Reindeer "Food"

I have been making/creating reindeer "food" for twelve years now. All you need is glitter and uncooked oatmeal. I usually use about two cups of uncooked oatmeal and a quarter cup of glitter. Mix it in a bowl and let the kids sprinkle it all over the driveway and street in front of our house. The oats are for the reindeer and the glitter is for guiding their landing. It takes about 2 minutes to make but the conversation amongst the kids is one to treasure. I assure you a tradition will be born!

Last minute

• Make sure you have serving ware clean, marked with a sticky note, and ready to go.
• Have club soda on hand for any sill hazards.
• Have at least 5 appetizer servings fore each guest.
• One side dish for every four guests.
• One serving of dessert for each guest.
• Two alcoholic drinks per guest.
• Three non alcoholic drinks per guest.
• Party favors wrapped and ready at the door for goodbyes! 

And don't forget cookies and milk for the big guy as well as a carrot or two for his reindeer. Merry Christmas.

Cocktail Glass Charms

I came across a GREAT idea for beverage glass charms for your parties to go along with your signature cocktails... We don't always have enough charms for those pretty glasses for the party, but this idea is way inexpensive and easy to pick up on your next errand run. Silly Bands! Get the littler ones to put on the stems of the glasses you're using. Match them to your party theme - they come in all kinds of styles! I assure you will have a conversation piece too. 

Signature Cocktails

I have figured out a great way to save some moola when hosting parties... Signature Cocktails! Instead of having a completely stocked bar at your next party, come up with a signature cocktail. This keeps your liquor shopping list to a minimal. Come up with something that represents you - the hostess! I assure you that you'll be the talk of the town after your party!

Homemade Christmas Keepsakes

I get crafty around the holidays. Don't misunderstand me, I don't have any more time than the next gal this time of year, I just can't help myself. Last year I found "jeweled" holiday words that you stick on "things". I bought a couple of each words thinking I would use them in the kids' scrapbooks. I got busy as most mommies do and forgot about them. I came across them the other day and was inspired! So I headed out to my local craft store and bought some wooden frames of various sizes along with a a few pre-cut mat boards. Once I got home, I stuck the jeweled holiday word on one of the outside edges of the frame, mounted our holiday picture of the family, and put it all in the frame. It cost about $3.50 all together and looks like a million bucks! It would make a great gift for family but I plan to use it as a holiday decoration for years to come.

Holiday Hostess Gifts

You never want to go to a party or get together without a gift for the host or hostess. A great bottle of wine is always appreciated by the hostess of a holiday get together, but think about a potted amaryllis or paper whites. A pot of rosemary for the kitchen is a wonderful gift for a hostess who is health conscience. Ornaments for tree trimming parties are great little gifts where if you get invited to more than one, you could purchase a boxed set to pull from. Think out of the box and I assure you will feel great about the gift of thanks you give.

Winter Birthday Party Themes

This time of year is sometimes tricky to plan birthday celebrations for kiddos that have birthdays so close to the holidays. Think about drawing the focus towards their special day by planning a party around:

• penguins
• snowflakes
• ice skating
• hockey
• cookies
• sleighs
• crystals
• ice
• snowmen
• skis
• sugar plums
• Nightmare Before Christmas
• Charlie Brown
• Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Think of connections with holiday songs and movies. THINK OUT OF THE BOX! Every one's birthday celebration should be special not discounted because the holidays are here. I assure you your special kiddo will appreciate the efforts you make to celebrate them.

PNP

Check out www.portablenorthpole.tv . I have been using this website for years. I send a personal email video to my kiddos to keep the magic alive.

Sugar Plum Treats

This simple treat - candy coated marshmallow on a stick - can be made for just about any holiday but I enjoy them most passed out to casts of Nutcracker productions! You will need:

• 14 oz. bag of candy melts (I like the Wilton brand and find it @ Michael's or Jo-Ann's)
• craft sticks or lollipop sticks
• 10 oz. bag of large marshmallows
• assorted decorating sprinkles, chopped nuts, flaked coconut, and candy
• aluminum foil
• non-stick spray

1. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with non-stick spray.
2. Melt the candy according to package directions. Be careful not to over heat it - the color will be cloudy or have bubbles once it hardens.
3. Insert a craft or lollipop stick into each marshmallow, dip into the candy melt then into the decoration of choice. I have small bowls of different decorations all out at once and rotate each time I dip a marshmallow to give me a variety of different looking "Sugar Plums".
4. Place each marshmallow on the lined cookie sheet to harden up.
5. Once they're all decorated, chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.

You could wrap them individually in candy sucker bags tied with ribbon or stick into a Styrofoam dome. These treats could also make great place setting markers for your Christmas Dinner Table or a "Saint Nick-ed" (similar neighborhood "event" to being Boo'd - see Halloween posts) treat to pass out to neighbors. I have even seen these at cookie exchanges. I assure you will be asked to make these treats for other events too.

Cloth Candy Canes

This is a craft that needs some drying time - maybe hours. But on a frigid day it sure keeps the kids busy making a cute decoration for the holidays. You will need:

• 3x12" strips of cotton fabric (3 per project - prints and differnt colors make the best choices)
• pipe cleaners (3 per project)
• waxed paper
• white glue
• small paint brushes

1. One at a time, lay each fabric strip - print side down - on waxed paper-covered surface and using the paint brush to coat with a thin layer of glue.
2. Place a pipe cleaner along one long edge and roll the fabric around it as tight as possible. Smooth down the outer edge.
3. Make three pipe cleaners like this for a single project.
4. Pinch together the tops of three wrapped pipe cleaners and tightly twist them into a spiral, bending the top over into a cane shape.
5. Set cane in a short drinking glass to dry ( could take several hours).
6. Neaten the ends of teh pipe cleaner canes with wire cutters.

One wintery weekend several years ago, I had a whole Christmas tree full of these and popcorn garlands. It turned out great! I kept them and use them as centerpieces some years or place setting markers. The canes look like the fruity tootie variety of candy canes you buy at the grocery store. I assure you will enjoy spending the time on this craft.

