither of these simple decorations would have flown at the kids’ table. Furthermore, an adult’s palette is usually more sophisticated than the younger counterpart, not only in a culinary aspect but also in design.  With good food, good design and family and friends– what more do you need?

(Above: Sweet-Gum-Tree Spur Place Setting via Martha Stewart; SURevolution Frangipani Server Set, Antique Silver Cheese Knives & Antique Silver Ladle and Server Set via Pottery Barn; Pumpkin Spice Latte via Buzz Critic; Turkey & Pumpkin Fondant Toppers via ClineffsConfections; Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake via Smitten Kitchen; Glass Candle Holder w/ Leaf via Real Simple; Give Back – Plant a Tree in Your Guests Honor via: Better Homes & Gardens.)

Holiday Entertaining Checklist (1 of 4)

Three Weeks Ahead

~Compile guest list
~Start inviting your guests by phone or e-mail;

(above- via Pingg)

For a formal gathering, send a traditional invitation

(above- via Kate’s Paperie)

~Plan the menu

(above- images via Martha Stewart’s Magical Christmas Menus)

Two Weeks Ahead

~Consider how you will accommodate your guests, and place an order for any rentals you might need (tables & chairs for extra seating)

~Organize serving pieces, seating, table linens, etc. to see what’s missing and purchase or borrow what you need

(above- via Martha Stewart’s Table Setting 101)

~Ask family to bring side dishes or desserts
~Plan your centerpiece and table décor

(above- via Easy DIY at Home)

~Order a fresh turkey, ham, roast beef or special desserts
~Create a time line for preparing food ahead of time and the day of the party

*Huge thanks to Momologie for the Holiday Entertaining Checklist*

What’s Your Style?

Cake 3 Ways… This was one of the posts that got me hooked on Bakerella-  masterful baker & genius photographer.  One or all of these mini cakes could be made for a bridal shower, a birthday party, an anniversary party… you name it! Which is your favorite?

The Soiree Cafe

Welcome to the home of The Soiree Cafe, a place where a bride can create her vision & a hostess can gather ideas to entertain and impress!

We’re just getting started but stay tuned–lots of fabulous event design trends, wedding DIY projects, shower ideas and more!

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