Hot Chocolate Cones

I love making these to leave at neighbors who have shoveled my sidewalk, send to school for teachers on delayed start days, and even for the mailman! These treats are easy to make. You will need:

• 3/4 cups cocoa mix
• 2 - 6x12 inch cone shaped cellophane bags (Michael's or Jo-Ann's in the candymaking section)
• 2 clear rubber bands (hair accessories section @ Target or Walmart)
• 1/4 cup mini chocoate chips
• 3/4 cup mini marshmellows
• large red gumdrops

1. Pour cocoa mix into one cellophane bag and secure with rubberband.
2. Slide this into the second cellophane bag.
3. Layer the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows and top with one red gumdrop.
4. Secure the bag with a rubberband.

I tie off mine with some pretty satin ribbon and a homemade gift tag. Each bag you make should make 4 servings and keep the recipient warm and toasty! I have used this treat for party favors at holiday get togethers and open houses. I have also used them as place setting markers for big dinner parties and classroom party crafts. I assure you the folks you give this treat to will appreciate it. Although you may want to keep a stash for the neighborhood kiddos who will be begging to shovel your sidewalk on snowy mornings!

Food Network Cookie Recipes

Food Network is posting some amazing cookie recipes! So far I have whipped up Mexican Wedding Cookies, Candy Cane Meringues, Rugalach, Rum Balls, Oat Walnut Thins, and Parmesan Pepper Balls. Oh what fun it is to bake! Trying something different always puts me in a festive mood this time of year. Having something different at the cookie exchange is a personal goal for me. Most times I look for ethnic recipes to challenge myself. It makes good conversation at open houses or other holiday get togethers and with my kiddos too. Try something kookie for your cookies - I assure you it will make you feel great!

Kid Christmas Party Themes

Still searching for a theme for the class Christmas party? Remember what makes Christmas so magical: togetherness and tradition. The themed list below will bring everyone together for a fun event and create lasting memories for the little ones.

Gingerbread House Making

"Raise the roof" … with a gingerbread house-making party.
For young children, pre-build small houses out of graham crackers. The best “glue” to hold the walls together is royal icing, but I like to use pre-made frosting. If it's too warm, though, the house will fall apart.
Set out an array of candies and give each child a plastic sandwich bag filled with icing, tied off and with a small hole poked in one corner. Show them some basic for decorating the houses, i.e., using shredded coconut as snow, peppermint pathways or Lifesaver windows.
For favors, give aprons or gingerbread cookies in cellophane bags.
If you have teens and need to kick this theme up a notch, have the kids design and bake their house parts ahead of time and bring them to the party. Give everyone an hour to assemble and decorate their houses and invite some neighbor judges over to choose the best one. The teens’ creativity might surprise you.

Kids' Christmas Party Cookie Exchange

Cookie making is a fun Christmas tradition, but who has time to make more than two or three kinds? Cookie exchange to the rescue!
Ask guests to bring two dozen of the same type of cookie to the party, plus enough copies of the recipe for each attendee. Display the cookies on a table, with the recipe cards and the child’s name next to each tray.
Then, each child loads up an empty plate with two of each type of cookie. While making their way around the table, the children also should pick up a copy of each recipe. Set up a station where the kids can then decorate covers and bind the recipes into small cookbooks as a memento of the party.

Crafty Christmas

It wasn’t all that long ago that Christmas gifts were made, not purchased. Bring back the tradition by hosting a Christmas craft party.
You could focus your ornaments only and set up three different stations where the children can make different decorations for the tree. Or have them undertake other projects like calendars or decorating candles with sequins. The kids also could make wrapping paper or cards at the party.
The crafts should be enough of a favor, but you could also send these creative kids home with a blank artist’s notebook and a set of Crayons or drawing pencils.

Party with a Purpose

It’s natural for kids to associate Christmas with receiving presents, but help them find the deeper meaning by reaching out to those who are less fortunate.
Throw a party with a purpose either by focusing on a charitable theme or simply asking guests to bring nonperishable food, winter coats or other donations to a regular Christmas bash. You could decorate the main table with a large stack of canned goods shaped like a tree, trim a tree with scarves as garland or hang strings of mittens above every doorway.

A Caroling We Go

A night of Christmas caroling can be cold, but it sure warms the heart. And using this theme as a classroom party offers an opportunity to share the holiday spirit with others.
Hand out songbooks you’ve made with copies of some favorite carols and gather everyone around the piano or stereo to practice. Stick to two or three short songs they can easily memorize. "Bundle up," hand everyone a candlestick or flashlight and then spread holiday cheer by singing door to door. Have the kids take turns presenting neighbors with a plate of cookies before moving onto the next classroom. Someone should stay back in the classroom to make hot cider, hot cocoa and other warm treats to await the carolers when they return.

Rock Around the Christmas Tree

Break from tradition with a Rock ‘n’ Roll kids' Christmas party.
Spray the kids’ hair with temporary red and green dye when they arrive (with parental permission, of course) and brand everyone with some holiday tatoos. Push aside the desks, hang a disco ball and let the kids dance to holiday songs by their favorite artists. If you’re up for it, rent a karaoke machine.
When it comes to food, what rock star doesn’t love pizza? Tie yours to Christmas by making mini pizzas in holiday shapes. To do this, cut the dough with cookie cutters before adding the toppings. For favors, send everyone home with a music-themed tree ornament, such as an electric guitar or drum set, or a CD burned with some of the Christmas songs.

Polar Express P.J. Party

Whether it’s the book by Chris Van Allsburg or the movie starring Tom Hanks, The Polar Express is a beloved Christmas story.
On invitations made to look like train tickets, invite kids to come to school dressed in pajamas. Serve hot chocolate (a nod to a particular scene from the story) and a train-shaped cake.
Read the book or show the movie, then send everyone home with a jingle bell, a reference to how the boy in The Polar Express finally believes Santa Claus is real.

Christmas Around the World

Give your kids’ Christmas party an international theme by hosting a Christmas-around-the-world party.
Assign a different country to each child, being sure to include Turkey, the homeland of Saint Nicholas, Germany, which is partially credited for the tradition of decorating a tree, and Mexico, where families hold neighborhood posadas. Research how other cultures celebrate Christmas, too.
Ask everyone to bring a side dish that represents the culture assigned to them, sing songs that tie to the countries, such as Stille Nacht (Silent Night) in German, and teach the kids to say, "Merry Christmas," in different languages.

Make sure you coordinate with the classroom teacher regarding "rules" for holiday parties at your child's school. I especially love the Party with a Purpose, but tend to host many Polar Express PJ parties myself. The holidays are magical especially with children involved. I assure you will have a merry heart planning any of these themes whether for classrooms or even in your home.

Holiday Games for Kids

When you plan the classroom holiday party, it's always a good idea to have a few games to play. The following is list of some that may work:

Gift Wrap Relay
You will need:

• An identical box for each team
• Pre-cut wrapping paper
• Tape
• Ribbon (optional)

Directions:

1. Wrap the packages before the party.
2. Divide the children into teams.
3. Each team will receive a wrapped gift box, wrapping paper sheet for each player tape and possibly ribbon.
4. Place these items on a table or the floor for a gift wrap station.
5. To play the game, a team member will leave their group, run to the gift station, unwrap the gift, rewrap the gift, and run back to tag the next team member. The first team to have each member wrap the gift wins.

Tip: An unopened box of macaroni and cheese works well for this game.


Find the Christmas Star Game

• Hide star ornaments before the party.
• Divide the children into teams and send them searching for an ornament.

Pass the Parcel Game

• Before the party, place enough Christmas treats (Candy canes, chocolate kisses, erasers) for all of the guests in a small box and wrap it.
• Then place the parcel into a bigger box and wrap that as well. Then again and again until there are several layers of wrapping.
• To play the game everyone sits in circle. Play Christmas music while passing the "parcel" around from player to player.
• When the music stops, the player holding the parcel unwraps one layer.
• Then, play the music and begin passing again.
• Continue to play until the last layer is unwrapped and the treats are handed out.

TIP: It may be easier to have the players only partially unwrap during their turn. That way every player is sure to get a turn. We also only use a few boxes but several layers of paper.


Snowball Race
You will need:

• Styrofoam balls or balls of white yarn
• Spoons and mittens for each team

Directions:

• Play this game as you would any relay race: divide into teams.
• Each player takes turns putting on mittens and balancing a "snowball" on a spoon while racing to the other side of the room.
• Drop the snowball into a bucket, return to the team, pass the mittens and go to the back of the line.
• First team to complete the race wins!

Santa Trip

• Players sit in a circle.
• The first player says,"On Christmas Eve I'm traveling with Santa and I'm going to take (something starting with A )".
• The next player repeats the first object and adds an object beginning with B continue the game through the alphabet.
• If there are more players than 26 letters...start again at "A".

Christmas Tree Trimming Party

A festive and casual Christmas Tree Trimming Party is a great holiday season party theme. It can be planned as an Open House where your guests arrive to find a naked tree and a house that is not quite ready for holidays. If you're lucky, at the party's end, your tree will be fully dressed and ready to welcome Father Christmas. So before your guests arrive, purchase your tree and set it up in its stand - and make sure have a plan for food!

The party can be held any time of the day. For a weekend afternoon gathering, the simplest food option is to have plates of cookies and sweets with festive holiday drinks. Or invite guests to come after dinner for wine and cheese. A weekend brunch is a relaxing option or early supper buffets are an heartier option. It will all depend on how much cooking you will want to do, but serve your food buffet style, since this will be an active party with your guests moving around decorating, or at least admiring, your tree. 

Have ornaments and decorations available for guests to hang on nearby tables in decorative bowls or baskets. Leave the most precious ones for later for safety. If you have a fireplace, light a fire in the hearth and play Christmas carols as background music. If you have a piano, place Christmas sheet music on it in case any of your guests feel inspired to play. Set up a table for guests to make their own ornaments to take home as a party favor. Jo-Ann's and Michael's have kits available. You could set up bowls of popcorn and cranberries in cozy corners of your home for guests to string as decorations for your tree or ribbon scraps and staplers. It's a great way for guests who don't know one another well to interact.

If nothing else you will have helped your friends to forget, at least momentarily, their seasonal chores, and to remember the fun of the holiday season. I assure you will be left with holiday cheer and a little less decorating to do yourself.

Cookie Exchange

'Tis the season of eating! Many holiday traditions includes baking Christmas cookies. It can be time consuming if you're anything like me where you plan to bring a variety for an attractive cookie tray for holiday parties. But the Cookie Exchange Party is the solution to keep the fun in the baking and minimize the time pressure.

To host a cookie exchange party, invite friends who also enjoy holiday baking to bring a large batch of one type of cookie to your home. You could expand the definition of the party to include other treats - home made candy, chocolate covered pretzels, or other festive sweets. During the party, everyone shares the treats, giving everyone a variety, but only requires baking one recipe. Ask everyone bring an extra dozen for the party table, and the you have instant refreshments to serve to guests!

10 Tips for a Great Cookie Exchange

1. Ask each guest to bring either a dozen cookies for each attendee, plus a dozen for the party.
2. Have plastic storage bags, holiday themed tins or paper plates and foil just in case guests forget to bring a container for transporting their cookies home. * Reminder: store each cookie variety in separate containers until serving. Mixed cookie varieties lose their flavor and texture.
3. Ask guests to bring copies of their recipe to share. 
4. Have a large table for guests to set out their cookies with a festive cloth. have baskets, trays or plates on the table for each guest to place their contributions.
5. Place an extra platter on the table for the cookies that will be enjoyed during the party.
6. Play Christmas music throughout the gathering.
7. Have some festive decorations in the party room.
8. A cookie exchange can be held any time of the day.
9. Serve refreshments that can be prepared in advance and reheated at the party.
10. Serve at least one holiday beverage such as egg nog or hot mulled cider along with coffee, tea, juices and, of course, milk!

Family Circle magazine November issue has a variety of recipes perfect for a cookie exchange party. Although, I recommend a cookie recipe that is a family tradition to share. In any case, I assure  you will have some great looking trays and recipes to take to other holiday parties.

Holiday Greetings

Whether you send photo cards, store bought cards, letters or homemade cards, you better get going if you want them to arrive by the holidays. Although I have friends that send them on purpose to arrive in time for New Year's Day along with that theme. In years past I have done store bought cards and I then graduated into hand-made cards to send a little bit of me. That got harder each year as we had children and the list of friends continued to grow. I branched off into "the holiday letter" - a tricky piece of territory in my family. I have heard for many, many years how some letters are so boring or "braggy" or simply just have ages and dates changed from my mother I knew I would have to come up with something good. I searched the Internet to see what ideas were out there and come up with a short multiple choice quiz - the teacher in me was shining through! I wrote 10 questions two about each individual family member and two about big news from the year. It was just enough to share about our past year and brag about my kids. The next year I found a story where you could fill in the blanks to personalize it for your family. It turned out brilliantly and quite entertaining if I say so myself. Another year I came up with a crossword puzzle - I used I web site I had in the past for a classroom project for social studies - you just can't get the teacher out of me. last year had to be the most fun for me. My son decided he wanted to celebrate Hanukkah - we're not Jewish by the way. I came up with a newspaper themed letter. The headline was about Hanukkah because I knew it would flip a few people out. In the lead article I explained what was going on with holiday celebrations at our house including my 7 year old son's fascination with Hanukkah. I included articles about sports the kids were involved in - my favorite was the piece I wrote about my son's fencing lessons and him feeling like a pincushion - "money matters" because of my husband's job, and education because my daughter had started middle school that year.I had fun with it and couldn't stop laughing as I was writing it. The best part of these letters is the kudos - if you will - we get after the holidays. People really do call to catch up and nurture relationships. The downside is that I have to come with and even better idea the next year! How ever you send your holiday cards this year, do it with cheer in your heart. I assure you will enjoy the task even more.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties are gaining ground on traditional holiday party themes. Not just for friends and family hosting in their homes but sometimes these parties occur at work places too! I found a website http://www.uglychristmassweaterparty.com/ for you to check out. Most of these raise money for local charities - great idea in my opinion. The three men who started the website have a book Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book as well. The part I loved was,

"When choosing an Ugly Christmas sweater, your main goal should be to stimulate as many of the five senses as possible. You will want to pick a sweater that is so retina-burning colorful that the only way people will be able to look at you is through one of those foil-covered boxes students make so they can look at a solar eclipse."

I laughed until I cried. This is the perfect party theme for men to enjoy! Instead of fighting with them to get ready to leave for a holiday get together; they will have been planning and combing Goodwill stores for a sweater to do just what is quoted above!

On a bit of a side note...the latest uncommon goods catalog has reclaimed Christmas sweater scarves that are pretty fun to wear. After a few Ugly Christmas Sweater parties you could have a reclaimed Christmas Sweater Scarf Making party!

I believe in bringing cheer into the holiday season full throttle. What a great way to do that with a party theme like Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! I assure you everyone (men included) will have a great time.

Leftovers and More Leftovers

Go to www.Allrecipes.com for some amazing Thanksgiving leftover recipes. You can even add your own! I have found some great turkey chili, soup, and other creative recipes that my family enjoys. It's tough when your eating the same thing every day this weekend but I assure you will feel great after putting together recipes from this site.

Okay Room Moms - it's time to start planning for the winter classroom party! It will be here in about three weeks so gather your troops and hit it here with a suggested letter to classroom parents regarding what the party will look like and what your needs are to be a success for the kiddos. Send it to school Monday for their backpacks.

Thank you for signing up for the class party needs. You are very generous! Here is your friendly Winter Class Party update:

Winter Celebration Friday, December 16@ 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.

Parent Helpers:  ? , ? ,  and ? will take photographs

The plan for the Winter Celebration look like: 2 crafty activities - snowflake frames (Popsicle sticks, snowflakes foam shapes, and ribbon) and pretzel and string cheese snowflakes (edible treat); estimation jar (holiday M&M's); book exchange (kiddos will bring a new or gently used book wrapped to shuffle around the circle during a read aloud); and science "experiment" - lifting an ice cube with a string (cups, water, string, ice cubes, salt). I have also printed off jokes and riddles for the kids to read aloud if activities run fast than I anticipate. The kiddos will eat something sweet (cookies or brownies), something healthy (string cheese and pretzels), and have some juice throughout the party.

Treats and Supplies:

Cookies/ brownies (1 dozen each)                                           ? , ?,  and ?
Stick pretzels (1 large bag)                                                      ? and ?
String cheese                                                                         ?
Holiday M&M's (1 large bag)                                                     ?

Popsicle sticks                                                                       ?
holiday foam shapes                                                               ? and ?
1 bolt 1/2 " wide ribbon                                                          ? and ?
plastic cups                                                                            ?
ice cubes                                                                               ?
string                                                                                     ?

The number of question marks indicates how many people you may need to supply these items. I hope this sparks some ideas for you. Remember simple is best and I assure you success. Come back to find more classroom activity ideas.

Easy Oreo Truffles

Happy Thanksgiving! Get that turkey in the oven!

Found this recipe @ http://www.fabulousfoods.com/ and I tried them out -they're FANTASTIC and SO easy! You will need:

• 1 package Oreo cookies
• 1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese
• 2 packages semi sweet chocolate chips

1. Grind up cookies in a food processor (I use my blender) until they're in fine crumbs.
2. Add cream cheese to the cookie crumbs and blend until combined.
3. Place the mixture in the freezer for 10 minutes.
4. Roll combined mixture into 1 - 1/2 inch balls and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet.
5. Put back into freezer (may be made 1 week ahead of time at this point).
6. Melt chocolate chips in microwave on low or double boiler.
7. Dip frozen balls into chocolate and put back on parchment.
8. Decorate with chopped nuts,sprinkles, coconut, Heath bar bits, or extra cookie crumbs before the chocolate dries.
9. Freeze until ready to serve.

The kids loved them, my in-laws loved them, the neighbors loved them. I assure you will have the same success as I.

24 hours and counting

I plan to bake and prepare all the desserts today. The turkey will be thoroughy thawed by tomorrow as I took it out of the freezer Monday morning and transferred to the refrigerator. My 12 year old daughter will be setting the table inbetween dessert projects; so I found a great picture guide in Family Circle magazine this month. It's on page 78. I hope you enjoy your day of preparations as much as I will!

Easy Snack Food for the Holiday

I found some red pistachios and green pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to make some festive snack bowls to pass around with drinks. Use a white bowl and fill one side with the red and the other green. I use a piece of paper to divide the bowl and it looks GREAT!

Kid Activity

We usually take out the tree on Thanksgiving as part of the day. Sometimes, because so many people are at the house, I won't take out any of our ornaments for fear of breakage. I do, however, always offer some kind of decorating activity for the kids. I want them to  bond with each other and stay occupied so grown-ups can talk.

In past years I have set out squares of aluminum foil to make chain rings. It doesn't require adult supervision - no glue, scissors or sparkles to clean up later. I buy the pre-cut squares like delis use and find a spot for the kids to work out of party traffic areas.

I have also done ribbon chains. This requires prep work of cutting up the ribbon and perhaps some adult supervision because I let them use a stapler. The kids use up all my scraps and create a beautiful, colorful chain to hang on the tree! Other items that work are pipe cleaners and paper strips. I let the grown-ups do the popcorn and cranberries because of the needles, but always offer a bowl full of thimbles!

Cookie Trees

I save the gingerbread house construction for Christmas and create Cookie Trees for Thanksgiving. It becomes an activity even the youngest of hands can help with. The process of building may take up to an hour, but well worth it. You will need:

• 2 16 ounce boxes confectioners' sugar
• 6 egg whites
• 3 Styrofoam cones, ranging in height from 7 inches to 12 inches
• 4 12 ounce boxes vanilla wafers or other small, flat cookies

1. Beat all but 1/4 cup of the sugar with the egg whites until stiff.
2. Spread a thin layer of the frosting on a cone (one cone at a time)
3. Working from the bottom up, overlap cookies, using more frosting as necessary.
4. Repeat for the other 2 cones.
5. Use a small sieve to dust the trees with the remaining sugar.

Straight pins can be used to hold the cookies in place while the frosting dries. The trees look pretty classy on the dining room table as a centerpiece. Sometimes I forget to remove them so I buy pins that have colored ends to look like ornaments.

Linda's Christmas Eve Soup

My dear friend Linda shared this recipe ages ago and I have added it to my holiday menus! This Sherried Wild Rice Soup is fantastic! You will need: 

• 2/3 C. raw wild rice
• 2 C. salted water
• 2 medium leeks, including some green, diced
• 2 large mushrooms, diced
• ½ C. butter
• 1 C. flour
• 8 C. hot chicken broth, salt & pepper
• 1 C. half and half
• 3 Tablespoons dry sherry

1. Wash wild rice thoroughly. 
2. Place in a heavy saucepan with salted water. 
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer covered for about 45 minutes until tender, but not mushy.
5. Fluff with fork.
6. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Drain excess liquid.
8. Saute the leeks and mushrooms in butter about 3 minutes or until soft.
9. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring and cooking until flour is cooked, but not browned.
10. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring until flour mixture is blended well.
11. Add the rice and season to taste with salt and pepper.
12. Heat thoroughly, stirring in half and half and add sherry.
13. Heat gently, but do not boil. 

 Makes about 12 servings.

I assure you this soup is so wonderful you will be adding it to your holiday menu!

Food!

When the holidays roll in, from Halloween to New Years, we seem to find ourselves faced with FOOD every where we turn. I have hypothyroid and find it harder and harder to keep the weight off so I'd like to share a few of my tips to avoid over-doing-it:

1. Don't skip breakfast. I have some lean protein and high fiber carbohydrates - no more than 350 calories total.
2. Have a small morning snack. I usually have my fruit for a morning snack.
3. Decide what you going to eat. I know who's hosting for the holiday meal and all the "traditional" dishes that will most likely be served; so I know what I really want to eat and what I could choose to skip. I always think about serving size too.
4. Schedule an after dinner walk. Since I have kids who are constantly on the go, this is easy for me. The neighbors usually have holiday lights and decorations up so a 20 minute causal stroll gives us all a chance to spread out a little.
5. Skip the alcohol. This is a challenge for me - especially if we go to my in-laws! I will sip club soda with a lime because it looks like a cocktail. Definitely a mind trick.

I hope these help you too.

Green Chile Pie

This recipe is similar to Pastel de Elote, but turns out more like a pie where the Pastel de Elote is closer to corn bread. Again I have Mrs. Bowers to thank. You will need:

• 4 eggs
• 1 1/4 sour cream
• 2 cups jack cheese shredded
• 7 ounces green chiles (I prefer diced)
• 1 1/3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• salt to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
• pie shell
• picante

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl sprinkle the chiles over the shredded cheeses.
3. Beat eggs, sour cream, cumin and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Pour wet mixture into pie shell.
5. Sprinkle cheese mixture into pie shell.
6. Bake 1 hour and let stand to cool for 15 minutes.
7. Serve with picante.

I love using these recipes for the holidays and Fall potlucks. I get to tell a story about my "younger days" and how someone opened their home to me. (sigh) Gives me a warm feeling inside - not just because of the chiles! I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do and consider sharing them or opening your home to someone who could use a little company around the holidays.

Pastel de Elote or "Corn Pie"

My first Thanksgiving away from home was my during freshman year at Colorado State University. Lucky for me there was a gal whose family lived in Fort Collins and invited me into their home for the holiday. This post is a recipe Mrs. Bowers shared and that I have used every Thanksgiving since. You will need:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 can of corn
• 10 ounces frozen corn
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup corn meal
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 ounces Jack cheese cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese into 1/2 inch cubes
• 4 ounces diced green chiles
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp Worcestershire
• salsa 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease 10 inch pie pan.
3. Beat eggs.
4. Add remaining ingredients and continue mixing.
5. Bake for 1 hour.
6. Serve with salsa.

Thanks Mrs. Bowers!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apple Caramel Sauce

Every Thanksgiving my mother-in-law serves the same sweet potato puree topped with marshmallows. I don't like sweet potatoes this way so I am constantly on the lookout for new recipes. I found the one I'm sharing today in Fitness magazine almost 10 years ago and it's a great one!
You will need:

• 1 1/4 lbs sweet potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups apple juice
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cinnamon stick or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 quarter-size slice of fresh ginger
• 1 tsp cider vinegar
• butter flavored cooking spray
• 2 tsp butter, cut up

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Place potatoes (leave the skins on) in a 2-quart microwave-safe baking dish and cook in microwave on high for 5 minutes turning potatoes once halfway through.
3. Let stand 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
4. Combine juice, sugar. cinnamon and ginger slice in a small saucepan.
5. Over high heat, bring to a boil stirring until sugar is dissolved.
6. Boil 10 more minutes or until mixture thickens to a light syrup consistency.
7. Let cool.
8. Remove and discard cinnamon stick and ginger slice.
9. Stir in cider vinegar.
10. Peel potatoes and cut into half-inch-thick slices.
11. Coat baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray.
12. Arrange potatoes in three overlapping rows in prepared dish.
13. Dot with butter and drizzle with 2 tablespoons syrup.
14. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes until just tender.
15. Remove foil and drizzle with 2 more tablespoons syrup.
16. Bake potatoes 15 minutes or until tender.

You will probably have leftover syrup. I use it on waffles or something else later. I love sweet potatoes this way and so do my kids. Let me know what you think!

Disneyfamily.com

Once again http://www.disneyfamily.com/ has some amazing crafts and recipes for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lots of ideas for kids' table! Check it out.

Decorating "Wishes"

Sometimes we only see some of our extended family once or twice a year - around the holidays. Here is a holiday decorating idea that will keep them close to you each day you have this hung in your home... You will need:

• one grapevine (twig) wreath (found @ Michael's or Jo-Ann's craft stores)
• red Sharpies or markers
• white cardstock cut into 2x3 sizes
• 1 yard of beautiful, bold, wide green ribbon (for hanging the wreath)

1. Hang the twig wreath in a spot where arriving or departing guests can't miss it.
2. Set the markers and cards under or next to it on a writing friendly surface.
3. Post a little sign asking guests to write or draw a greeting or holiday wish along with their name and slip into wreath.

You will have a one of a kind wreath to enjoy throughout the holidays! I have tried this with holiday cards sent through the mail, but because of the multitude or colors and sizes of cards it never turns out quite the way I had planned. I have also tried it with the photo cards sent as holiday greetings - I end up mounting them on cardstock, turning it into a bigger project and still unhappy with the outcome because of the colors... I use this simple color blocking idea of red on white with the bold green ribbon because it's so pleasing to the eye.

Sometimes it's our friends we only see once or twice a year. Whoever you choose to participate in this activity I assure you will enjoy the greetings and wishes.

Decorating for the Holidays

I love decorating in stages for the holidays. Getting ready for Thanksgiving is easy with evergreens. Take any fresh evergreens and hang them around doorways and windows inside your home for your open house or Thanksgiving. It will encourage your guests to venture into different rooms improving your party's flow. I like to purchase the white-pine garlands when I can. They have long, soft needles and really full boughs. Hanging the fresh evergreens are easy with just a hammer and a couple of nails to create a swag over the doorway too. 

Roasted Smashed Potatoes

I found this recipe in the Costco Connection magazine. I am planning to have these out for my Thanksgiving dinner and open house.

IMPORTANT:

• Do not use any potatoes larger than 2 inches in diameter.
• Cook potatoes thoroughly so they will smash.
• Remove the potatoes from the baking sheet as soon as they are done browning to avoid toughening.

You will need:

• 2 pounds small red potatoes
• 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cups water
• 2 baking sheets

1. Adjust oven racks to top and bottom positions and preheat oven to 500 degrees.
2. Arrange potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Pour 3/4 cup water into baking sheet and wrapped tightly with aluminum foil.
4. cook on bottom rack until paring knife slips in and out of potatoes easily (poking through the foil) 25 - 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil and cool for 10 minutes. If any water remains, blot dry with paper towel.
6. Drizzle 3 Tbsp oil over potatoes and roll to coat.
7. Space potatoes evenly on baking sheet.
8. Place second baking sheet on top and press down firmly on baking sheet, flattening potatoes until 1/3 to 1/2 in thickness.
9. Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper to taste and drizzle evenly with remaining 3 Tbsp of oil.
10. Roast potatoes on the top rack for 15 minutes.
11. Transfer potatoes to bottom rack and continue to roast until well browned for 20 - 30 minutes.

I made these for dinner last night and the kids loved them. It's faster to use the second baking sheet to smash the taters but you can use an old-fashioned potato masher. I assure you your family will too.

Open House Menu

This is just one menu idea. I like it because it sounds fancy but is pretty easy.

THE MENU - serves 30

Supper

• Pepitas and Pistachios
• Warm Rosemary Olives
• Smoked Salmon with Creme Fraiche Sauce on Shallot Toasts
• Cheese Platter
• Frisee, Bacon, and Goat-Cheese Salad
• Potato-Apple Gratin
• Grilled Sausages with Pickled Onions ans Assorted Mustards

Dessert

• Coconut Snowballs
• Magic Cocoa
• Chocolate Ganache Sandwiches

Drinks

• Juices
• Still and Sparking waters
• Red and white wine

I originally found it in Real Simple magazine. Let me know if you need any of the recipes.

Open House

An Open House over Thanksgiving (or even between Thanksgiving and New Year's) where family and friends come and go gives you more time to enjoy their company. So here's the plan:

1. Send out the invitations NOW! Today! E-vites are informal. If you're looking for something more formal Target or Office Depot have some package sets you could run through your printer. Make sure to having an ending time so guests aren't arriving while your mopping up. 4 to 7 p.m. is perfect.
2. Plan for 2 plates, 2 forks, and 2 glasses for every guest. I mentioned yesterday about stores having great deals right now if you're in need of these items. Don't forget your coupons!
3. Order some evergreens and amaryllises for decorations. Or head out to Michael's or Jo-Ann's to make your own. Don't go without your weekly circular of coupons!
4. I order bulbs for party favors, but you might have a different idea. (Add them to this as comment if you do)
5. Decide on menu (Ideas will be posted tomorrow).
6. Two weeks prior, do a grocery haul for all your ingredients minus produce, breads, and dairy. Don't forget beverages: sparkling water, juices, red and white wines. Watch for weekly specials!
7. Decide on serving dishes. Yesterday I mentioned stores having these items at low prices. You could borrow from people you know too!
8. 2 DAYS BEFORE: buy ice (1 pound per person), breads, produce, and dairy including cheeses.
9. 2 DAYS BEFORE: decorate party rooms. Set up the buffet table with flatware, plates, platters, and serving utensils. Make sure the table is accessible from all sides. Set up the "bar" away from the buffet table.

I have presented the majority of a timeline you need. Tomorrow I'll have some ideas about the menu and wrap up the timeline with the preparations of food to be served. This gets you started so put your mind at ease. I assure you your open house will be a hit!

Get Ready, Get Set

I was wandering around a new Ross in the neighborhood, and found some great name-brand stemware! It got me thinking, "Do I have enough glasses, dishes, place mats, and napkins?" The result of this thought got me digging around the cupboards for the entertaining dishes and glasses to see what I have.

• I set up the dining room table with a place setting and counted off how many guests we will have this year.
• I took out all the serving dishes and labeled them with sticky notes with what will be served in each.
• I pulled out all the cookware I will need for my menu.
• I took out the table clothes, place mats, and napkins to be freshened and pressed too. 

And today I will be shopping. I have an organized list of what I need for the holiday. I know Ross and Bed, Bath and Beyond have some great items - and I have a stack of coupons for BB&B! Cost Plus World Market is another "go to" place for me to shop. Try this yourself. I assure you it gets you planned and ready for turkey day!

Share A Story

When you host Thanksgiving your house is full of family of different "ages and stages." Imagine the history... I don't have any of my grandparents left to join us for the holidays and often wonder why I never asked a particular question. I know... hindsight is 20/20, right? But I would like to take this opportunity today to ask you to honor the generation before you this Thanksgiving by inviting these family members to bring some photo albums to share. As the saying goes, "A picture's worth a thousand words." But do you know the words? Turn the TV off, slow down, and listen to stories of your family. Let the "elders" talk freely with your kids, nieces, and nephews. Uncle Keith has worked on cars for years, but has he ever told you when he... Let them brag, inspire and embellish! In fact, ask your cousins, brothers, and sisters to bring along a few photos too. Even though you may have attended the same "event" their perspective may open your own eyes to a new take on the story!

How many of you have had to suffer through a school genealogy project for you child? I am constantly stuck with this one! Here's an opportunity for your kids to take the reigns, scan some pictures for next year's place cards, add that Apache Indian relative to the family tree, write down the medals Grandpa was awarded for service in World War II, and FINALLY get hold of Great Aunt Neva's applesauce cake recipe! Perhaps stopping for a few days to listen, laugh, embrace and honor how your family came to be this Thanksgiving Day is just what everyone really needs this holiday.

Table Place Cards

An non-edible one today... I am a scrapbook-er at heart. I love the paper and design of the craft. So it didn't take much for me to put together some place cards for Thanksgiving this year. I had all my supplies so it was completely inexpensive.

I started with 4x4 squares and used rusts and burnt orange along with some olive green. I folded them in half like a standard table tent and used decorative scissors on the bottom front edge. I found casual pictures of every guest (I never throw away pictures!), mounted them on cream card stock, and mounted those on the table tents. I went on a walk and found some acorns, acorn caps, small leaves, and some seeds. I glued those on the table tent next to the picture of the guest. I think they look great.

If you have guests that arrive before the big day and need something for them to do, this is a great activity. You could even extend it and have them write why they are thankful for that person on the inside. I assure you it will be a treasure!

Family Holiday Icebreaker

I love hosting Thanksgiving. I enjoy the planning of the holiday - everything from the menu to where everyone will sleep! It is also important to me to entertain my guests young and old. So when the family gets together for Thanksgiving I make sure I have some plans. Although I do try to make the plans as low key as possible, everyone seems to enjoy.

Today's idea is something I found in Parenting Magazine several years ago - a family BINGO card. Instead of numbers, fill in the boxes with facts about the guest, like "Mimi plays the accordion," or "Uncle Paul plays baseball." I use this on Thanksgiving Day because that is when every guests is present. Give each child a crayon with their BINGO card to use throughout the day. Ask them to check off the boxes when they find something out on the card. If you have pre-readers pair them up with an older child or adult. Everyone feels important. Adults get to share a story and the kiddos not only get a story to remember but check off a box. Five in a row means BINGO!

Thanksgiving Timelines

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/ Has Thanksgiving Timelines! just what a good planner needs.

In addition, I found Food Network will be answering a Thanksgiving recipe question each week for the month of November.

Turkey Treats

I use the whole month of November to get ready for Thanksgiving. There are so many things to do... planning the menu, planning kids' activities, planning adult activities, CLEANING! When I plan ahead I get everything done. So this month's blogs will be dedicated to giving you ideas to get ready for the holiday.

On that note, here is a kids' Thanksgiving dessert that is so easy and could be used as a place card holder for your Thanksgiving table. I have also brought these little turkeys into my children's classrooms for Grandparents Day before school closes for Thanksgiving Break. Not sure where I found this, but Sharon Ostrander submitted the idea to a magazine I picked up somewhere and tore it out from several years ago. You will need:

• chocolate star candies (turkey feet or base)
• caramel squares (turkey body)
• chocolate striped shortbread cookies (turkey feathers)
• candy corn (turkey beak)

1. Microwave caramel squares 2 at a time for no more than 10 seconds.
2. Place the caramel on top a chocolate star.
3. Turning the shortbread cookie so stripes go horizontally, stand it behind the caramel.
4. Place the candy corn on top of the caramel sticking out like a beak.

Cute little turkey, huh? When I use these for place card holders, I sit the name card atop the caramel turkey body to lean back to the cookie feathers. I assure you your guests will find their place quickly to get this snack!

Fall Centerpieces

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. But before you start packing away (or throwing away) the pumpkins you had out for Halloween, here is a centerpiece idea to use for the month of November.

Start with a silver platter. You will probably be taking items like this out for Thanksgiving anyway. Polish them up now for your centerpiece. Next, place a low and wide silver bowl on top to center the platter. In the bowl place a flatter red-orange pumpkin/gourd. Use a couple of smaller white Cinderella pumpkins/gourds to fill up most of the remaining space. Bosch pears work nicely with this color scheme - one in the bowl and two on the silver tray. I like persimmons too. They look different! I never know what to do with them except centerpieces! Grab a few and some bright orange oranges or clementines. Find some with the green leaves or stems still attached. A couple of large brown leaves found on a neighborhood walk to finish off the bowl will definitely give an organic feel to the centerpiece. Arrange your gourd stems to point different directions too. Of course the fruits will be eaten but it's easy to replace them.

Centerpieces can be as free-form as you like, but keep the arrangement low. It shouldn't block any one's view of other's seated at the table.

Spooky Eyeball Tacos

Yesterday I posted some ideas of spooky treats to pack for the "little monsters" lunchboxes, but today is dinner! Spooky Eyeball Tacos are easier than you might think. Everything you would make for your regular taco night with a simple modification...
Instead of spooning ground beef (or turkey) into your taco shells, make meatballs! Here are the steps to make the taco after you have prepared all the traditional ingredients you usually serve.

1. Spoon in shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes into the bottom of the shell.
2. Spoon in cheese and guacamole.
3. Place two meatballs into shell.
4. Using half a tablespoon of sour cream top the middle of the meatball.
5. Add sliced olives for irises.

They look really cool when you lay them on the side and on top of each other. Just like a monster coming at you and I assure you more than one will gobbled up!

Halloween Sandwiches and Lunch Treats

When Halloween falls on a school day, I add these fall themed treats to children's lunches with labels on the bags for a bit of lunchtime "eeww"s and aahh's:

1. Halloween Sandwiches - chicken salad sandwiches with the bread cut out of Halloween shaped cookie cutters.
2. Deviled Eyeballs - hard boiled eggs sliced, green olives sliced for irises, and red gel frosting for veins.
3. Spicy Bat Wings - chicken wings
4. Toasted Bones - You will need:

• 1 pkg refrigerated bread sticks
• 1 egg white
• sesame seeds or
• poppy seeds or
• cinnamon sugar or
• Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Line cookie sheet with foil.
2. Unroll breadsticksand separate.
3. Roll each bread stick making in 10 inches long.
4. With a knife cut in half.
5. At each end of the bread stick tie a half knot. They should look like doggie bones.
6. With a pastry brush apply a light coat of egg white.
7. Sprinkle bones with your desired toppings.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

You can serve these treats for lots of different parties. It's all about the presentation! So remember the labels. For a third grade classroom celebration I was asked to bring grapes. To make it spookier, I made a sign that said, "Watch out... Spider Egg sacks." Gross, right? But the kids gobbled them up just as fast as the sweeter treats provided. Have a Happy Halloween lunch!

Graveyard Ghosts

I have a sweet treat "scene" to share today. Imagine a freshly filled in grave with tombstone... Got a picture in your mind? Good. You will need:

• brownies (I prefer the large brownie squares from the bakery department at my local grocery store)
• rectangle shaped cookies (any flavor)
• whipped topping (Cool Whip does nicely)
• mini chocolate chips
• candy corns and pumpkins
• red gel frosting tube

1. Using the red gel frosting tube, decorate rectangle shaped cookies with "RIP" or "Boo".
2. Stick the cookie into the brownie. (I like to purchase the pre-made from the bakery)
3. Stack a few spoonfuls of whipped topping in the shape of a ghost on top of the brownie.
4. Use 2 mini chocolate chips for the ghost eyes.
5. Finish the "scene" with candy corns and pumpkins on top of the brownie.

You can do this in an assembly line fashion if you choose to do it for an edible craft at your block party or classroom celebration. I like the pre-made brownies because they seem to be the perfect size for the "scene" and the cookies stick better than my homemade recipe. I assure you will have a tasty "scene"!

Something to Wet your Lips... Grown-up Monsters

Because it's Friday and you may be hosting or attending a "Monster Mash" tonight or this weekend, I found a couple of themed mixed drinks to serve! 

Dragon's Blood Punch

   

This drink is sure to wow your guests especially if you add a block of dry ice for that spooooky effect! You'll need: 

• 1 750ml Bottle of Vodka
• 1/2 cup Orange Liqueur
• 6 cups Red Fruit Punch 
• 6 cups Apple Juice
• 6 cups Cranberry Juice
• 2 Liters Ginger Ale

Optional: 1-2 blocks of dry ice 

1. Make sure to acquire all of the ingredients the night before your event.
2. Chill everything for at least 8 hours.
3. Pour all ingredients into a large punch bowl or cauldron.
4. Stir well and add the dry ice, (as alternatives, you can add large chunks of regular ice if you don't want to deal with the safety issues of dry ice).   

The Sweet Vampire

You'll need:

• 1  scoop Vanilla Ice Cream 
• 1 oz. Triple Sec 
• 1oz White Creme de Cacao 
• Drizzle of Grenadine

2. Pour into a wine glass
3. Drizzle grenadine down the inside edge of the glass and drip over the top of the drink for a bleeding effect.

Enjoy!

Blend all ingredients (save for the grenadine) until smooth.